'I am sorry' - Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka breaks his silence on Slovakia howler

Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka has apologised for his first-half howler during Slovakia’s 5-0 defeat to Spain.
Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

But the Magpies number one has vowed to bounce back as he returns to Tyneside ahead of the upcoming Premier League season.

Dubravka went from hero to zero as his country exited Euro 2020 on Wednesday after his penalty save to deny Alvaro Morata was swiftly overshadowed by his astonishing own goal.

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Pablo Sarabia opened the scoring when his shot cannoned off the crossbar and the 32-year-old misjudged the flight of the ball to punch it into his own net.

"It is hard to look back on this match,” Dubravka told NUFC.co.uk. “We have conceded many goals, we gave them many opportunities to create a sufficient lead and then they were in control of the match.

"So yes, for me it is very hard to look back on it. In my opinion, the first goal was crucial. Personally, the hardest bit for me now is coming to terms with it. That's going to be hardest.

"These moments happen; of course, they shouldn't at such a level, but it happens. In sport these moments happen. Now it is all on me how can I cope with it.

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"Obviously, I would be more pleased if something like this never happened. Well, football brings us even these moments.

"As I said, for me now the most important thing is how I cope with this. I am sorry because of my teammates and our fans who travelled here, or watched the match at home on TV."

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