'Derby' pressure on Slovenia and Serbia
Friday, January 22, 2010
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Bloodied but unbowed after a 5-1 loss to Russia in their opening game, Slovenia are gearing up for a potentially decisive Group C fixture against neighbours Serbia which striker Igor Uršić agreed was "like a derby" .
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Bloodied but unbowed after a 5-1 defeat against Russia in their opening game, Slovenia are gearing up for what striker Igor Uršić agreed was "a derby" UEFA European Futsal Championship Group C fixture against neighbours Serbia.
Previous meeting
The teams have met only once in top-level competition, Slovenia triumphing 2-1 at home in a FIFA Futsal World Cup qualifier in 2003. But with Serbia knowing a win at the Papp László Arena in Budapest on Friday would take them through and eliminate Slovenia, the history books will go out of the window as the two former Yugoslavian nations meet.
'Like a derby'
"It's like a derby," Uršić told uefa.com. "For both teams it is a very important match. We have been preparing all the time just for the game against Serbia. The chances are 50-50. We have a good team and I think the difference between our two teams is not as big as it is with Russia. We will be very competitive and we're looking forward it."
Serbian witnesses
Serbia's players were in the crowd for the Group C opener, but Slovenia coach Andrej Dobrovničik was not concerned what they would have made of his side, or the scoreline. "They know what we are about and they will be ready because they know that whoever wins will be in the quarter-finals. It will be different to playing Russia; much more even with many more chances for us to score."
Traveling support
Forward Igor Osredkar carried an injury into the tournament, and is unlikely to make the final cut for the Serbia game after feeling the strain on Wednesday, but a big Slovenian following could make up for his absence. The hundred or so Slovenia fans who attended the Russia match made their presence felt, and over 500 are expected on Friday.
'Maybe yes, maybe no'
Serbia, meanwhile, will be diving in at the deep end, with no room for error. Coach Aca Kovačević, whose team impressed at the 2007 finals after an eight-year absence from this level, was unsure whether not playing first would benefit his side. "Maybe yes, maybe no," he said coolly, but added: "We have come here to show we are no longer a surprise package. We want to play futsal at the top level." Game on.