Perić pleased to roll back the years

Having laid on the opening goal for former club-mate Milan Rakić, Serbia striker Marko Perić was pleased that an "old combination" helped his side to beat Slovenia 2-0 and qualify for the UEFA European Futsal Championship quarter-finals from Group C at their neighbours' expense.

'Good for us!'
The striker's angled ball was tapped home at the post by Rakić in the first minutes of the second half in a move which MFK Dina Moskva striker Perić said hailed from the players' time together at KMF Marbo Beograd. "The first goal was our old combination which we invented playing for Marbo years ago," he told uefa.com. "It still works for us many years later, good for us!"

First goal
The half-time score was 0-0, and in a nervy game, the first goal always looked likely to be crucial. "We knew from the outset that it was going to be a difficult match and it was: a battle until one of the teams conceded a first goal," said Perić. "Slovenia were well prepared physically, and we knew we need to wait and be patient. I am very happy it was us who scored first."

Nervous game
Coach Aca Kovačević, meanwhile, was glad that his side's long wait for their first game was finally over. "The game was just as I expected; a very even one. Our problem was that we have had six days spent waiting for our first game, and two sides have already finished their fixtures before we had even started. Both sides were very nervous and we had a bit of luck, but I think the best team won."

'Better side'
Slovenia player Miha Osojnik agreed. "Serbia definitely have a better team," he said. "Maybe we were a bit unlucky but congratulations have to go to Serbia. The difference was the individual quality of the players. We can stick together and play tough defence but individually they are a better side."

Down and out
With his side eliminated following their second consecutive defeat, Slovenia coach Andrej Dobovničik took time to thank the substantial contingent of travelling fans, adding: "My players had a real desire to win but the result wasn't what we wanted in the end. We made some mistakes and Serbia penalised us. We matched them for much of the game so it was just those mistakes that decided the match."