Budućnost braced to temper Tampere

Montenegrin champions FK Budućnost Podgorica are effectively one goal away from the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round after a late goal by striker Fatoš Bećiraj at the Ratina Stadium gave them a 2-1 deficit to overturn against Tampere United.

Substandard hour 
Coach Branko Babić has warned that although they are desperately close to progressing, they will need to up their game against their Finnish visitors in Podgorica on Wednesday. "If we look back at the first game we cannot be optimistic because we played very poorly for the first 60 minutes," he said. "But I am sure that my team will play much better, with a lot of aggression and pace. However, we must be very careful because Tampere's players showed that they are very dangerous up front."

Courage required 
Babić knows that his side must display greater courage if they are turn the tie around. "The players were too afraid in first leg. Only three players – Bećiraj, Petar Vukčević and Miodrag Zec, before he got injured – played without fear in Tampere," he stated. "There is no need to be afraid in football. I want to see my players play comfortably and if they do it I am sure that we will go through. We respect our opponents but we can beat them in front of our fans."

Sekulić's chance
Midfielder Zec will not recover in time for the second leg but Radislav Sekulić, who impressed from the bench in Finland, will play alongside striker Bećiraj. The goalscorer from the first match arrived in January from Kosovo-based side KS Besa and recently received Montenegrin citizenship. "I don't promise goals but I will do my best, as always," said the 20-year-old forward. "We had an excellent result because in the first leg we didn't show even 20 per cent of our potential. So, I am sure we will go to the next stage."

Mistakes made 
Goalkeeper and new captain Miroslav Vujadinović was equally buoyant as he previewed the decisive meeting. "We made a lot of mistakes in Tampere and didn't control the ball," said the 25-year-old. "We were very confused. I must confess that Tampere United are a better team than I expected – very experienced and clever. But, with all respect, I think everything depends on us. If we play the whole game like we played in the last 30 minutes of the first leg, when we had a lot of pressure on our opponents' defence, I am sure everything will be fine."