THE BALL – Stojkovic without fear of Portugal: «Has it wings and flies?» (Serbia)
Dragan Stojkovic, Serbia coach, foresees an authentic final with Portugal in the fight for the leadership of Group A, which means direct qualification for the 2022 World Cup.
“We will do our best against Luxembourg and Azerbaijan (October 9th and 12th) to achieve the desired results. We have to overcome these two goals before the final in Lisbon. The 1-1 draw with Ireland was an accident, but this game with Portugal will decide everything », he began by saying, leaving a warning for the match scheduled for November 14, in Alvalade:
“If we need a draw, we’ll play to win. That’s what I ask my players in every game. »
Eiu continued with an example from the last matchday of the Champions League: “Our draw with Ireland was an own goal, but it’s football. These are things that happen. Sheriff also went to Madrid to beat Real. There are things we don’t predict. »
Then, he was asked about Sebastian Up, the Luxembourg forward who gave the historic victory to the Sheriff at the Santiago Bernabéu, and who will be Serbia’s opponent: “If we’re afraid of a player, we don’t deserve to be at the World Cup.”
Back to the group’s accounts: «When I took over a selection and looked at the group that the game in Lisbon was going to be a final. And that in order to qualify for the World Cup, we would have to face a great team. What if they play you against a big team? Does Portugal have wings and fly? The rates took Portugal’s clearance for granted. Let’s first think about two games. »
After five rounds, Portugal leads Group A with 13 points, two more than Serbia.