Offside News

Sports

Montenegro gird for `game of the decade’

Comment: 0 October 4th, 2011 by: admin

TINY Montenegro want to slay a giant so they are calling their vital Euro 2012 qualifier against England their “game of the decade.’’

The important Group G tiff is salted on Friday when the Montenegrins clash with the Three Lions at Stadion Pod Goricom in Podgorica.

They are the hosts and the Montenegrins, who first played as an independent nation in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers, appear to be unfazed against the favoured English outfit.

If they beat Fabio Capello’s side and Switzerland fail to beat Wales, they will clinch a playoff berth.

On the other hand, England, who head the group with 17 points from seven games, need only a draw to secure a berth in next year’s finals set in Poland and Ukraine. Montenegro have 11 points from six games.

Switzerland, who are at third place with eight points from six games, visit Wales on Friday and will host Montenegro on Oct. 11. The Swiss can snatch a play-off slot if they triumph in their remaining fixtures.

Montenegro defender Milan Jovanovic said they consider the game against England as “game of the decade ‘’ because they don’t play teams at their rivals’ level very often.

“We are all confident that we can get a result which would leave us in contention for a play-off berth,’’ he added.”We know it will likely go down the wire so we are taking it one game at a time and we have to produce our best football in both encounters.’’

Montenegro won their first three games and then forced England to a 0-0 standoff at Wembley. They had a home draw against Bulgaria and suffered a 1-2 loss at Wales forcing coach Zlatko Kranjcar to resign last month.

Kranjcar was relaced by Branko Brnovic, a former Yugoslavia midfielder, who also exuded confidence knowing his team is back to their full strength with the return to top form of Fiorentina striker Stevan Jovetic.

Others who are expected to carry the load for Montenegro are Manchester City defender Stefan Savic and Juventus striker Mirko Vucinic who is tipped to partner Jovetic in attack.

“Our strikers are in good form and the whole team will play their hearts out because this a great chance to get Montenegro on the big stage,’’ said Jovanovic.

Europe’s nine group topnotchers and best second-placed squad will qualify automatically for the finals, while the other eight runners-up compete in the two-leg playoffs for the last four slots.

More