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..::Football IV::..
- Thread starter Wolverine GTR
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Denmark 1 Australia 1: Jedinak strikes back after Eriksen rocket
Mile Jedinak's second penalty of the World Cup earned Australia a precious 1-1 draw against Denmark after a controversial VAR decision led to Christian Eriksen's superb opener being cancelled out in Samara.
Denmark winger Yussuf Poulsen conceded his second penalty in as many games when video replays led to a decision of handball against him and Jedinak buried the ensuing spot-kick to earn Australia their first point of the tournament.Bert van Marwijk's side had to grind out a draw against a Denmark side who showed flashes of brilliance, none better than Christian Eriksen's seventh-minute opener.
The Tottenham playmaker defied Denmark's reputation as a goal-shy outfit, applying a wonderfully crisp finish to a swift passing move that was reminiscent of the great Danish side of the 1980s.But Poulsen's apparent handball means he will miss Denmark's final Group C game against France, having picked up two yellow cards in two games, and Age Hareide's men need a point from that game to make sure of their place in the knockout stage.
Nothing short of victory will do for Australia when they take on Peru, and they can't afford to rely on decisions going their way as they did here.
The Danes took 27 minutes to register a shot in their Group C opener against Peru but Thomas Delaney headed wide from Pione Sisto's cross after just two minutes against Australia.At the other end, Mathew Leckie rose above the Danish defence to head a corner over the bar but Denmark countered and Nicolai Jorgensen's elegant ball control and lay-off afforded Eriksen the chance to hit the cleanest of half-volleys over Mat Ryan and into the top of the net.
Australia ventured forward tentatively, never achieving the kind of intuitive flow that had been their undoing, whereas Denmark went close to doubling their lead when Sisto tested Ryan with a 20-yard drive and again when Jorgensen flashed a close-range header just wide.
The game was going Denmark's way until the 35th minute when referee Antonio Miguel Mateu Lahoz consulted VAR and decided Poulsen used his arm to block Leckie's headed shot and awarded the penalty, which Jedinak drilled into the bottom right corner of the net.
Poulsen had a penalty claim of his own waved away early in the second half after he tumbled to the ground on his way into the Australia box and there were nervy moments for Denmark when Kasper Schmeichel failed to collect a looping long ball before Leckie flashed the ball across the face of goal.
Van Marwijk sent on the tournament's youngest player, Daniel Arzani, with just over 20 minutes left to play and he teed up Aaron Mooy for a fizzing shot that flew just over the top right corner of Schmeichel's goal from outside the box.
Socceroos striker Andrew Nabbout left the field with a dislocated shoulder and was replaced by Tomi Juric, who contributed to a good spell of late Australia pressure, but Denmark's well organised defence held firm as they earned a point that gives them one foot in the last 16.
Mile Jedinak's second penalty of the World Cup earned Australia a precious 1-1 draw against Denmark after a controversial VAR decision led to Christian Eriksen's superb opener being cancelled out in Samara.
Denmark winger Yussuf Poulsen conceded his second penalty in as many games when video replays led to a decision of handball against him and Jedinak buried the ensuing spot-kick to earn Australia their first point of the tournament.Bert van Marwijk's side had to grind out a draw against a Denmark side who showed flashes of brilliance, none better than Christian Eriksen's seventh-minute opener.
The Tottenham playmaker defied Denmark's reputation as a goal-shy outfit, applying a wonderfully crisp finish to a swift passing move that was reminiscent of the great Danish side of the 1980s.But Poulsen's apparent handball means he will miss Denmark's final Group C game against France, having picked up two yellow cards in two games, and Age Hareide's men need a point from that game to make sure of their place in the knockout stage.
Nothing short of victory will do for Australia when they take on Peru, and they can't afford to rely on decisions going their way as they did here.
The Danes took 27 minutes to register a shot in their Group C opener against Peru but Thomas Delaney headed wide from Pione Sisto's cross after just two minutes against Australia.At the other end, Mathew Leckie rose above the Danish defence to head a corner over the bar but Denmark countered and Nicolai Jorgensen's elegant ball control and lay-off afforded Eriksen the chance to hit the cleanest of half-volleys over Mat Ryan and into the top of the net.
Australia ventured forward tentatively, never achieving the kind of intuitive flow that had been their undoing, whereas Denmark went close to doubling their lead when Sisto tested Ryan with a 20-yard drive and again when Jorgensen flashed a close-range header just wide.
The game was going Denmark's way until the 35th minute when referee Antonio Miguel Mateu Lahoz consulted VAR and decided Poulsen used his arm to block Leckie's headed shot and awarded the penalty, which Jedinak drilled into the bottom right corner of the net.
Poulsen had a penalty claim of his own waved away early in the second half after he tumbled to the ground on his way into the Australia box and there were nervy moments for Denmark when Kasper Schmeichel failed to collect a looping long ball before Leckie flashed the ball across the face of goal.
Van Marwijk sent on the tournament's youngest player, Daniel Arzani, with just over 20 minutes left to play and he teed up Aaron Mooy for a fizzing shot that flew just over the top right corner of Schmeichel's goal from outside the box.
Socceroos striker Andrew Nabbout left the field with a dislocated shoulder and was replaced by Tomi Juric, who contributed to a good spell of late Australia pressure, but Denmark's well organised defence held firm as they earned a point that gives them one foot in the last 16.
Full Time
Argentina 0 Vs 3 Croatia
Croatia Goal(s)
A.Rebic 53'
L.Modric 80'
I.Rakitic 90+1'
Croatia Goal(s)
A.Rebic 53'
L.Modric 80'
I.Rakitic 90+1'
Ow bro Argentina Knockout stages walata yanna nam aniwa Nigeria match eka win karannama oneMara kamakne eka.dan ilaga eka dinnoth puluwanda.
Ewagema thamai group eke anith matches wala results ekka thamai okkoma depend wenne.
Ow bro Argentina Knockout stages walata yanna nam aniwa Nigeria match eka win karannama one
Iceland Nigeria match eka draw wennath ona ban mata hithena widihata. win karatama ba needa dan ?
Iceland Nigeria paraddala Croatia walata paradunath dan Argentina walata echchara sure ekak nehe moko goal difference eka hinda. Even 2-0 would've been ok but 3-0 is an absolute fuck up
So Argentina would want for Iceland to lose or draw vs Nigeria & Iceland to lose or draw vs Croatia while beating Nigeria Themselves
But Iceland will likely beat Nigeria the way they are playing
I don't get why Messi is even the captain of this team. His body language is so off. Not what you'd expect from a captain of a team who'd be fighting for the world cup ffs!
I mean even coming at half time he was all alone with his head down
And we are talking about such a great team with world class players.
They should give the captaincy to someone else & rebuild the team without being dependant on Messi.
His mentality isn't strong to be a captain. Specially with the losses he has taken at a ton of finals.
That's why Ronaldo is so far ahead of him on that side. You'll never see Ronaldo like this. He's the guy who feeds off criticism, negativity & use that to achieve what he want
I mean even coming at half time he was all alone with his head down
And we are talking about such a great team with world class players.
They should give the captaincy to someone else & rebuild the team without being dependant on Messi.
His mentality isn't strong to be a captain. Specially with the losses he has taken at a ton of finals.
That's why Ronaldo is so far ahead of him on that side. You'll never see Ronaldo like this. He's the guy who feeds off criticism, negativity & use that to achieve what he want
From what I've seen so far the best sides are Croatia, Spain & Belgium.
France isn't connecting that much with each other but today they seemed fine. Brazil the same story but they should be a bit better.
Portugal played like crap but I believe they can play both ugly & nice but can go so far in the tournament & even win the cup
France isn't connecting that much with each other but today they seemed fine. Brazil the same story but they should be a bit better.
Portugal played like crap but I believe they can play both ugly & nice but can go so far in the tournament & even win the cup
From what I've seen so far the best sides are Croatia, Spain & Belgium.
France isn't connecting that much with each other but today they seemed fine. Brazil the same story but they should be a bit better.
Portugal played like crap but I believe they can play both ugly & nice but can go so far in the tournament & even win the cup
Germany back in the right mood after Mexico upset, insists Hummels
Germany defender Mats Hummels has insisted the atmosphere within the team is back on track after the critical fallout from their shock loss to Mexico at the World Cup.
Hummels was one of the players most vocal following Germany's 1-0 defeat to Mexico in Group F last week – the Bayern Munich defender criticising the tactics used.There were also claims of squad disharmony as the world champions were left reeling and facing a must-win match against Sweden on Saturday.
However, Hummels insists everything is fine after discussions within Joachim Low's side."The atmosphere is much better, we are getting back on track," Hummels told reporters on Thursday. "Everybody wants to get back in form and on the pitch.We had some days now where we were down a bit but now we know everything is still possible when we reach our potential then we can play a good tournament.
"The talks we had were very good, we spoke about our weaknesses and these are hopefully behind us now. Of course we are still looking on what we have to do against Sweden but the Mexico game is now behind us."We know that now the only thing that is important is what we do on the pitch. All stuff around us is also important but on the pitch is the most important thing for us."
Hummels added: "I wasn't the only one – I think Jerome [Boateng] also was critical after the match. Internally even more players spoke up, which I think was great. From that we are now fishing out the best input."
Sweden – who edged South Korea 1-0 – and Mexico won their opening games, leaving Germany facing the prospect of a premature exit in Russia."The team has to be hot, because this is already a knockout game for us now," Germany striker Mario Gomez said. "So we feel like having two knockout games more, instead of those group stage matches. I think we have been good in those type of matches in the past years.
"We always knew what matters. Of course the first match was a brutally negative experience for us, we didn't expect that. Our weaknesses were revealed, but we worked on that and we go on doing so before the game [against Sweden], so I'm positive that we will show another performance."
Germany defender Mats Hummels has insisted the atmosphere within the team is back on track after the critical fallout from their shock loss to Mexico at the World Cup.
Hummels was one of the players most vocal following Germany's 1-0 defeat to Mexico in Group F last week – the Bayern Munich defender criticising the tactics used.There were also claims of squad disharmony as the world champions were left reeling and facing a must-win match against Sweden on Saturday.
However, Hummels insists everything is fine after discussions within Joachim Low's side."The atmosphere is much better, we are getting back on track," Hummels told reporters on Thursday. "Everybody wants to get back in form and on the pitch.We had some days now where we were down a bit but now we know everything is still possible when we reach our potential then we can play a good tournament.
"The talks we had were very good, we spoke about our weaknesses and these are hopefully behind us now. Of course we are still looking on what we have to do against Sweden but the Mexico game is now behind us."We know that now the only thing that is important is what we do on the pitch. All stuff around us is also important but on the pitch is the most important thing for us."
Hummels added: "I wasn't the only one – I think Jerome [Boateng] also was critical after the match. Internally even more players spoke up, which I think was great. From that we are now fishing out the best input."
Sweden – who edged South Korea 1-0 – and Mexico won their opening games, leaving Germany facing the prospect of a premature exit in Russia."The team has to be hot, because this is already a knockout game for us now," Germany striker Mario Gomez said. "So we feel like having two knockout games more, instead of those group stage matches. I think we have been good in those type of matches in the past years.
"We always knew what matters. Of course the first match was a brutally negative experience for us, we didn't expect that. Our weaknesses were revealed, but we worked on that and we go on doing so before the game [against Sweden], so I'm positive that we will show another performance."
Torreira talks up Arsenal but remains focused on World Cup with Uruguay
Uruguay midfielder Lucas Torreira is focused only on the World Cup despite continued speculation linking him with a move to Arsenal.The 22-year-old is widely tipped to become Unai Emery's third signing at Emirates Stadium, with the Gunners already bringing in Stephan Lichtsteiner and Bernd Leno, but any move is unlikely until after Torreira's involvement in Russia.Sampdoria president Massimo Ferrero claimed earlier this week that a €30 million (£26m/$35m) deal is done for Torreira, who has featured twice for his country in the tournament, both times off the bench.
However, when asked if a transfer was complete, Torreira told reporters: "I don’t know. At the moment, the most important thing is playing for my country."Arsenal are a good team, one of the most important in the world, but at this moment I am focused on playing for my country."
While Torreira prioritises playing for his country at the World Cup, Ferrero appears to have held negotiations with Arsenal, as he announced the two clubs had agreed a fee. "Torreira has left for €30m. I bought him from Pescara when nobody believed in him," he told TMW."We took a gamble on him and we won, paying just €3m. The money that comes in will be used to capitalise the company."
Uruguay midfielder Lucas Torreira is focused only on the World Cup despite continued speculation linking him with a move to Arsenal.The 22-year-old is widely tipped to become Unai Emery's third signing at Emirates Stadium, with the Gunners already bringing in Stephan Lichtsteiner and Bernd Leno, but any move is unlikely until after Torreira's involvement in Russia.Sampdoria president Massimo Ferrero claimed earlier this week that a €30 million (£26m/$35m) deal is done for Torreira, who has featured twice for his country in the tournament, both times off the bench.
However, when asked if a transfer was complete, Torreira told reporters: "I don’t know. At the moment, the most important thing is playing for my country."Arsenal are a good team, one of the most important in the world, but at this moment I am focused on playing for my country."
While Torreira prioritises playing for his country at the World Cup, Ferrero appears to have held negotiations with Arsenal, as he announced the two clubs had agreed a fee. "Torreira has left for €30m. I bought him from Pescara when nobody believed in him," he told TMW."We took a gamble on him and we won, paying just €3m. The money that comes in will be used to capitalise the company."
Emre Can completes Juventus move after opting against Liverpool extension
Juventus have completed the signing of Emre Can, with the Germany international moving to Turin after opting against an extended stay at Liverpool.
It is understood that Can’s four-year agreement with the Serie A champions will pay him €5 million (£4m/$6m) per season and will begin on July 1.Goal previously revealed how Can was close to securing a move to Juventus , who won their seventh straight league title in May.
The 24-year-old had long been linked with a move to the Bianconeri as he ran down his terms at Anfield.While other clubs were reported to have shown an interest, the Italian giants were always leading the chase, with club CEO Beppe Marotta claiming back in May that a deal was imminent.
Juve have now got their man, with a medical having been completed on Thursday before the penning of a long-term deal.Joining Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2014, Can would go on to feature at Anfield for the next four seasons.He would primarily play in central and holding midfield roles, though he did play some games at centre-back for the Reds.
Can scored 14 goals in his Liverpool career, with three coming in this year’s Champions League.
However, a back injury sustained on March 17 against Watford all but ended Can’s 2017-18 campaign.Originally not thought to be too serious, the ailment sidelined Can for both of Germany’s March friendlies as well as the remainder of the Premier League season.
The injury also cost him a place in Germany’s squad for the 2018 World Cup .
Can finally returned to action to make a late appearance as a substitute for Liverpool in their 3-1 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid.Though Can has departed, Liverpool have already announced the signing of midfielder Fabinho , while Naby Keita will complete his previously agreed upon move to Anfield this summer .
Juventus have completed the signing of Emre Can, with the Germany international moving to Turin after opting against an extended stay at Liverpool.
It is understood that Can’s four-year agreement with the Serie A champions will pay him €5 million (£4m/$6m) per season and will begin on July 1.Goal previously revealed how Can was close to securing a move to Juventus , who won their seventh straight league title in May.
The 24-year-old had long been linked with a move to the Bianconeri as he ran down his terms at Anfield.While other clubs were reported to have shown an interest, the Italian giants were always leading the chase, with club CEO Beppe Marotta claiming back in May that a deal was imminent.
Juve have now got their man, with a medical having been completed on Thursday before the penning of a long-term deal.Joining Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2014, Can would go on to feature at Anfield for the next four seasons.He would primarily play in central and holding midfield roles, though he did play some games at centre-back for the Reds.
Can scored 14 goals in his Liverpool career, with three coming in this year’s Champions League.
However, a back injury sustained on March 17 against Watford all but ended Can’s 2017-18 campaign.Originally not thought to be too serious, the ailment sidelined Can for both of Germany’s March friendlies as well as the remainder of the Premier League season.
The injury also cost him a place in Germany’s squad for the 2018 World Cup .
Can finally returned to action to make a late appearance as a substitute for Liverpool in their 3-1 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid.Though Can has departed, Liverpool have already announced the signing of midfielder Fabinho , while Naby Keita will complete his previously agreed upon move to Anfield this summer .
France 1 Peru 0: Mbappe books last-16 spot with record goal
Kylian Mbappe made history as France booked their place in the World Cup's knockout rounds with an unconvincing 1-0 Group C defeat of Peru.France were fortunate in their 2-1 opening win over Australia and they had slices of luck again at the Ekaterinburg Arena on Thursday.
Mbappe's goal, which came from close-range after Olivier Giroud's shot took a wicked deflection to beat goalkeeper Pedro Gallese, saw the 19-year-old become the youngest player to score for France at a major international tournament.As they did in losing narrowly to Denmark, Peru had plenty of chances, returning captain Paolo Guerrero firing at Hugo Lloris and Pedro Aquino clipping the post with a super strike from range.
However, Peru were unable to find a way through and Ricardo Gareca's side - who have yet to find the net in Russia - are certain to be knocked out.Denmark look set to join France in the last 16 after their 1-1 draw with Australia, but they need a point against Les Bleus in their final outing to be certain of progressing.
Lloris was making his 100th France appearance and the goalkeeper was almost tested by an ambitious early strike from Yoshimar Yotun, but the shot from the halfway line drifted wide.Antoine Griezmann - who signed a new Atletico Madrid contract on Monday - had France's first opportunity in the 11th minute but Euro 2016's leading scorer fired wide, while Paul Pogba also failed to work Peru goalkeeper Gallese.
Chances were flowing for France, Raphael Varane missing with a header before Gallese saved with his legs to deny Griezmann after Giroud found his strike partner with a headed pass.
But France's early intensity started to fade and Peru should have taken advantage, yet Guerrero shot straight at Lloris on the turn after Christian Cueva found him in the box.That miss proved key as Mbappe's historic World Cup moment gave France a 34th-minute lead.
Pogba slid Giroud into the area and when the striker's shot looped over Gallese via a deflection off Christian Ramos, Mbappe could not miss from inside the six-yard box.
Gallese prevented Lucas Hernandez from doubling the France lead as Peru ended the first half on the ropes.Gareca sent on Anderson Santamaria and Jefferson Farfan at the break, while Samuel Umtiti shook off a dead leg, before Aquino clipped the outside of the post with a swerving drive from 25 yards.
Andre Carrillo fired over the crossbar and Farfan hit the side-netting as Peru grew increasingly desperate to keep their World Cup hopes alive.Substitute Ousmane Dembele - dropped for Giroud - could have wrapped up the points in the 82nd minute but rifled wide, as France appeared to settle for a one-goal victory.
With Peru's record scorer Guerrero wasting a late free-kick, Didier Deschamps' squad safely held on to secure their place in the knockout stages.
Kylian Mbappe made history as France booked their place in the World Cup's knockout rounds with an unconvincing 1-0 Group C defeat of Peru.France were fortunate in their 2-1 opening win over Australia and they had slices of luck again at the Ekaterinburg Arena on Thursday.
Mbappe's goal, which came from close-range after Olivier Giroud's shot took a wicked deflection to beat goalkeeper Pedro Gallese, saw the 19-year-old become the youngest player to score for France at a major international tournament.As they did in losing narrowly to Denmark, Peru had plenty of chances, returning captain Paolo Guerrero firing at Hugo Lloris and Pedro Aquino clipping the post with a super strike from range.
However, Peru were unable to find a way through and Ricardo Gareca's side - who have yet to find the net in Russia - are certain to be knocked out.Denmark look set to join France in the last 16 after their 1-1 draw with Australia, but they need a point against Les Bleus in their final outing to be certain of progressing.
Lloris was making his 100th France appearance and the goalkeeper was almost tested by an ambitious early strike from Yoshimar Yotun, but the shot from the halfway line drifted wide.Antoine Griezmann - who signed a new Atletico Madrid contract on Monday - had France's first opportunity in the 11th minute but Euro 2016's leading scorer fired wide, while Paul Pogba also failed to work Peru goalkeeper Gallese.
Chances were flowing for France, Raphael Varane missing with a header before Gallese saved with his legs to deny Griezmann after Giroud found his strike partner with a headed pass.
But France's early intensity started to fade and Peru should have taken advantage, yet Guerrero shot straight at Lloris on the turn after Christian Cueva found him in the box.That miss proved key as Mbappe's historic World Cup moment gave France a 34th-minute lead.
Pogba slid Giroud into the area and when the striker's shot looped over Gallese via a deflection off Christian Ramos, Mbappe could not miss from inside the six-yard box.
Gallese prevented Lucas Hernandez from doubling the France lead as Peru ended the first half on the ropes.Gareca sent on Anderson Santamaria and Jefferson Farfan at the break, while Samuel Umtiti shook off a dead leg, before Aquino clipped the outside of the post with a swerving drive from 25 yards.
Andre Carrillo fired over the crossbar and Farfan hit the side-netting as Peru grew increasingly desperate to keep their World Cup hopes alive.Substitute Ousmane Dembele - dropped for Giroud - could have wrapped up the points in the 82nd minute but rifled wide, as France appeared to settle for a one-goal victory.
With Peru's record scorer Guerrero wasting a late free-kick, Didier Deschamps' squad safely held on to secure their place in the knockout stages.
Matuidi: More to come from France at World Cup
Blaise Matuidi says there is more to come from France despite Didier Deschamps' side booking a place in the World Cup knockout stage with a game to spare.
A 1-0 victory over Peru at the Ekaterinburg Arena ensured France are guaranteed to finish as one of the top two teams in Group C.But after a fortunate 2-1 triumph against Australia in their Russia 2018 opener, France again rode their luck to an extent as Kylian Mbappe became their youngest goalscorer at a major tourmanent.
Olivier Giroud's shot deflected over goalkeeper Pedro Gallese off defender Christian Ramos, giving 19-year-old Mbappe a tap-in from a few yards out to ensure the South Americans - without a goal or a point - cannot qualify.Regardless of their flat performances in Russia, France are in the last 16, but Matuidi said Les Bleus - last champions in 1998 - can improve.
"It is a great satisfaction to have two successes in two matches," Matuidi - who started against Peru after being benched against Australia - told beIN SPORTS."In the game, we can do better. We did what it took to win, we had chances in the first period. We responded to Peru at the physical level, too.
"The opponent did what was necessary to put us in difficulty. They were pushed by a super support, we felt like playing away."In our weak times, we have been solid anyway. It's difficult for everyone in this World Cup. Congratulations to Peru who are eliminated despite a good match."
Hugo Lloris became the first France goalkeeper to reach 100 appearances for his country and the captain said Deschamps' men will not slack off in their Group C closer.
"We must keep first place by not losing against Denmark," the Tottenham player said to beIN SPORTS. "Peru pushed to the end, but we were able to remain strong and disciplined."The substitutes have brought a lot, with their energy, to allow us to keep the result. We could have risked a little more with the ball."
Blaise Matuidi says there is more to come from France despite Didier Deschamps' side booking a place in the World Cup knockout stage with a game to spare.
A 1-0 victory over Peru at the Ekaterinburg Arena ensured France are guaranteed to finish as one of the top two teams in Group C.But after a fortunate 2-1 triumph against Australia in their Russia 2018 opener, France again rode their luck to an extent as Kylian Mbappe became their youngest goalscorer at a major tourmanent.
Olivier Giroud's shot deflected over goalkeeper Pedro Gallese off defender Christian Ramos, giving 19-year-old Mbappe a tap-in from a few yards out to ensure the South Americans - without a goal or a point - cannot qualify.Regardless of their flat performances in Russia, France are in the last 16, but Matuidi said Les Bleus - last champions in 1998 - can improve.
"It is a great satisfaction to have two successes in two matches," Matuidi - who started against Peru after being benched against Australia - told beIN SPORTS."In the game, we can do better. We did what it took to win, we had chances in the first period. We responded to Peru at the physical level, too.
"The opponent did what was necessary to put us in difficulty. They were pushed by a super support, we felt like playing away."In our weak times, we have been solid anyway. It's difficult for everyone in this World Cup. Congratulations to Peru who are eliminated despite a good match."
Hugo Lloris became the first France goalkeeper to reach 100 appearances for his country and the captain said Deschamps' men will not slack off in their Group C closer.
"We must keep first place by not losing against Denmark," the Tottenham player said to beIN SPORTS. "Peru pushed to the end, but we were able to remain strong and disciplined."The substitutes have brought a lot, with their energy, to allow us to keep the result. We could have risked a little more with the ball."
Serbia ready for 'hellish' Switzerland clash, warns Matic
Nemanja Matic is expecting a "hellish" match against Switzerland as Serbia seek to qualify for the World Cup knockout phase in Russia.
Serbia face Switzerland in Kaliningrad on Friday, knowing victory would seal their passage from Group E after edging Costa Rica 1-0.Switzerland held World Cup favourites Brazil to a shock draw last week and Manchester United midfielder Matic expects them to provide another tough challenge for Serbia.
"We're aware of what's in store for us," Matic told reporters on Thursday. "They have quality throughout. Great individual players. "We expect a hellish game but we're ready for anything."
Matic, who believes Serbian football is enjoying its best moment for almost a decade, added: "Of course we're aware that if we win we would progress. We will do our best but we are facing a very good team in Switzerland. They will also try to be a threat, to win three points."They have a lot of quality. We respect them. We will give our best until the end. We have the quality to be a threat against them."
A draw could be enough for Serbia to advance but Matic and his team-mates have no plans to settle for a share of the spoils."They are better than those we qualified against by the fact that they qualified for the World Cup. They suffered only one defeat against Portugal away," he said.
"With respect to a draw, I never start a match hoping for a draw. We always want to win. It's not always possible. They are a very good team. They occupy the sixth place in the rankings. They're the favourites. We respect them but aware of our own qualities."Matic and head coach Mladen Krstajic both fronted the media on the eve of the match and the latter knows what to expect against Switzerland.
"They are tactical and technical side. Been together for a long time. Coach [Vladimir Petkovic] has been with them for three-four years too. This is very important for a tournament," said Krstajic."We know their strengths and weaknesses. It's going to be a fierce match."
Krstajic, who described his side as a "dream team", finished off his news conference by saying he will happily sing if Serbia win to move through top the last 16.
Nemanja Matic is expecting a "hellish" match against Switzerland as Serbia seek to qualify for the World Cup knockout phase in Russia.
Serbia face Switzerland in Kaliningrad on Friday, knowing victory would seal their passage from Group E after edging Costa Rica 1-0.Switzerland held World Cup favourites Brazil to a shock draw last week and Manchester United midfielder Matic expects them to provide another tough challenge for Serbia.
"We're aware of what's in store for us," Matic told reporters on Thursday. "They have quality throughout. Great individual players. "We expect a hellish game but we're ready for anything."
Matic, who believes Serbian football is enjoying its best moment for almost a decade, added: "Of course we're aware that if we win we would progress. We will do our best but we are facing a very good team in Switzerland. They will also try to be a threat, to win three points."They have a lot of quality. We respect them. We will give our best until the end. We have the quality to be a threat against them."
A draw could be enough for Serbia to advance but Matic and his team-mates have no plans to settle for a share of the spoils."They are better than those we qualified against by the fact that they qualified for the World Cup. They suffered only one defeat against Portugal away," he said.
"With respect to a draw, I never start a match hoping for a draw. We always want to win. It's not always possible. They are a very good team. They occupy the sixth place in the rankings. They're the favourites. We respect them but aware of our own qualities."Matic and head coach Mladen Krstajic both fronted the media on the eve of the match and the latter knows what to expect against Switzerland.
"They are tactical and technical side. Been together for a long time. Coach [Vladimir Petkovic] has been with them for three-four years too. This is very important for a tournament," said Krstajic."We know their strengths and weaknesses. It's going to be a fierce match."
Krstajic, who described his side as a "dream team", finished off his news conference by saying he will happily sing if Serbia win to move through top the last 16.
