EPA-EFE / MANUEL ALMEIDA
The selector of the current European champion, the selection of Portugal, Fernando Santos, spoke about the qualities of Serbia.
The Portuguese will be guests of the Serbian national team in the 2nd round of the Group A qualification for the World Cup in Belgrade on Saturday at 20:45.
At the press conference, Santos was asked if he knew Dragan Stojkovic Pixie and the style of play that the “eagles” are trying to change with him at the helm.
– It is my obligation to monitor and analyze matches, to prepare them, to notice the style of play of the opponent, how they play, what they do. Of course, I know Pixie as a player, he was in Marseille, as a player he showed exceptional quality. As for the game of Serbia against Ireland, I noticed that the new coach changed the game. Our last match, Serbia is a player with four in the back line, now it has played with five. I have great respect for Serbia, but not fear. We have great will and we are very motivated for the match – said Santos.
Earlier in the day, Stojkovic announced that he would attack the Portuguese.
– This is not about my self-confidence, but about the team. When we talk about Serbia, it is a rival that we highly appreciate, but we will react to every counterattack. We came here to win.
Does a point suit Portugal?
– As I have already said, I have already analyzed the qualities of Milinković-Savić, Tadić and others. As for us, we will play well, we will defend and attack, we will see that we have possession of the ball, that we have situations to score a goal. We expect a dangerous clash tomorrow – Santoš answered and underlined:
– I trust my players, but this is not an imperative, this is a wish – the Portuguese coach concluded.
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