Two-goal margin necessary
Croatia believes in Russia miracle
07.02.2016.
Photo by: Drago Sopta/HNS
Croatia faces 2014 runners-up Russia in the final UEFA Futsal EURO Group C encounter.
Upon losing to Kazakhstan in Friday opener, Mato Stanković's men have to overcome strong Russian side on Sunday by a two-goal margin to secure second round berth.
Russia defeated Kazakhstan 2:1 and will leave nothing to chance against Croatia. "Now we have a completely different match and a different opponent in the shape of Croatia. We'll train very hard and also watch some videos of our opponents, but one thing is for sure: we have to win. Russia always play to win", says Russian double goalscorer Romulo.
Croatia will definitely not give up, but is aware of the difficult task. National futsal team has put in some good performances against major opponents and now has the chance to repeat them.
"Croatia managed to cope with the best teams during the previous years. We will not surrender, we will try to do everything we can and try to surprise Russia", says Croatia head coach Mato Stanković.
The match between Croatia and Russia kicks off at 18:30 CET at Arena Beograd, with Cedric Pelissier of France and Admir Zahovič of Slovenia as the first and second referee.
"In international friendlies with Russia we have shown that we can stay on level terms. We need a miracle, a victory with a two-goal margin against one of the favourites to win the title, but we believe in ourselves and will do all we can to succeed", concluded Croatia goalie Ivo Jukić.
UEFA Futsal EURO, Group C:
1. Russia 3 (2:1)
2. Kazakhstan 3 (5:4)
3. Croatia 0 (2:4)
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