Serbia |
1 - 1
This match has ended. Upcoming related matches:
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France |
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FranceFrance are losing out on automatic tickets for the finals of the World Cup in South Africa. Though it seems like they’ll have to be content with a play-off place, there are still slim chances to edge past the leaders Serbia.
Inefficiency in front of goal and misunderstanding between the players and the coach on and off the field have resulted in poor results for the 1998 World Cup winners.
However, a repeat of the 2-1 win that they had over Serbia in September last year will close the gap to a single point between France and the current group leaders. It will also help the French to push for the first spot until the very last day of the World Cup qualification campaign.
Meanwhile, if France fail to clinch a victory on Wednesday, they will be left in a difficult position to even make it for a place in the play-offs.
Les Bleus stand four points beyond Austria in third and four points behind the Serbians as nine possible remain before the campaign terminates.
Serbia are currently leading the pace with no real pressure left on their shoulders. Wednesday’s match against France could even see them celebrate their qualification to the finals of the World Cup in South Africa.
Victory at the Stadion Crvena Zvezda will ensure Serbia of an historic triumph over the rest of the teams in Group 7.
Speaking to the media, Serbia’s coach Radomir Antic described the issue:
"We've had a great run so far, and we want to put the icing on the cake of our qualifying campaign against the French.
"We need to turn the national euphoria into positive energy on and off the pitch because that can be a telling factor in a match like this. Our strategy is to win every match and establish ourselves as a force to be reckoned with; but we are aware that we will be up against a great team with an abundance of talent.
"We have plenty of good players too, and I am pleased that the key ones are in good form, notably our captain Dejan Stankovic who scored a cracker in the Milan derby.
"I am also delighted that Nemanja Vidic has made a great return from injury for Manchester United because he is the backbone of our defense."
Considering the confidence and relaxation of the Serbians, Les Bleus will have to overcome anxiety with determination and perfection if they want to control events.