Slovenia still believe they can oust Ukraine
Monday, November 16, 2015
Article summary
Srečko Katanec reckons Slovenia's task is "difficult but not impossible" as they look to overturn a 2-0 deficit against Ukraine, for whom discipline is paramount.
Article top media content
Article body
- Ukraine take 2-0 lead to Maribor after dominating Saturday's first leg
- Ukraine also led 2-0 after first game in 2014 World Cup play-off but then lost 3-0 in France
- Slovenia trailed Russia 2-0 in 2010 World Cup play-offs yet recovered to advance
- Slovenia have won ten of 12 matches at Stadium Ljudski vrt since 2009 renovation
- Teams to wear black armbands and observe minute's silence following events in Paris
Possible lineups
Slovenia: Handanovič; Jokić, Cesar, Ilić, Brečko; Kurtič, Kampl, Krhin, Birsa; Iličić, Novakovič.
Out: none
Doubtful: none
Ukraine: Pyatov; Fedetskiy, Khacheridi, Rakitskiy, Shevchuk; Rybalka, Stepanenko, Garmash; Yarmolenko, Konoplyanka; Kravets.
Out: Rotan (thigh), Gladkiy (ankle)
Doubtful: none
Srečko Katanec, Slovenia coach
We know what we have to do, we know that we have to score at least twice in normal time. I believe it is still possible for us to qualify but only if we are 100% prepared. Also, we can't miss chances again.
Ukraine have a big advantage. Anyone who knows anything about football knows it will be very difficult but not impossible. One goal can change a lot. From the first leg in Lviv we have learnt that you have to take at least one of your big chances in this kind of tie. We were in control of the ball and the game – especially in the second half – but we were not aggressive enough.
Mykhailo Fomenko, Ukraine coach
We know about the atmosphere at this stadium – there will be great support for the home side. We have told the team all that they need to know. It's up to them to use that information on the pitch. The most important thing is to keep focused and not allow the opposition to provoke us. We talk about that at every meeting, reminding every player that they have to be disciplined.
Qualifying campaign
Slovenia, third in Group E
W5 D1 L4 F18 A11
Ukraine, third in Group C
W6 D1 L3 F14 A4
EURO play-off record
Slovenia: W1 L1
Ukraine: W0 L1
Reporter's view: Grega Sever (@GregaSever)
"We'll have to think something up," said Slovenia boss Katanec, heading back to the drawing board after his side's first-leg defeat, but just as Lviv has a magical quality for Ukraine, Maribor is a talismanic venue for the Slovenes. A sold-out Ljudski vrt stadium helped Slovenia overcome Russia in the 2010 World Cup play-offs, and while the task is bigger this time, the hosts have not abandoned hope.
Did you know?
Ukraine's record against Slovenia is W1 D2 L2, including a loss in the UEFA EURO 2000 play-offs. Find out more in our match background.