From the special reporter "Vijesti"
The sun and heat of Podgorica were replaced by much cooler weather, first in Prague and then in Plzeň. Ideal for a clash between two teams that enter the 3rd round of World Cup qualifiers with a maximum of six points.
The Montenegrin national football team has arrived in the city of Skoda and beer, where it is expected to play a match against the Czech Republic tomorrow evening at 20.45:XNUMX PM, one of the most important in the fight for the World Cup.
The rival is well known and so far, the "falcons" have been able to overcome it - our national team has played five matches against the Czech Republic and lost each one.
"We know that there is a negative tradition in previous matches, but it is time for that to change. We want to play a men's game, and we have shown that we can with the Elektri. I am optimistic, I believe in the players, and I expect that everything will be fine," Prosinečka said at a press conference at the Viktoria Plzeň stadium.
And what does the football legend base his optimism on?
"We have a good atmosphere, and it comes with results. We beat Turkey, then Gibraltar and the Faroe Islands, and we are also happy that a large number of fans are coming. This is a really important match for us, maybe the most important - a lot of good things can happen if we play as well as we can," added Prosinecki.
This time, the Montenegro coach skipped the tradition of announcing the team lineup the day before the match.
"I have no problem announcing the lineup, but we want to try to surprise our rival this time. I'm glad that everyone is healthy except for Marušič. They are full of energy and I believe we can achieve a good result," emphasized Prosinečki.
The Croatian expert, of course, knows very well how high-quality his team's opponent is.
"We watched the Czech Republic's matches, I think we scouted them well. We know where they are dangerous, they have excellent strikers, they are regular participants in the European championships, they are a compact team, they have good individuals like Patrik Schick, but also others. They play in the strongest leagues, from England to Germany... But we will give our all to get a good result. We have prepared well, longer than usual," Prosinecki emphasized.
Is this the most important match since you became the coach of Montenegro?
"We have six points, and this one is certainly very important. Whatever happens, it won't be over, but it's certainly very important. The boys are aware of that and will give their maximum."
The Czech Republic has been waiting to go to the World Cup since 2006, when it only appeared at the World Championships.
"We've been waiting since the beginning, we want the same. We believe we can, maybe this is the last chance of the generation to do something big. There's definitely pressure, and maybe more for them because they're playing at home and they believe they have to win. I believe it will be a good game, if we give it our all, and I believe we will."
The Czech Republic also has a match against Croatia in this cycle - could that put an additional burden on them?
"Everything depends on tomorrow's result, and of course their approach in Croatia. They have a tough match in Osijek, Croatia is super-quality, they won medals at the last World Cups. It won't be easy in Osijek, nor will it be for us in September."
What is especially important is that Stefan Savić is ready for the match.
"He only missed one training session, he's back with us after a long time, he didn't play in the Nations League even at the start of the qualifiers.... That makes us happy, we're safer with him and it means a lot to us," concluded Prosinecki.
Bonus video:
