Slovenia vs Russia
Date/Time: Nov. 18, 2009, 2:45pm
Competition: World Cup Qualifying
Live/Repeat: Live
Russia
Whereas the Russians will try and hold firm to their dream start in Moscow, the home side on that day will try and force the issue and turn fears and tears into joy and excitement.
Slovenia match analysis
There is a lot of hope now for Slovenia after Nejc Pecnik’s late goal reduced the country’s deficit to a single-goal margin.
At 2-1, it is never over until the physical battle is well and truly lost.
Slovenia were tipped as underdogs going into last weekend’s crucial play-off match against the Russians and their dream of reaching the finals of the World Cup almost seemed to be a complete illusion until they scored late on to narrow their 2-0 defeat to 2-1.
Slovenia can subsequently think of defending their lines for their lives and pressing on in search of one single goal.
A 1-0 victory will be enough for them to see out Russia and reach South Africa 2010 in dramatic fashion but they’ll definitely need to destroy Russia’s watchful spirit in Wednesday’s match.
Russia match analysis
Meanwhile, it will all be about hanging on before breaking into tears and despair for the Russians.
At a point in Moscow, they looked so certain of reaching the finals of the World Cup in South Africa when Everton’s striker Bilyaletdinov scored a brace to put Russia in a comfortable lead.
However, towards the end of the game, the Russians looked out of control and it almost seemed like they were going to throw away their victory after conceding Pecnik’s late comeback goal.
Considering what happened in Russia, Guus Hiddink’s men will not attempt to underestimate Slovenia when they affront them on Wednesday evening.
Russia will have everything to play for as they know that the prospect of suffering from an upset is high on their heels.
They’ll need to play to score knowing that finding a goal first will push them closer to qualifying but leave Slovenia with an uphill task to overcome.
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