Greece will aim to gain potentially vital points against Bosnia and Herzegovina on the road in UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying game later today, with previous history predicting a nervy duel in Zenica.
In the past, these two nations have met on eight occasions in competitive matches, with Greece tallying four victories, three draws and one defeat. During the ultimately unsuccessful 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, the Greeks manage to frustrate Bosnia in their two matches, salvaging a dramatic, last-gasp 1:1 draw in Piraeus and then keeping the opponents at bay in a gritty 0:0 tie away from home. Tuesday’s match is a pivotal one, with the two teams expected to challenge for the runners-up spot in Group J behind favourites Italy.
Head coach of the Bosnian national team Robert Prosinecki thinks it will be an interesting duel against Greece in UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying on Tuesday, while his Greek counterpart Angelos Anastasiadis wants his players to play to their potential.
It’s only the second round of UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying, but considering which teams make up Group J, this is a crucial match. On Saturday, the Greek national team made the perfect start with a comfortable 2:0 victory in Liechtenstein, while Bosnia and Herzegovina managed to edge past Armenia 2:1 at home. The two teams are expected to challenge for second spot in the group behind favourites Italy.
Robert Prosinecki shared his expectations for the match:
Injury problems: “Asides from Elvis Saric and Elvir Colic, everyone is fit and healthy. We feel ready for the match, and personally, I like playing against Greece. They’re a good opponent.”
Importance of the home support in Zenica: “I believe that the stadium will be full with a great atmosphere. The fans’ support definitely helps us perform well. It will be a very tense match, especially in midfield. If we want to be competitive in this group, we have to beat Greece on Tuesday, and we will make some changes to make sure that the fresher players are on the pitch.”
Key aspects which could decide the outcome: “We will immediately search for an early goal in this game. In all respects, it will be a very interesting match, Greece are tricky opponents for everyone. The Greeks always play to achieve the required result.”
Greek national team boss Angelos Anastasiadis is only aiming for victory against the Bosnians on the road:
What would classify as a good result: “We aim for victory in every match.”
Situation surrounding Fiorin Durmishaj: “Assuming we receive the green light from FIFA/UEFA, he will be in the squad. From our end, we have done everything possible.”
March 25th celebrations: “I would like to congratulate Greeks all over the world. It’s also a double celebration because it is the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary alongside Greek Independence Day.”
Possibility of Sokratis Papastathopoulos participating in Zenica: “We will wait until the last minute to see if he can play against Bosnia. I think that he will be healthy enough to participate in this match tomorrow.”
Importance of this match: “All matches are crucial, and every game only offers three points for a victory. I trust in my players’ abilities. God will decide which result we have when the game finishes. Sometimes, you play well and lose, while you can also play poorly and win. We have to play to our potential. I am focusing on Bosnia as a team, not just individual players.”
by Shaun Nicolaides
