Here’s what I promised. Will try to be not biased.
Ventspils - Crvena Zvezda
In the previous round, Latvian side eliminated Belarus Shakhtyor Soligorsk. In the first (away) game, from the highlights I’ve seen, they were very fortunate. Defending all the game and in the stoppage time one shot from the distance for the victory. In re-match they were on the edge, losing 2-1, but got penalty and eventually scored a winner. Considering players’ quality, they’re half-amateur side and few classes below us. Their only advantage will be average height of 190cm(!) that could cause some problems after set pieces. Pitch dimensions are small and stadium has capacity of only 3.200 seats.
Zvezda has some nightmare seasons in Europe, usually being eliminated in this or next round. However, situation has been changed a lot since club’s legend Robert Prosinecki (lift the CL trophy with the club in 1991, played at Real and Barca after) took the charge. His football philosophy is possession and short passes (he’s heavily inspired by Barca). Far best line is midfield, there’re some problems with conversion of created chances (usually we need 3-4 sitters to score once) and biggest problem is defence line. Centre backs will be Tosic (natural position left back) and young Mijailovic (natural defensive midfielder). Both have already played in those roles and while they could be a serious weakness against some stronger rivals, today they should have a good day in the office. Team showed a serious approach and arrived two days before the game.
As I pointed, odd for away win is unexpectedly high. Our reputation in European competitions has been ruined lately, the small pitch is in not so good condition and there’s rain today. Their squad is very tall and we have scoring problems. But on the other hand, we’re far better team. Everything except a convincing win would be first class surprise. 0-2 correct score.
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Crvena Zvezda again got the new management and many players with high contracts left the club before the season start. President Lukic take every opportunity to state this team is cheapest in the history (my personal opinion is the worst at the same time). The team leaders are Ninkov (defender), guy with the bright future –Aval Issah (defensive midfielder) and ex international Lazetic (right winger). Other who deserves to be mentioned is young striker Perovic. Boss is Vladimir Petrovic, one of the five best players in the club’s history (officially) and his main quality is to motivate players till the limits of fanaticism. However, season started unexpectedly good for the club. In the first round, Zvezda eliminated Slovenian Rudar (1-0 away and 4-0 home). In the second, against Dinamo Tbilisi, first 0-2 defeat on the road, then one of the most interesting games ever seen. In re-match, Dinamo had 1-0 and 2-1 lead, but Zvezda leading with the noise from the crowd scored four times for 5-2 at the end! Petrovic, beside high motivation skills, also has an old-fashioned view on the game. Against both opponents, Zvezda played with three defensive midfielders(!) and right winger in the midfield! All five goals against Dinamo, team scored after the actions on right side and all four goals conceded after big defensive errors! So, I guess problem will be when Zvezda face serious club (like Slavia, for example) who will know how to use it. Team morale which is very high, additionally has been raised with president’s promise, in case of progress every player will be rewarded with, for club’s conditions, enormous 20 000 euros!
Rudar is small Slovenian club from Velenje. Before two years, they progressed from the second league, to first. The best player is ex Slovenian international Cipot. All players are few years in the club, playing together and team looks very compact. Beside the luck of experience in European competition, Rudar trashed Estonian side Trans Narva in the previous round. 3-0 win in the first game away and 3-1 in re-match at home. Before the clash with Belgrade team, Rudar was declared from the audience as the outsider, public expected two easy victories for Serbian squad. But, in the first game, Slovenians introduced themselves as a tough opponent and just because the huge respect to ex European and World champion, they didn’t make the better result. Now they’re full of optimism. Boss Marijan Pusnik said they don’t afraid of the hot atmosphere at “Marakana” and they’re capable to win and progress in the next round. Considering all their talks to the Serbian press, impression is they really believe in victory. That optimism (real or fake) will certainly affect on their decision to attack from the start. No injury, or suspended players, Pusnik will be able to send best eleven on the pitch.
