SERBIA COACH SLAVOLJUB Muslin was a relieved man as his side took a huge step towards World Cup qualification with a 1-0 win over Ireland in Dublin.
An intense 90 minutes saw the visitors survive despite having Nikola Maksimovic sent off in the 68th minute.
“It was one of the most difficult games in my career as a coach, and one of the most important games because we knew this game would be the decisive game to go to the World Cup,” Muslin said.
“As far as the game is concerned, we knew it would be difficult. They held the ball for quite a long time and the beginning was such that we knew it would be difficult.
We were trying with counter-attacks to achieve our goal because we knew they were going to have more possession, and that’s how the game worked out.
“I asked my team to play our game. We were lucky to score the goal because it did hit the bar and at the end, we had a difficult 15 minutes because we had 10 players left on the pitch.
We also had one injured player during the match, so practically we played with only nine players, but they didn’t have many chances despite all of that and we ended up with much delight.
“I must congratulate the opponent on a fair and honest game. I also congratulate my players, who played and fought very hard.
I do congratulate Ireland on their fighting spirit and I hope they are going to progress further because they will fight with Wales for the next spot in the table.”
Tuesday night’s result means Serbia are assured of at least second place in the group, and just one win is needed from their final two games to guarantee a spot in Russia next year.
While admitting his side would not take anything for granted, Muslin acknowledged they were in a strong position.
Of course, we are very close to achieving the main goal and going forward, but there are a couple of matches left and this is a very, very important competition for us because we didn’t progress in the last three major competitions.
“I do hope that this will help the progress of football in our country.”
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Pity he couldn’t do same ref Republic
@billy Dorney: think he’s not alone there. Ireland under MON play way too negative to get the best of our limited enough squad with Brady being one of only a few that possess some decent quality.
@billy Dorney: you prob seen loads of goals like that in the Loi Billy? same as Griffiths for celtic.
@Ado Smith: MONs tactics aren’t to blame for constantly not being able to clear the first man from corners/free kicks. I wouldn’t be a MON fan by any stretch if the imagination but Brady has been terrible for country for a long time now
@Kieran: MON would rightfully say he has probably got as much out of this squad as is possible but Brady being poor for a few matches including club (Euros weren’t that long ago where he was excellent!) doesn’t say he’s suddenly a crap player. Not the only one who has being poor for us, McLean being the obvious exception. Just not good enough at the moment but terrible to watch when O’Neill is nearly as distrusting of his players as Trappatoni to play anyway expansive.
@@baz6375: watch the LOI Goal of the Month Competition recently. Screamers every week
@Zossima: I have watched them.havent seen any free kicks as good as Griffiths.its all opinion though I know.
@Ado Smith: McLean has been a real tryer for us.i think only for that goal against Wales we wouldn’t be bigging him up as much though.that goal papers over a lot of cracks as good as it was. I see him back in the championship soon tbh.hes all about effort as opposed to technique.that only gets ya so far,especially in the position he plays as well.
@@baz6375: Your 100% right but with MON system he was essential. All the one now. Don’t think we’ll be at another major championship anytime soon unfortunately
@Ado Smith: ya.agree on both counts. unfortunately.
@Ado Smith: agree
@@baz6375: certainly did, have a look at paddy mccourts wonder goal last season, reminiscent of George Best
@Zossima: well said
@@baz6375: have u been to many LOI games last season? If so where? If not, why not?
@billy Dorney: been to see City few times Billy.league is definitely improved.I can admit that
@Ado Smith: sadly, you’re probably right
Just shows that MON didnt know how to utilise certain players because hendrick and brady are quality for burnley and poor for ireland
He’s in my fantasy team lovely
Can’t see the video, is there an alternative link?
@Jack O’Connell: cheers jack
Brady , Hendrick and Ward can play football for Burnley and Martin O’ Neill only lets them play hoofball for Ireland .
Martin O’ Neill has fallen behind todays football . Give us a manager that wants to play some football at least .
Wonderful things can happen when the manager decides to play the player in the actual position he built his reputation playing in. Think Brady ended up playing about 3 different positions in that Denmark game, as MON’s old mentor famously said ‘football is a simple game made complicated by idiots’. MON’s tactics as Ireland manager are idiotic!!