Ukraine vs Slovenia - Slovenia coach Srekco Katanec preying on Ukraine's weakness
Posted Saturday, November 14, 2015 by PA
Slovenia coach Srekco Katanec is confident his team can heap more play-off agony on Ukraine ahead of the first leg of their European Championship qualifying play-off in Lviv.
The Slovenians go into the game on a three-match unbeaten streak after finishing third in Group E behind England and Switzerland, and will be well aware of their opponents' history of falling short.
Ukraine have failed in four World Cup qualifying play-offs, as well as losing a play-off for Euro 2000 to the Slovenians.
And while Katanec will not under-estimate the Ukrainians, who were disappointed to finish third in Group C, he believes there are also some weaknesses his side can exploit.
Katanec told a press conference: "I have watched all of Ukraine's qualifying matches. They have a technically sophisticated and robust team, but their problems are maybe in defence and picking up bookings.
Katanec is able to bring back Miso Brecko, Sinisa Andjelkovic and Benjamin Verbic, all of whom will be in contention to start at some point in the two-legged tie.
Ukraine coach Mykhailo Fomenko admitted his side's poor history in play-off matches weighed heavily on their mind as they look to edge their way into the finals.
Fomenko said: "There's not a lot to be cheerful about - Ukraine have lost all of their previous play-offs but that is history now.
"We have experience of beating France in a home first leg (in their 2014 World Cup qualifying play-off) and we will use that in our preparations."
In a further blow to Ukrainian hopes, Fomenko will be without the suspended pair of Olexandr Kucher and Taras Stepanenko.
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