National football team manager Srečko Katanec can count on all his players for the two-legged affair against Ukraine. One of his key players is seasoned veteran Valter Birsa, who has already played in the 2010 World Cup qualification playoffs. “Perhaps this does count as experience, but we also need new, fresh players, and we need to remain positive … If the atmosphere is right, the players can get their mojo going and things will run more smoothly,” said Birsa.

The need to play smart
“We stand a good chance of winning the game if we remain composed and if we capitalize on their mistakes while minimizing ours. We need to outrun and outcompete them. I think we can pull it off. The Ukrainians play in high-profile clubs, and the Ukrainian Premiere League is very competitive. The players could ply their trade abroad but they don’t have to because they earn top salaries at home. The Ukrainians know what’s what, they’ve known each other for a long time, and they play together in the same clubs, so this match won't be a cakewalk,” the 29-year-old midfielder said ahead of the match, adding: “We need to preserve our hopes of advancing through the playoffs after the game in Lviv. We need to play smart and remain alert from start to finish.”

A. V.; translated by D. V.