Montenegro aim to make life tough for Roy Hodgson’s boys

 
Getty
7 June 2013

Montenegro can put a dent in England’s hopes of automatic qualification for the 2014 World Cup by moving five points clear at the top of Group H tonight.

Reaching next summer’s finals in Brazil is still in England’s hands but their task will be made much harder if Montenegro beat Ukraine in Pogdorica.

Should Roy Hodgson’s side win their four remaining qualifiers, against Moldova, Ukraine, Montenegro and Poland, they will finish top of the group.

But Montenegro will be in the driving seat if they win tonight. Ukraine, who still have to play minnows San Marino home and away, will move within a point of England if they win.

Montenegro captain Mirko Vucinic said: “Ukraine is the most important and maybe the most difficult match for our team. We play against a very tough opponent but if we play like we played in the second half against England, we can win.

“I am not afraid of Ukraine, I am more afraid of us. Against Poland and England at home, we started poorly, played without calmness, just with heart. We must be focused from the first minute.”

Montenegro, who are without former Manchester City Stefan Savic through injury, play England at Wembley in October and then face a tricky trip to Poland.

Montenegro finish their qualifying campaign at home against Moldova and their coach Branko Brnovic said: “Many people are already thinking about the games in Warsaw and London, and the World Cup, but I should warn that out of the last eight matches, the only time Ukraine have lost is against us. All I want is to sound a warning of caution.”

Poland, who are third in the group, will move just one point behind England if they beat Moldova in tonight’s other Group H qualifier.

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