Bosnia & Herzegovina are better than two years ago, says Portugal coach Paulo Bento
Portugal coach, Paulo Bento, claims that Bosnia & Herzegovina have improved a lot in recent times and will be a more difficult side to beat than they were two years ago. The Seleccao took on the Dragons for the 2010 World Cup play-off and cruised to a 2-0 aggregate victory, a result which the tactician insists will be hard to replicate this time.
The http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ukraine-c3032; however their result saw them face another opponent in the play-offs.
Bosnia & Herzegovina turned out to be the obstacle stopping them from securing their place in next year’s showpiece event and their coach, Safet Susic remained wary of the threat posed by the Navigators, who boast the likes of Helder Postiga and Luis http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Nani-c27299 in their ranks.
Although http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Arsenal-c38429.
The Portuguese trainer was keen to address this issue and said that their opponents had matured into far better side and now possessed players plying their trade at the highest echelons of European football.
Speaking to reporters, the coach said that Bosnia had developed into a strong team and now had top quality players to choose from.
"They have a different maturity when compared to two years ago and they are better players because of that. They have players performing in big teams and in big leagues,” he said.
The manager also said that his squad should be well prepared to match their rivals and employ different tactics to quell them. He also added that he wanted his players to give their best in their match and play with conviction.
"We have to be mentally prepared to fight during 90 minutes. We have to be smart enough to play in a different way sometimes, without taking risks. I want our team to play with heart, but without losing our emotional control. We are going to have to work, run and jump,” Paulo Bento was quoted as saying.
While Portugal boast an impressive attacking line-up their recent defensive woes have been there for all to see. And as Bosnia also have talented front-men at their disposal, it will be an evenly matched encounter but Paulo Bento’s should edge out the competition given the stars playing in their line-up.
The much-awaited tie takes places at Bilino Polje today, with the 2nd leg at Estadio da Luz on the 15th of November.
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