Tottenham Hotspur player Clint Dempsey insists that the club must score an early goal against Maribor tonight if they wish to progress through to the next stage of the Europa League.
The American international believes that Tottenham’s progress in the European competition lies in their own hands.
The North London club currently lies in third place in Group J after drawing all three of their opening games. Tottenham failed to make an impact in the competition, and need a result to qualify for the next round.
Tottenham’s last meeting with the Slovenian side ended in a goalless stalemate, and now Tottenham host Maribor tonight at White Hart Lane, badly in need of a result which will take them up in the group.
Clint Dempsey joined the club in a last minute deadline day move during the summer from Fulham. The American has been playing in http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/England-c749 since 2007, and is considered a vital addition to the Spurs squad in light of his Premier League experience and attacking
pedigree.
Dempsey says that his teammates will not be underestimating Maribor tonight, especially after the hard time their opponents gave them on Match day 3 in http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Slovenia-c3008. The American is also aware that if Tottenham slip up tonight, their future in the tournament
is under serious doubts.
Speaking to reporters, the American forward said:
"[Maribor] scored first but we showed the character to get back in the game and put ourselves in a position where we are still right in there in the group," the American reflected to the club's official website on the first game.”
"It's in our hands and that's all you can ask for. Everything is still to play for and it’s about taking care of business in the next three games."
A win for Tottenham tonight will lift them up to second spot in Group J, and with a trip to http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Lazio-c39775 later this month, Tottenham will be in prime position for qualifying through to the next stage. The club will host Greek side Panathinaikos on
December 6 to conclude the group stages of the competition.
With three games left, Tottenham need to win at least 2 to ensure progression. With key players returning from injury, the team will be confident of its chances.
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