A senseless pitch invasion by Serbian fans in last month’s Euro 2016 home qualifier against Albania has cost the Balkan nation dearly and the team fear the ramifications ahead of Friday’s match against Denmark, Nemanja Matic said.
“We have been docked three points and home support we so badly need against the Danes because of a dozen or so idiots who came on to the pitch,” the Chelsea midfielder said.
“The empty terraces will be a huge setback but we have to draw whatever inspiration we can from the situation because this is a vital game for our bid to reach the European Championship."
The Group I match was abandoned in the first half after a remote-controlled drone carrying a flag of “Greater Albania” flew over Partizan’s stadium, triggering a brawl between players after Serbia defender Stefan Mitrovic grabbed it.
Serbian fans invaded the pitch and attacked Albanian players while those crammed in the terraces threw flares and various plastic objects at them, forcing the visitors to run into the tunnel for cover.
Serbia were awarded a 3-0 walkover win but were also deducted three points and ordered to play two home games behind closed doors. The two federations were fined 100,000 euros (99,227.78 pounds) each.
Having been held to a 1-1 draw in their opening fixture at Armenia, Serbia are under pressure to get a faltering campaign on track and their Dutch coach Dick Advocaat acknowledged he was feeling the heat.
Sociedad job the biggest test of my career: Moyes
New Real Sociedad coach David Moyes believes taking over at the Basque club represents the biggest challenge of his career and said he was itching to show what he can do as he seeks to restore his tattered reputation.
Moyes agreed this week to replace Jagoba Arrasate at San Sebastian-based Sociedad, the Scot's first job since his failed stint at Manchester United ended in April, and he told his debut news conference on Thursday he had turned down several offers from Premier League sides to move to Spain.
Arrasate was sacked this month after the club, whose main goal each season is to secure a lucrative berth in European competition, made a poor start to their La Liga campaign and they are 15th after 11 matches.
"Every one you do is a big challenge but I believe this is," Moyes, who has a contract until the end of next season, said when asked if his new role was the biggest test of his career.
"I've had several offers from the Premier League, I've spoken to several clubs in different countries but the only place that has tugged at the heart strings and made me think this is the right club is Sociedad," added the 51-year-old.
"I think at the present time you could say it (La Liga) is the best league in the world.
"I think at the moment it's overtaken the Premiership because of the quality of the players and the teams.
"Also, it's always been a big ambition of mine to manage abroad. I've always felt that to be completely fulfilled as a coach you need to make sure you've tried all the cultures and look to enhance yourself.
"I feel that at the stage I am at just now it's the right time. I'm well rested, I've had six months off and I've got to say I'm raring to go."
Moyes's first match in charge will be a La Liga game away to promoted Deportivo La Coruna on Nov. 22, when they will be looking to build on Sunday's 2-1 morale-boosting win at home to champions Atletico Madrid.
Falcao will soon get back to his best, says Colombia coach
Colombia striker Radamel Falcao is a world class player who will soon rediscover his best form for Manchester United and his country, his international coach Jose Pekerman said on Thursday.
Falcao, on loan from Monaco, has seen only limited action so far in England with United under new manager Louis van Gaal, who has rebuilt the team with several new signings.
He is missing from Colombia’s squad, who are in London to play a friendly against the United States on Friday, due to injury.
Pekerman said the early season was often hard for players who may be adjusting to new a club, coming back from a long injury absence as in Falcao’s case or having had a short pre-season due to playing at the World Cup finals.
"This is a new stage for him and for the (United) team, needing time to adapt to numerous signings, playing in a new competition (like the Premier League),” Pekerman said.
“Falcao is a top player, I’m optimistic he will overcome this stage and soon be at his level,” he added before an evening practice at Fulham’s Craven Cottage ground where Colombia will meet the Americans on Friday.
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