Scotland don’t faze Serbia in the play-offs
Serbia manager Ljubisa Tumbakovic reckons their Euro 2020 semi-final against Norway is the real final – because Scotland are weaker than both of them.
Steve Clarke’s side will face a trip to either Belgrade or Oslo for the Play-off Final if they can take care of Israel in the semi at Hampden on March 26.
But Tumbakovic believes the winner of their game against Norway will qualify after admitting he doesn’t rate Scotland.
He said: “Scotland and Israel are not the same quality as Norway or ourselves.
“We knew that we would play in Norway before the draw, and I know that will be a harder game than the Final if we get there.
“The easy part would be the Final. To get past Norway in Oslo is extremely tough.
“The Norwegian FA have told us they are expecting 27,000 fans, so it will be a full house. They are used to seeing their team win and that makes it very hard for us.
“If we did get to the Final, it’s a huge advantage that we are at home.”
Meanwhile Israel have handed manager Andreas Herzog a vote of confidence.
The Israelis are in turmoil after their worst qualifying campaign since 1996.
It’s led to calls for the Israeli FA to axe their Austrian boss Herzog, but their technical director, Willi Ruttensteiner, has confirmed their manager will be in charge at Hampden.
He said: “Andreas Herzog will definitely be the manager for the semifinal. That’s absolutely not in doubt. “I am very confident in his ability. “We will study every last detail about Scotland, and the team will be thoroughly prepared for the trip to Glasgow.”
But Israel captain Bibras Natkho has admitted they were gutted when they heard the draw.
He said: “This is the toughest draw we could have. We played there recently and we know how hard it was in their stadium. Their fans are very passionate.
“But we have a chance to make history, and we have to show that we want it more than Scotland.”
And Sevilla striker Moanes Dabour added: “It’s a difficult game, of course it is. But it’s a one-off game and a chance to reach the Final.
“This is our best opportunity in 20 years to make a major Finals.”