Latest European Football News

Lithuania coach fearful of complacency

Reuters - Monday 08 September 2008, 14:21

Jose-Couceiro

VILNIUS - Lithuania coach Jose Couceiro warned his team on Monday that they should not get carried away by their shock 3-0 World Cup qualifying win over Romania and concentrate on Wednesday's visit of Austria.

Couceiro, appointed in August, said he was delighted with Saturday's opening win but was wary of complacency creeping in.

"The ambiance (of overexcitement) around the (Lithuanian) team is dangerous," the Portuguese coach told Reuters. "So far, we have won only one match, not the competition, not the championship.

"Austria has won a match against France ... it is a very strong and dangerous team. It is a very difficult match for us and maybe we have a 50 percent chance (to win)."

Austria, led by new coach Karel Brueckner, started their qualifying campaign with an equally unexpected 3-1 victory over France in Vienna.

The surprise early Group Seven front-runners meet at the newly built stadium in Marijampole, southwestern Lithuania.


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