Partizan achieved 13th league win in a row ahead of another international break. It was young centre-back Mihajlo Ilic who scored a winner deep in injury time. Saldanha scored the game`s opener on 21 while Miladinovic cancelled Partizan lead on 84.
We spoke to 20-year-old Ilic after the game.
How do you feel tonight?
“This was the game with European competition intensity. Cukaricki is a good side and this was a fine match with lots of opportunities. I came out as crucial tonight and I`m so happy about it. But, it doesn`t matter who does it as long as we win. So far, I had at least one opportunity to score in every game but it just wasn`t happening for me. But, I did score now, when it really mattered”, said Ilic.
You battled with Cukaricki players all the way through.
“It was a truly demanding game but good for all of us. I`m a bit sad we conceded after a great clean sheet run. But, it doesn`t matter now, it`s three points that matter. We have international break now, a chance to get a good rest. Then we will return to move on forward and get ready for the rest of the challenges”.
Your teammate from Serbian youths scored a goal for Cukaricki.
“They have some good players. Miladinovic scored and I`m happy for him. He`s a true professional and I congratulate him on his feat”.
Some players will have a bit of rest, but you will join Serbia youths tomorrow.
“We will gather in Novi Sad tomorrow ahead of return games against England and Luxembourg”.
You received a senior national team call-up last time around but you were sent back to help the youths. How much being on the Dragan Stojkovic`s list of players means to you?
“Of course it means a lot to me. That`s my biggest career step forward so far, a senior national team call-up. It`s a great honour being around best Serbian players, representing our country, reaching the final list of players. It`s one step forward but I have to remain calm and focused, to keep it going like this. Everything starts from right here, from my home club performances”.
Igor Duljaj said about you, “we have to have patience with him, he`sd young and he means a lot to Partizan”. How much advice from Duljaj, skipper Markovic or other players means to you?
“Any kind of support and praise means a lot, both from coach and teammates. We all stand together and support each other, especially us at the backline. When a blunder happens, when one player makes a mistake, the other is there to correct him. I was in the spotlight tonight but it doesn`t really matter as long as we pick up three points”.
Talking about the backline, keeper Jovanovic was ill between the post, playing without a training session behind him lately.
“He did a heroic job! It wasn`t easy to guard your net 50% fit. Stevanovic was suspended and young third-choice keeper Radulaski was also suffering from fever. I`d like to thank Jovanovic and all the teammates for their fighting spirit and winning desire”.
Usually, players dedicate their first goal to their family, team or supporters. This goal is for whom?
“To my family, of course. My sister and dad were on the stands while mum watched it live on TV”.
Did you speak with your mum?
“Not yet, I call her as soon as I hop on the bus”.
