A Russian billionaire has offered incentives to Croatia for
beating England in its final Euro 2008 Group E qualifier on
Wednesday, a result that would give Russia a chance to reach the
finals.
Spartak Moscow owner Leonid Fedun said he would donate four
Mercedes cars to Croatia's best players if its team comes away with
a win at Wembley.
Russia had been in the driving seat following last month's shock
win over England in Moscow but lost the initiative after a 2-1
defeat by Israel in Tel Aviv on Saturday.
It must now beat Andorra and hope England loses to Croatia.
Not many in Russia, however, believe that already-qualified
Croatia, who lost 2-0 to Macedonia in Skopje on Saturday after
securing its passage to the Euro finals, has the ability to beat
England at Wembley.
Fedun said he simply wanted to boost Croatia's morale by
offering its goalkeeper and the top three field players each a
Mercedes. Croatia goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa plays for Spartak.
"I'm doing this strictly as a fan," Fedun was quoted as saying
by the Russian media.
"If we have even a small chance we must try to use it."
Israeli media reported that an English businessman had promised
a Mercedes to the Israel player, who scored a winning goal against
Russia.
However, the Israeli FA said Omer Golan, who struck the
injury-time winner, would not be able to accept the gift because it
was deemed to be "beyond the bounds of sportsmanship".
(China Daily via Agencies November 21, 2007)