Gera Confident Of Reaching Last 32

Fulham midfielder Zoltan Gera is confident his side can qualify for the knockout stages of the Europa League by beating FC Basel in Switzerland, following the Cottagers’ 1-0 win over CSKA Sofia at Craven Cottage.

Gera’s first half header settled matters in west London, and Roy Hodgson’s side now know a win in Basel in a fortnight’s time will secure their progress into the last 32.

“Of course it will be a very difficult game,” Gera told Five after the game.

“They [Basel] are a very experienced team in Europe, but we have to win, and I think we can do it.”

Gera revealed nerves had been jangling in the Fulham camp in the closing minutes against CSKA, with the Cottagers having conceded a late goal in their previous Group E home fixture against Roma.

“The second half was very difficult for us,” he added.

“In the first half we started very well, created chances, and could have been two or three up, but in the second half they came. But we defended well, and we deserved the win.

“Against Roma, in both games, we deserved more. But we got the result tonight, which is the most important thing.”