David Moyes needs West Ham to complete the job off and high their Europa League group.
Tomas Soucek struck late on but once more because the Hammers secured their passage into the knock-out phases with a 1-0 win in opposition to Backa Topola in Serbia.
Now they should keep away from defeat to Freiburg on the London Stadium in a fortnight to make sure they high Group A and keep away from a two-legged play-off in February.
“We’re thrilled at West Ham that we’re going to play in Europe after Christmas time for the third season,” Hammers boss Moyes mentioned at his post-match press convention.
“Even playing Freiburg in the last game to win the group is hugely important. But I’d have taken this at the start of the season, if you’d said we’ll finish second I’d have taken that.
“Freiburg are a good side and we are going to have to play well.”
Czech midfielder Soucek, who struck with an 89th-minute volley to settle a poor match, has now scored in his final 5 matches for membership and nation.
Soucek additionally hit the late purpose which secured a 2-1 win at Burnley within the Premier League on Saturday.
“Tomas is in great form, not only for us but for his country as well,” added Moyes.
“Let’s continue. His first season he got 10 goals for us and it’s seven now so he has a chance to reach that figure again.
“We made a few changes, some with illness, we were always going to try some other players tonight to give them game time.”
“We scored two late goals on Saturday to beat Burnley and as a manager sometimes it’s good to win game late.”
