Boskov feels the heat

Boskov will be hoping for goals from veteran Mijatovic

Coach Vujadin Boskov has promised a summer feast for Yugoslav fans - but there are increasing signs of disquiet from both his own players and the country's media.

They are the perennial dark-horses on the footballing stage and if the team peform as well as their coach claims they can, then Yugoslavia are set for big things at Euro 2000.

According to Fifa, Yugoslavia are ranked seventh among the 16 nations participating in the championship.

And their impressive qualification amidst the miliatary upheaval back home and changes to their coaching staff would appear to reinforce Boskov's confidence.

We've got more world class players than any other European country

Vujadin Boskov

Despite the recent lacklustre 1-0 victory over China, coach Boskov has boldly promised the nation a summer feast by winning Euro 2000.

"Our squad is made up of world class players capable of beating anyone on the day," he claimed.

"We've got more world class players than any other European country and my task is to mould a championship-winning side."

Conflicting approach

It would appear that Yugoslavia are torn between playing their youngsters and using the experience of some of the elder statesmen.

Boskov has said he would have to include more than just a few home-based young players - but the Yugoslav media and most of the players appear to be a little less supportive.

Mijatovic wants a balance

Striker Predrag Mijatovic, one of those pushing the wrong side of 30, hopes the recent suggestion by Boskov that he will recall the veterans will materialise.

"It would be counter-productive for both the young players and the squad if a bulk of teenagers were to have their baptism by fire at the European Championship finals," Mijatovic said after the China friendly.

His case was backed with the under-21 team's 3-0 drubbing at the hands of England in a decisive European Championship qualifier at a neutral venue in Barcelona.

It is recognised though that the game at the top level is played at a torrid pace and a squad packed with 30-year-olds may struggle with a gruelling three-week tournament.

"We will hit top form in time for the competition," Mijatovic said in response to the criticism voiced after the efforts against China.

Pinnacle

Many of Yugoslavia's players see the finals as the pinnacle of their careers and the last chance to win a major trophy for their country, after being banished from international competition for two European Championships over political conflicts in the former Yugoslavia.

The success of the team may well depend on the fitness and form of the older players, such as Mijatovic and Sinisa Mihajlovic.

A fanatical Yugolsav support will be hoping Boskov can at last strike the right balance between youth and experience - or the coach's promises will ring a little hollow.