Boskov defends below-par displays

Boskov believes his team will come good at Euro 2000

Yugoslavia boss Vujadin Boskov has told a news conference that his team will show their "true colours" during Euro 2000.

The rallying cry comes after a disappointing Asian tour, which saw the Yugoslavs win against China but then draw twice with South Korea.

The press then tore into Boskov's team when they lost 4-2 to a Hong Kong select eleven.

The 69-year-old told reporters that the trip to the Far East was a useful exercise in steering well clear of their Group C rivals Slovenia, Spain and Norway.

"We went there to hide from our group C opponents. The lads were tired and jetlagged too, but they will show their true colours when it matters," said Boskov.

Opposition fear

"We will play all for one and one for all, and hopefully in the final match of Euro 2000 too."

But Boskov was keen to stress that he also feared the opposition.

"Norway are a handful and Slovenia have nothing to lose. Spain need no introduction."

Striker Darko Kovacevic was reserved in his outlook.

"We must take it one match at a time and get past the group stage first," he commented.

"It could be crucial for what happens next. The team spirit would be high and then we could start thinking about the semifinals."