Boskov: Old heads beat young legs

Boskov is sure his team can go a long way at Euro 2000

Yugoslav coach Vujadin Boskov insists his side are not too old to launch a serious challenge at Euro 2000.

With many of Yugoslavia's key players being on the wrong side of 30, there are doubts about the team's stamina.

But Boskov, the former Sampdoria and Roma boss, told reporters on Friday: "Age is not a problem. The players play at the best clubs in Europe. That is our advantage. We have a lot of experience."

The Yugoslavs, who start their group C campaign against Slovenia on Tuesday, boast an array of talented players but have failed to achieve anything on the international stage since finishing as runners-up in the 1968 European Championships.

The Yugoslavs, who also take on Norway and Spain in the group stages, are rated as 33-1 outsiders despite their experience.

Stojkovic: Final fling

Dragan Stojkovic, one of Boskov's mainstays, said: "We have great talent and players who have been in Italy, Spain - all over. But we have never won anything.

"France are the world champions. Holland are playing at home and Germany are good in tournaments and Italy are good. They are the favourites."

The 35-year-old playmaker, who earns his living in Japan playing for Nagoya Grampus Eight, has announced his decision to retire after one more season in the J-League.

The former Olympique Marseille midfielder, who played in the 1984 European championship as a teenager, said: "This is the last competition for me. I'm saying goodbye and then after one season in Japan I will return to Paris to retire."

The Yugoslavs arrived at their Euro 2000 base near Antwerp after a tiring tour of the Far East, where they struggled against China, South Korea and Hong Kong.

But Boskov said the time difference had been a problem during the tour and his team was now ready for what they expected to be a difficult game against unfancied neighbours Slovenia.