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Journalism of Courage
Serbia & Montenegro will bid farewell to the World Cup and each other on Wednesday when they face what is likely to be Ivory Coast’s B team.
The Group C basement battle in Munich will be the last at these finals for two teams already eliminated by Netherlands and Argentina. For the eastern Europeans, Montenegro’s vote for independence in May means the soccer remains of Yugoslavia will be reduced to Serbia alone for their next game in August. Serbia & Montenegro, who conceded only one goal in qualifying, are seeking to restore their pride after a 6-0 drubbing by Argentina. “It is very difficult to find a motive for this match. We have tried to focus on it but our morale has been killed off,” said captain Savo Milosevic, who may announce his retirement from international football after the game.
Coach Ilija Petkovic is keen to give the fans something to cheer about in his last match in charge but has a string of injuries and suspensions. Full backs Ivica Dragutinovic and Dusan Basta, midfielder Albert Nadj and forward Danijel Ljuboja are nursing knocks and bruises. Striker Mateja Kezman and winger Ognjen Koroman are suspended. Ivory Coast appear keen to bow out with a victory. “We will do everything to end this tournament with a win,” said Henri Michel ahead of his final game as coach.
Match officals: Referee: Marco Rodriguez (Mexico); Assistant referees: Jose Luis Camargo (Mexico), Leonel Leal (Costa Rica).Philip Blenkinsop
