Player Watch

Pedrag Mijatovic, YugoslaviaYugoslavia's Pedrag Mijatovic, whose side meet Germany in a winner-takes-all battle here on Sunday, is on the ve...

Pedrag Mijatovic, Yugoslavia

Yugoslavia8217;s Pedrag Mijatovic, whose side meet Germany in a winner-takes-all battle here on Sunday, is on the verge of crowning a wonderful domestic season with international success. The 29-year-old Real Madrid striker scored the winner in the European Cup final , hit an amazing seven goals in two World Cup play-offs against Hungary, and now further international success beckons.

When Mijatovic returned to Yugoslavia in 1987 as one of an under-20 team which had just won the World Youth Cup in Chile, little did he know it would be another 11 years before he returned to the world stage. That generation who played in Chile are only now preparing for what could be their finest hour, after being denied by international sanctions imposed on their country. When he joined Real Madrid in the summer of 1995, Mijatovic resumed his striking partnership with striker Davor Suker who now plays for Croatia.

Andoni Zubizarreta, Spain

Spain8217;s veteran goalkeeper AndoniZubizarreta bounced back yesterday from a nightmare defeat against Nigeria to keep a clean sheet as he equalled the record number of international appearances for a 8216;keeper.

But there was nothing 36-year-old Zubi could do to get Spain the one goal they needed to break down a solid Paraguay defence in a disappointing goalless draw in Group D.

Spain8217;s ageing 8216;keeper was blamed for two of Nigeria8217;s three goals in the 3-2 defeat last Saturday in Nantes, but yesterday he made some fine saves, including an acrobatic effort to tip over a curling shot from Paraguayan dangerman Miguel Benitez. Nevertheless, Zubizaretta must have been pleased with his performance against Paraguay as he matched the record 125 caps completed by England keeper Peter Shilton at the 1990 World Cup.

He also pleased his 14-year-old son by making sure that Chilavert did not have the opportunity to become the first goalkeeper to score in the World Cup.

Story continues below this ad

Zubi junior, a budding 8216;keeper in Valencia, had called his father before the matchand told him, 8220;Whatever you do, don8217;t let Chilavert score against you in St Etienne.8221;

Not that Zubizaretta had to make a save from Chilavert whose only goal-bound effort from a first half free-kick was blocked by a wall of Spanish defenders. But while Zubi has recovered his poise and his confidence, he knows that his team-mates must do the same if Spain, one of the pre-tournament favourites, are to reach the second round.