Revamped Yugoslavia edge past Norway

Yugoslavia’s young star striker Mateja Kezman was sent off by Scottish referee Hugh Dallas seconds after being substituted on, after a crude foul on Erik Mykland as tempers flared near the end. Six more Yugoslav players saw yellow cards.

The win left Yugoslavia top of the group with four points, followed by Spain and Norway with three each, and Slovenia on one, with the Yugoslavs facing Spain and Norway with the easier task of Slovenia in Wednesday’s final group matches.

Norwegian coach Niels-Johan Semb angrily accused the Yugoslavs of play-acting and time-wasting in the second half. “I didn’t think we played more than 15 minutes in the second half — this must be a new World record,” he said.

“It was very much sabotage out there. That is not fair play, that is against the idea of football, and I’m very upset about it.”

His Yugoslav counterpart Vujadin Boskov said his team had showed their determined side. “I am very grateful to our players,” he said. “I think this match shows that they wanted to apologise for the first half against Slovenia.” However, the red card for Kezman was harsh.

Midfield veteran Dragan Stojkovic led the Yugoslav surge back into expected form after their near-debacle against Slovenia. The 35-year-old Japanese J-League player inspired his side into a truly workmanlike performance.

Milosevic, who had led the rally back from being three down against Slovenia in their first match, was credited with the winner, but it was not fully clear whose legs it went in off.

Defender Vegard Heggem was challenging as the striker lunged at a free kick – but television replays were unable to show clearly whose foot the ball touch before slewing into the Norwegian net.

Other first-half highlights were fine saves at each end — first Tor Andre Flo testing Yugoslav keeper Ivica Kralj, then the elusive Predrag Mijatovic stretching Thomas Myhre.

Stojkovic, whose passes had been a constant menace, then nearly scored an outstanding goal just before the break, his delicate lob from the right over Myhre’s – well off his line – just going wide.

Norway came further into the game during the second half, with several powerful moves involving Flo and Steffen Iversen as the side played their high crosses into the penalty area.

At the other end, Mijatovic several times came close, while Norwegian defender Eggen – not having the best of matches – nearly shot a spectacular own goal while cutting out a cross to Mijatovic.

Passion were running high by the final quarter of an hour as the Yugoslavs shut down and the Norwegians desperately went for the equaliser, John Carew firing wide in the best chance.

Scottish referee Dallas ended up distributing six yellow cards to the Yugoslav players — plus the red card to Kezman, who became the second Yugoslav player to get sent off after Sinisa Mihaijlovic in the match against Slovenia.

Man-of-the-Match Stojkovic denied suggestions that his side had been unfair and time-wasting. “I had the impression the Norwegians were a little bit nervous,” he said.

“We deserved to win, and I think that we played correctly. The red card for Kezman for too severe — yellow would have been enough.”