Yugoslavia seek to take revenge

Petvovic’s opposite Vlad Remus, in a toned down approach adds: ‘‘Everyone wants to win,’’ and goes on, ‘‘defeat is something no one would accept. We would put up our best.’’

Therefore, if ‘‘revenge’’ and ‘‘wanting to continue,’’ are pre-match sentiments, stubbornness on either side would be total.

The run up to this stage by both teams are in contrast. Yugoslavia, Group A toppers, have run into higher ranked opposition compared to Romania. A draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina, ranked 79 by FIFA and a one-sided 4-1 win over lowly Bangladesh (151) have not been much of a stretch for them.

Romania, on the other hand, has run into Asian teams below the 100 rung Jordan (106) and Hong Kong (123). Against Jordan, Romania conceded an injury-time goal, making them clear underdogs. Another point to note here is that the Yugoslavs are a composition of players mostly from First Division leaders Partisan Belgrade, while Romania barring a few are a mixture from Second Division clubs.

However, Petvovic reserves his comments on this aspect. ‘‘They are a good team and I respect the side.’’

Another aspect to be taken into count is the fact that Romania would be playing on a familiar venue, it is Yugoslavia who are the new-comers. Does this act as a negative factor and Vladislav Bogicevic, their assistant coach, says ‘‘No.’’The teams have their own USPs if closely examined. Romania have a good mid-field in playmaker Sanmatean Lucian, Zlati Aurelian and Luca Loan who have been instrumental in all goals scored (read: four so far), their strikers Sasu Marius and Liviu Zahriue have been rather mediocre, lacking that penetrative self.

The defence has been average, judged from the fact that they have let in three goals too. Yugoslavia, have clicked as a team. Consider this: All the five goals they have scored so far have been through three players. Striker Sasa Liic has been the livewire of the lot two goals to his name, while Goran Trobok and medio Petrovic Dusan have been impressive too.

Questioning Petvovic about the mantra he preaches, sporting a smile he replies: ‘‘Ambition and hard-work…There is no substitute as there are many waiting to grab the opportunity back-home.’’

A win for Yugoslavia would mean a birthday gift to Jovan Tanasijevic, who turns 22, on Saturday.