
Belgrade: The Yugoslav parliament has rubber-stamped
constitutional changes so that President Slobodan Milosevic remains
in charge of Serbia for a further eight years. This despite two
appalling thrashes at their most recent home encounters.
After a shocking loss against Bosnia, Serbia did look the goods
against lowly rated Kosovo, clearing out quite early but in a
tactical error by coach Milosevic, Serbia failed to research the
talent that sat on the interchange bench for Kosovo.
The interchange bench contained players from former premiers United
States and England and from former minor premiers Germany . Leading
off the bench for Kosovo was the United States , who possess incredible
firepower and several big guns.
Recent form leading into this contest was a bit ordinary, starting
with a disappointing draw against home side Vietnam after several
periods of extended time. This draw occurring even after secret
weapon , substitute agent orange ", valiantly attempted
to smoother the opposition.The United States followed up with
a hollow victory over substandard Granada . From this however,
the US bounced back with a major victory over leading middle eastern
nation Iraq, who was itself fresh from a victory over Iran in
extra time. This contest, held away in Kuwait , showcased the
firepower of the strong US side completely knocking the Shiite
out of Saddam Husseins Iraqi charges.
Next off the benches for Kosovo was two-time championship winners
England. England had been very quiet since the second championship
win over the powerful German nation ( who they also beat to take
out their first championship). In fact, England had only been
involved in one contest which was with the much hyped but disappointing
Argentina, played away at the Falkland Islands.
The third interchange came from Germany, who had not played any
major encounters since taking two minor premierships in major
championships, however losing convincingly in the finals at the
death, both times to England who, in both contests, came from
behind (as only the English can).
Given all the above information and despite the two recent home
maulings, it was with some surprise that the Yugoslav parliament
decided to stick by Slobodan Milosevic. Though Milosevic himself
states his case very well. Milosevic now claims he has fewer bridges
to cross in proceeding to his next contest.
Who could argue with that ?
Reporter: Steve Webb