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China Loses to Yugoslavia in Soccer Friendly
China conceded one goal in each half to lose 2-0 to Yugoslavia in an international soccer friendly in Beijing on Thursday. "I am satisfied with my players' performance in the game. They were very disciplined and they did what they could in the match," Milutinovic told reporters after the match.
The hosts put a lot pressure on the visitors' defense and created several scoring chances early in the game. Fifteen minutes into the first half, Chinese strike Su Maozhen broke away into the box but his slap shot just sailed past the pole.
Four minutes later, another Chinese striker Hao Haidong also missed a golden chance with a feeble shot.
The Yugoslavians broke the deadlock on their first shot in the 20th minute. Chinese goalkeeper Ou Chuliang hit a Yugoslavian pass to the feet of Kezman Mateja and the Yugoslavian strike's slap shot beat the Chinese goalie out of balance.
Velibor Milutinovic, China's Yugoslavian head coach, replaced several starters after the game resumed while Yugoslavian stars Miyatovic Predrag and Kovacevic Darko also joined in.
In the 70th minute, Kovacevic, who played for the Italian powerhouse Juventus, scored on a precise pass set up by Miyatovic and sealed the victory for the visitors.
"I am satisfied with my players' performance in the game. They were very disciplined and they did what they could in the match," Milutinovic told reporters after the match.
"We should not be sad just due to the defeat. Considering that Yugoslavia is a high-standard crack side, I think we can accept the result," he added.
Yugoslavia's manager Boskov Vujadin praised his compatriot who shoulders China's hope of making 2002 World Cup finals. "Velibor is a good coach and the Chinese team has undergone a lot of improvement under his guide. I believe that China has a good chance of qualifying for the 2002 World Cup finals."
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