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The Happiest Day: Bora Milutinovic
The Happiest Day: Bora Milutinovic
The 57-year-old Bora Milutinovic, China's charismatic Yugoslav coach, beamed with every line on his face filled with happiness.
Walking into the press release hall in applause, Milutinovic gave the applause to spectators, leaders, the media and "keep a little for myself". Then he received a set of post cards from representative of the state post office. "From the bottom of my heart, I'm really overjoyed for Chinese people", he said seriously. "We are now qualified for the World Cup finals and I would like to congratulate the players for their efforts in the last 18 months and my congratulation also goes to the leaders, spectators and the media, who have been given active supports to us." Again Milutinovic showed his childish looks and murmured twice in Chinese "no problem, no problem".
"Attitude decides everything", the motto printed on Milutinovic's hat has served as always his goal. "We are a strong team and everything has been done centering round it. After the four-nation soccer tournament a harmonious atmosphere in cooperation has been formed among the coach team, players and me. And the players have been very patient in playing the game". Milutinovic has got his best reward. The Chinese team he led from the very beginning is the first Asian team to get qualified with 16 points from five wins and one draw with two more games yet to play.
Milutinovic's "magic power" sometimes finds its expression in his luck. " At 9 this morning I could see the sun from my window but it began to rain at 4 in the afternoon. I may say the heaven's favoring me". Head coach of Oman admits Shenyang's weather has exerted a great influence on his players, "it's a rare case for us to play under 35 Centigrade degrees". While Milutinovic says, "anything might happen in a soccer game, that's what makes it exciting".
It is another miracle Milutinovic created who once led four national teams into the World Cup finals. When asked whether there is any difference in the Chinese case, he said "I feel no difference, it is easier in China, for we got victory by 5 wins and 1 draw".
World Cup is no longer a dream and people are concerned whether Milutinovic would stay with China. "I have fulfilled my contract with China's football association, which required me to steer China into the World Cup finals. "It's still too early to discuss China's chances in next year's World Cup, and now I only want to enjoy this moment, the happiest moment in my career".
By PD Online Staff Li Heng
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