Petkovic prepares for new era
Wednesday, November 12, 2003
Article summary
Serbia and Montenegro coach Ilija Petkovic has named three uncapped players in his squad to face Poland.
Article body
Serbia and Montenegro coach Ilija Petkovic has named three uncapped players in a 20-man squad as he begins a "one-year preparation period" with a friendly international against Poland in Plock on Sunday.
Experimental side
It will be an experimental side which will take to the field against the Poles as Petkovic assesses different players and formations ahead of the start of qualifying for the 2006 FIFA World Cup next year. The three newcomers are FK Sutjeska goalkeeper Zoran Banovic, Toulouse FC defender Predrag Ocokoljic and striker Marko Pantelic from FK Sartid.
'Sparring partners'
"I want to see how much the young players give us," said Petkovic. "We are not weakened, simply using this opportunity to check all of our potential. Poland are in the same situation as us after failing to qualify [for UEFA EURO 2004™]. Both teams are starting a period of change and, therefore, we are excellent sparring partners."
Serbia and Montenegro squad
Zilic, Banovic, Markovic, Krstajic, Djordjevic, Dudic, Malbasa, Sarac, Ocokoljic, Stankovic, Mladenovic, Duljaj, Ilic, Boskovic, Brnovic, Vukic, Milosevic, Kovacevic, Iliev, Pantelic.
