Tempers flare as Yugoslavia lose

Three players went sent off as Yugoslavia lost 1-0 to FIFA World Cup finalists Ecuador in the Giants Stadium, New York.

Delgado winner
Agustín Delgado of English side Southampton FC scored the winner with 21 minutes to go against a Yugoslav side who had to then chase an equaliser with nine men after they received their second red card, Dejan Stefanovic following Dejan Stankovic off the pitch.

Red cards
Stankovic received his matching orders on 41 minutes for a crude tackle on Edwin Tenorio. However, numbers were levelled eight minutes into the second half when Carlos Tenorio was ejected by referee Rich Grady, who also booked five players.

Punch ends Stefanovic's game
This did nothing to improve tempers, though, in a game in which Yugoslavia allowed few scoring chances to Ecuador, who largely dominated possession. But the European side effectively conceded the game when Delgado shot home a loose ball in the Yugoslav box, and then Stefanovic was sent off for punching an opponent in the immediate aftermath.

'Excellent technique'
Yugoslavia were praised by Ecuador coach Hernán Darío Gómez after the game. "Yugoslavia are a very good team, tough and fast, and they also have excellent technique," he said. Dejan Savicevic's side are now looking ahead to their EURO 2004™ qualifying campaign, in which they face Finland, Italy, Wales and Azerbaijan.

Warning for Italy and Croatia
Ecuador's performance will have been noted by Yugoslavia's neighbours Croatia and Italy, who will face the South Americans in the World Cup next month. Mexico are the fourth team in Group G.