Serbo-Montenegrins win U17 classic
Tuesday, March 23, 2004
Article summary
Poland 3-4 Serbia and Montenegro The Group 3 hosts are beaten in a thrilling encounter.
Article body
Priceless points
Both sides emerged with immense credit from an open and attacking encounter that showcased many of the virtues of youth football. Twice Poland hauled the Serbo-Montenegrins back to parity, before Nemanja Djurovic scored a stoppage-time winner to give his team three points.
Dramatic opening
The game started dramatically, with Ivan Vukovic handing the visitors a fifth-minute lead. They moved 2-0 ahead 16 minutes later when Balša Božovic's effort beat Bartosz Bialkowski in the Polish goal.
Parity restored
However, within four minutes, the hosts had halved the deficit through Artur Marciniak and two minutes after the interval they were level when Filip Burkhardt struck.
Djurovic winner
Božovic's second goal edged Serbia and Montenegro in front in the 61st minute, only for Tomasz Cywka to equalise within 60 seconds. The crowd drew their breath and the match looked to be headed for a draw until Djurovic popped up two minutes into stoppage time to send the Serbo-Monetenegrins wild with delight.
Group wide open
With Italy losing against Turkey in the day's other game, Group 3 is now wide open. The Serbo-Montenegrins face the Italians on Friday while the Poles take on the Turks.
