 |
| Yugoslavia at World Cup 1990 |
This is the all-time team for Yugoslavia. Only players who had represented Yugoslavia were eligible. I put players from after the breakup of Yugoslavia over here. I have also create an all-time team for Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Macedonia/Montenegro/Kosovo.
When I first created this Yugoslavia All-Time team in 2014, I included players who were not active during the existence of the country. However, when I did a review of the team in March, 2022, I decided to limit this team with footballers only from during the existence of Yugoslavia. I also limited footballers for my all-time team with the Soviet Union and East Germany (DDR) respectively. I also created Yugoslavia after break up (1992) All-Time Team.
Any players capped by Yugoslavia is eligible. Serbia and Montenegro continued to play under the name FR Yugoslavia until 2003. It was hard not to select players playing a banner named Yugoslavia. All players who played under the name FR Yugoslavia are entitled for selection.
Historically, Yugoslavia was loaded with football talents, but they did not perform as well as they should have. They only reached two European Championship Finals in 1960 and 1968 and won an Olympic Gold Medal in 1960. In 1976, they also reached the semi-final of the European Championship. In 1930, they also reached the semifinal of the 1930 World Cup Finals. The most recent memorable result probably came in 1987 when they won the U-20 World Cup. The backbone of the team helped Red Star Belgrade to win the European Cup in 1991. The players went on to star in major clubs throughout Europe. But they were banned from entering the Euro 1992. Many people believed that they could have won the tournament because when they finished ahead of eventual champion Denmark in the Euro 1992 Qualifiers. I have created an imaginary Yugoslavia 1994 World Cup team.
Historically, Yugoslavia was loaded with football talents, but they did not perform as well as they should have. They only reached two European Championship Finals in 1960 and 1968 and won an Olympic Gold Medal in 1960. In 1976, they also reached the semi-final of the European Championship. In 1930, they also reached the semifinal of the 1930 World Cup Finals. The most recent memorable result probably came in 1987 when they won the U-20 World Cup. The backbone of the team helped Red Star Belgrade to win the European Cup in 1991. The players went on to star in major clubs throughout Europe. But they were banned from entering the Euro 1992. Many people believed that they could have won the tournament because when they finished ahead of eventual champion Denmark in the Euro 1992 Qualifiers. I have created an imaginary Yugoslavia 1994 World Cup team.
In my opinion, Luka Modric is the greatest ever player from the former Yugoslavia. However, he is not eligible to be on this team. He came after the breakup of Yugoslavia. I have created an All-Time Team for Yugoslavia after breakup. Vladimir Beara, Dragan Dzajic, Branco Zebec, Bernard Vukas, Dragan Stojkovic and Dejan Savicevic were probably the greatest ever footballers who played under the name Yugoslavia.
Yugoslavia World Cup 1994
Yugoslavia World Cup 2018
Team
GK: Vladimir Beara
Vladimir Beara played on three World Cups; 1950, 1954 and 1958. He was considered one of the greatest keepers from the Warsaw Pact. With Hajduk Split , he won the Yugoslav league title in 1950, 1952 and 1955. In 1955, he moved to Belgrade's Red Star, where he won even more Yugoslav league titles, in 1956, 1957, 1959, 1960, and won the Yugoslav Cup in 1958 and 1959. He ended his career in German clubs Alemannia Aachen and Viktoria Köln.
GK: Milutin Soskic
Milutin Soskic was a legend with FK Partizan between 1955 and 1966. In 1966, Partizan reached the Final of the European Cup, where they lost to the Ye-Ye team of Real Madrid. He later played for Koln in Germany from 1966 to 1971, winning the German Cup in 1968. He was capped by Yugoslavia for 50 times between 1959 and 1966. He won an Olympic gold medal at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome. He helped Yugoslavia to 4th place in the 1962 World Cup.
GK: Ivan Ćurković
Curkovic played for Velež Mostar, Partizan and Saint-Étienne. Ćurković was instrumental in the successful runs of Saint-Étienne's football club to the top of the French League and to the finals of the European Cup in the 1975–76 season. He played alongside French legend Michel Platini from 1978 to 1981. He was capped 19 times for Yugoslavia.
Yugoslavia World Cup 2018
 |
| European Championship in 1976 |
GK: Vladimir Beara
Vladimir Beara played on three World Cups; 1950, 1954 and 1958. He was considered one of the greatest keepers from the Warsaw Pact. With Hajduk Split , he won the Yugoslav league title in 1950, 1952 and 1955. In 1955, he moved to Belgrade's Red Star, where he won even more Yugoslav league titles, in 1956, 1957, 1959, 1960, and won the Yugoslav Cup in 1958 and 1959. He ended his career in German clubs Alemannia Aachen and Viktoria Köln.
GK: Milutin Soskic
Milutin Soskic was a legend with FK Partizan between 1955 and 1966. In 1966, Partizan reached the Final of the European Cup, where they lost to the Ye-Ye team of Real Madrid. He later played for Koln in Germany from 1966 to 1971, winning the German Cup in 1968. He was capped by Yugoslavia for 50 times between 1959 and 1966. He won an Olympic gold medal at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome. He helped Yugoslavia to 4th place in the 1962 World Cup.
GK: Ivan Ćurković
Curkovic played for Velež Mostar, Partizan and Saint-Étienne. Ćurković was instrumental in the successful runs of Saint-Étienne's football club to the top of the French League and to the finals of the European Cup in the 1975–76 season. He played alongside French legend Michel Platini from 1978 to 1981. He was capped 19 times for Yugoslavia.
RB: Milutin Ivković
Milutin Ivković played 39 times for Kingdom of Yugoslavia. He played for them at 1928 Summer Olympics and FIFA World Cup 1930, where they reached the semifinal. He was voted into the Team of the Tournament. He is considered the best rightback in Yugoslavian football history. Fir club football, he played for SK Jugoslavija and BASK. He obtained a medical degree in 1931 while serving as an active player. During the War, he was an active in resistance movement. He was executed by firing squad in 1943.
RB: Branko Stanković
Branko Stanković was best remembered for his career with Red Star Belgrade, where he won 4 league titles and established himself as one of the best defender in Yugoslavian football history. He participated at two World Cups and twice at Olympic Games. Stanković is one of the most elegant defensive players of his time. Because of his playing style, he earned his nickname Ambassador.
Milutin Ivković played 39 times for Kingdom of Yugoslavia. He played for them at 1928 Summer Olympics and FIFA World Cup 1930, where they reached the semifinal. He was voted into the Team of the Tournament. He is considered the best rightback in Yugoslavian football history. Fir club football, he played for SK Jugoslavija and BASK. He obtained a medical degree in 1931 while serving as an active player. During the War, he was an active in resistance movement. He was executed by firing squad in 1943.
 |
| Milutin Ivković (R) |
Branko Stanković was best remembered for his career with Red Star Belgrade, where he won 4 league titles and established himself as one of the best defender in Yugoslavian football history. He participated at two World Cups and twice at Olympic Games. Stanković is one of the most elegant defensive players of his time. Because of his playing style, he earned his nickname Ambassador.
CB: Ivica Horvat
Ivica Horvat gained 60 caps for Yugoslavia between 1946 and 1956. He played in both 1950 and 1954 World Cup Finals and won a silver medal at the 1952 Summer Olympics. In the Final, they lost the legendary Hungarian team of the 1950's. Horvat played from 1945 until 1957 for Dinamo Zagreb. In 1957 he moved to Germany to play for Eintracht Frankfurt, where he stayed until the end of his career.
CB: Velibor Vasovic
Velibor Vasovic was a legend at FK Partizan. He lost the European Cup to Real Madrid in 1966. A year later, he later joined Ajax and established himself as one of the best defenders in Europe. In 1971, he captained Ajax as they won their first European Cup, playing alongside Johan Cruyff. He is considered one of the greatest Ajax defenders. He played 32 times for Yugoslavia. He was one of the greatest sweepers ever played the game.
CB: Josip Katalinski
Josip Katalinski was capped 41 times for Yugoslavia between 1972 and 1977. He went to Euro 1976 where Yugoslavia was the host. He scored the winning goal for the game against Spain that helped Yugoslavia to qualify for the World Cup in 1974. For club football, he played for FK Željezničar from 1965 to 1975. He made more than 250 league appearances and, although he was a defender, he scored 48 league goals. In 1975, he joined Nice in France, where he played until 1978. He was the Yugoslav Footballer of the Year in 1974.
Ivica Horvat gained 60 caps for Yugoslavia between 1946 and 1956. He played in both 1950 and 1954 World Cup Finals and won a silver medal at the 1952 Summer Olympics. In the Final, they lost the legendary Hungarian team of the 1950's. Horvat played from 1945 until 1957 for Dinamo Zagreb. In 1957 he moved to Germany to play for Eintracht Frankfurt, where he stayed until the end of his career.
CB: Velibor Vasovic
Velibor Vasovic was a legend at FK Partizan. He lost the European Cup to Real Madrid in 1966. A year later, he later joined Ajax and established himself as one of the best defenders in Europe. In 1971, he captained Ajax as they won their first European Cup, playing alongside Johan Cruyff. He is considered one of the greatest Ajax defenders. He played 32 times for Yugoslavia. He was one of the greatest sweepers ever played the game.
CB: Josip Katalinski
Josip Katalinski was capped 41 times for Yugoslavia between 1972 and 1977. He went to Euro 1976 where Yugoslavia was the host. He scored the winning goal for the game against Spain that helped Yugoslavia to qualify for the World Cup in 1974. For club football, he played for FK Željezničar from 1965 to 1975. He made more than 250 league appearances and, although he was a defender, he scored 48 league goals. In 1975, he joined Nice in France, where he played until 1978. He was the Yugoslav Footballer of the Year in 1974.
 |
| Josip Katalinski |
Sinisa Mihajlovic was capped 63 times between 1991 and 2003 for Yugoslavia. He won the European Cup with Red Star Belgrade. In 1992, he moved to Italy and became was one of the best defender in Serie A, notably played for Roma, Sampdoria, Lazio and Inter Milan. With Lazio, he won UEFA Cup Winners Cup: 1998–99. He was part of the golden generation of Yugoslav players who won the 1987 FIFA World Youth Championship in Chile.
Fahrudin Jusufi was the greatest fullback in Yugoslavian football history. He played at the 1962 FIFA World Cup and at the 1960 Summer Olympics, where his team won the gold medal. During his career, he played for FK Partizan, Eintracht Frankfurt, Germania Wiesbaden and FC Dornbirn, retiring in 1972. He was part of the Partizan squad when they became vice-champions of Europe after losing the 1966 European Cup Final against Real Madrid.
LW/LB/CB/CM: Branko Zebec (Croatia)
Branko Zebec was one of the greatest players ever from Yugoslavia. In his heyday the player from FK Partizan and Red Star Belgrade fascinated the world with his performances at the World Cups in 1954 and 1958. With Partizan he won 3 Yugoslav Cups (1952, 1954, 1957). With Red Star Belgrade he won the national championship in 1960. He also played in Germany. He led Yugoslavia to second-place at European Champion in 1960. Zebec earned over 60 caps for Yugoslavia between 1951 and 1961.
 |
| Branco Zebec |
CM Ante Zanetic
Ante Zanetic earned 15 caps for the Yugoslavia national team, and participated in the 1960 European Nations' Cup. He won Gold Medal at the 1960 Summer Olympics. He deflected to the West in 1961 when his club team Hajduk Split was playing in West Germany. He moved to Belgium, where he played for for Club Brugge K.V. between 1961 and 1964 and Racing White between 1964 and 1966.
CM: Zlatko Čajkovski
Zlatko Čajkovski was considered one of the best Yugoslavian players ever. He played for FK Partizan before moving to play for Koln in Germany. Internationally, he played twice for the Independent State of Croatia, and between 1946 and 1955 he played 55 times for the Yugoslavia, scoring 7 goals. Participating at the Olympic Games 1948 and 1952 he won the silver medal on both occasions. He also participated in the World Cups of 1950 and 1954.
Zlatko Čajkovski was considered one of the best Yugoslavian players ever. He played for FK Partizan before moving to play for Koln in Germany. Internationally, he played twice for the Independent State of Croatia, and between 1946 and 1955 he played 55 times for the Yugoslavia, scoring 7 goals. Participating at the Olympic Games 1948 and 1952 he won the silver medal on both occasions. He also participated in the World Cups of 1950 and 1954.
AM/CM: Branko Oblak
At home, Branko Oblak was known for his career with Olimpija in Yugoslavia. In 1975 he signed a two-year contract with Schalke 04 of the German Bundesliga for what was a world record fee for that season. He moved to Bayern Muinch two seasons later. He earned 46 caps for Yugoslavia between 1970 and 1977. He played in the 1974 World Cup where he was selected into the team of the tournament. He also played in the 1976 European Championship hosted at home. He was Slovenia's UEFA Jubilee Player. |
| Branko Oblak |
Dejan Savicevic was a part of the Red Star Belgrade team that won the 1990–91 European Cup before joining A.C. Milan in 1992. With Milan, he won three Serie A titles and the 1993–94 UEFA Champions League, beating Barcelona 4-0 in the Final. He represented Yugoslavia at the 1990 and 1998 FIFA World Cups. However, his international career was limited by the FIFA ban on Yugoslavia during the prime of his career. He did not appear in the European Championship of 1992 as a result.
AM: Dragan Stojkovic
Dragan Stojkovic is considered one of the best players in the history of Yugoslavian and Serbian football. He starred for Yugoslavia at the 1990 FIFA World Cup (where he was named in the World Cup All-Star Team) and 1998 FIFA World Cup where he captained the team. He was a star player at Red Star Belgrade, but he was playing for Marseille when Red Star Belgrade beat Marseille in the 1990 Final of the European Cup. He played 84 times for Yugoslavia between 1983 and 2001.
 |
| Dragan Stojkovic |
Dragoslav Sekularac was considered one of the best player in Yugoslavia and Red Star Belgrade history. From 1955 to 1966, he played for Red Star Belgrade. He later played for Independiente Santa Fe in Colombia for five seasons, before transferring to Millonarios from Bogotá and ending his playing career in the German Bundesliga with Karlsruher SC. For Yugoslavia, he played 41 times. He played in the 1958 and 1962 World Cup Finals, where his team reached the semifinal in 1962.
RW: Aleksandar Tirnanić
Aleksandar Tirnanić played 50 times for the Kingdom of Yugoslavia between 1929 and 1940. He went to the WC Finals in 1930, where he became among the youngest goal-scorer in history. Tirnanić spent most of his senior club career with BSK Beograd for which he appeared in 500 matches. He later played for SK Jugoslavija, BASK, Jedinstvo and Sloga .
LW: Dragan Dzajic
Dragan Džajić is viewed by some football experts as perhaps one of the most underrated players in European football, partly because he played in Yugoslavia. He is considered one of the greatest left wing in history of the game. He played most of his career with Red Star Belgrade. He was capped 85 times for Yugoslavia between 1964 and 1978. He was voted the best player at Europran Championship in 1968, where Yugoslavia finished second behind Italy.
LW/FW: Bernard Vukas
In 2000, Bernard Vukas was voted by the Croatian Football Federation as the best Croatian player of all time. He had 59 caps. He was also a part of the Yugoslavia team in the 1950 FIFA World Cup and 1954 FIFA World Cup. With Yugoslavia he won 2 silver medals in the Olympic games: 1948 and 1952. His career was associated with Hajduk Split, but he also played in Italy and Austria.
FW: Stjepan Bobek
Stjepan Bobek played for Partizan between 1945 and 1959 helping them win two Yugoslav First League titles and four Yugoslav Cups, and was named the club's greatest player in history in 1995. Internationally, he is the all-time top scorer for Yugoslavia, scoring 38 goals in 63 appearances between 1946 and 1956, He won two Olympic silver medals (in 1948 and 1952) and played in two World Cups (in 1950 and 1954).
Aleksandar Tirnanić played 50 times for the Kingdom of Yugoslavia between 1929 and 1940. He went to the WC Finals in 1930, where he became among the youngest goal-scorer in history. Tirnanić spent most of his senior club career with BSK Beograd for which he appeared in 500 matches. He later played for SK Jugoslavija, BASK, Jedinstvo and Sloga .
LW: Dragan Dzajic
Dragan Džajić is viewed by some football experts as perhaps one of the most underrated players in European football, partly because he played in Yugoslavia. He is considered one of the greatest left wing in history of the game. He played most of his career with Red Star Belgrade. He was capped 85 times for Yugoslavia between 1964 and 1978. He was voted the best player at Europran Championship in 1968, where Yugoslavia finished second behind Italy.
 |
| Dragan Dzajic |
In 2000, Bernard Vukas was voted by the Croatian Football Federation as the best Croatian player of all time. He had 59 caps. He was also a part of the Yugoslavia team in the 1950 FIFA World Cup and 1954 FIFA World Cup. With Yugoslavia he won 2 silver medals in the Olympic games: 1948 and 1952. His career was associated with Hajduk Split, but he also played in Italy and Austria.
FW: Stjepan Bobek
Stjepan Bobek played for Partizan between 1945 and 1959 helping them win two Yugoslav First League titles and four Yugoslav Cups, and was named the club's greatest player in history in 1995. Internationally, he is the all-time top scorer for Yugoslavia, scoring 38 goals in 63 appearances between 1946 and 1956, He won two Olympic silver medals (in 1948 and 1952) and played in two World Cups (in 1950 and 1954).
ST: Blagojie Marjanovic
Blagojie Marjanovic played 57 times for the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. He was one of the first superstars in Yugoslavia. He played in the WC Finals of 1930, where Yugoslavia reached the semifinal before losing to host and eventual winner Uruguay. He spent most of his career with BSK Belgrade. He was captured as a POW during the War. He returned to football after the war.
ST: Predrag Mijatović
At club level, Mijatović played for six different clubs: Budućnost Podgorica, Partizan, Valencia, Real Madrid, Fiorentina and Levante. He is best remembered for scoring the winning goal against Juventus as Real Madrid won the 1998 Champions' league, its first title since 1966. He played 73 times for Yugoslavia. In 1997, Mijatović was runner-up for the Ballon d'Or, behind Ronaldo and ahead of Zinedine Zidane.
Honorable Mention
lija Pantelić, Enver Marić, Nemanja Vidic, Ivan Buljan and Dragan Holcer, Robert Jarni, Mirsad Fazlagić, Vladimir Durković, Tomislav Crnković, Faruk Hadžibegić, Željko Perušić, Vladimir Jugović, Vujadin Boškov, Safet Susic, Ivan Osim, Zvonimir Boban, Robert Prosinecki, Milorad Arsenijević, Bora Kostić, Davor Suker, Miloš Milutinović, Milan Galic, Rajko Mitić, Ilija Petković, Dražan Jerković. Dejan Stankovic, Bora Kostić, Darko Pančev.
-- Yugoslavia reached the semifinal of the 1930 World Cup. The team consisted of Serbian players only due to historical issue within their football association. I selected three players from that team: Milutin Ivković, Aleksandar Tirnanić and Blagoje Marjanović.
-- The third goalkeeper was tricky. Ivan Ćurković was instrumental in the successful runs of Saint-Étienne's football club to the top of the French League and to the finals of the European Cup in the 1975–76 season. He was on my Saint-Etienne All Time team. Ivan Curkovic had 19 caps. lija Pantelić who helped Yugoslavia to a second place finish at Euro 1968 and Franjo Glaser were often mentioned. Enver Marić had over 30 caps. In the end, I took Curkovic largely because comme ranked him very high.
-- Samir Handanović (Slovenia), Jan Oblak (Slovenia), Asmir Begović (Bosnia and Herzegovina) could easily make this team if they were eligible.
-- Nemanja Vidic was one of the best centerbacks in the world during his prime. His first cap came in 2001 under FR Yugoslavia, making him eligible. However, his best football was played after the end of Yugoslavia. If I dropped Davor Suker, I should also drop Vidic too.
-- After I dropped Vidic, I needed a replacement. It was between Siniša Mihajlović, Ivan Buljan and Dragan Holcer. Siniša Mihajlović was a top defender in Serie A at the time when the league was the best in the world. He could also play in multi-position.
-- The fullback positions were loaded with big names: Fahrudin Jusufi, Branco Zebec, Milutin Ivković and Branko Stanković. Zebec and Jusufi were among the greatest fullbacks from Europe.
-- Robert Jarni was on the original team. On paper, he qualified for this team because his 7 senior caps with Yugoslavia. However, the criteria was overall career. His prime was played after the end of Yugoslavia. Fahrudin Jusufi and Branco Zebec had done more for Yugoslavia. Mirsad Fazlagić, Vladimir Durković and Tomislav Crnković also could not break into the team with the four fullbacks selected.
-- RB Mirsad Fazlagić was signed by Juventus, which was then the most expensive defender of all-time, but an injury kept him from going to Italy.He could make the team if he had the exposure in Italy. He was on the team of the tournament for Euro 1968.
-- The younger generations probably never heard of Dragoslav Sekularac. I credited him with his performance playing for the national team. He made the Team of the Tournament in Euro 1960, where Yugoslavia finished second, and Yugoslavia also reached semifinal of the 1962 World Cup. I credited him with his performance playing for the national team.
-- Robert Prosinecki enjoyed considerable recognition during his prime, yet his peak period was regrettably brief. He failed to fulfill the lofty expectations placed upon him during his stints in Western European club football. His time with both Real Madrid and Barcelona was severely restricted.
-- Zvonimir Boban spent a fruitful career with AC Milan, but the former Yugoslavia had too many attack midfielders.
-- Branko Oblak was selected into the Team of the Tournament for the the World Cup in 1974 and World Soccer Best Xi in 1976. He was also Slovenia UEFA Jubilee Player. I selected him as my last midfielder. The other choice was Safet Susic, but I rewarded Oblak for his World Cup career. Susic was voted as Paris Saint-Germain's greatest player of all time and the best foreign player of Ligue 1 of all time by France Football in 2010. So I would be happy to switch Oblak with Susic.
-- Dejan Savicevic was a right winger while playing for Red Stars Belgrade. So I only took one right winger -- Aleksandar Tirnanić. On the left, Dragan Dzajic was one of the greatest wingers of the 20th Century. In 2000, Bernard Vukas was voted by the Croatian Football Federation as the best Croatian player of all time. He was also first Yugoslavian footballer to play aboard. So I had to leave off left Winger/forward Bora Kostić.
-- Stjepan Bobek is the all-time top scorer for Yugoslavia.
-- Undoubtedly, Davor Suker emerged as the hero of the 1998 World Cup Finals, securing the prestigious title of top scorer. However, in my assessment during the 2022 review, I focused on his contributions to Yugoslavia rather than his achievements for Croatia. It is worth noting that Suker's breakthrough season in club football likely occurred during the 1993-1994 campaign. Thus, in 2022, I made the decision to replace him with Blagoje Marjanović.
-- Blagoje Marjanović was one of the first player from Yugoslavia to turn professional. Yugoslavia reached the semifinal of the 1930 World Cup Finals with him as a star player. I also studied the case of Miloš Milutinović, but Marjanovic was a pioneer in this country. Milan Galić was one goal behind Stjepan Bobek's record as Yugoslavia All-Time leading scorer, and Zlatko Vujović is the second most capped player for Yugoslavia, but I do not have a space for them. Marjanović was only a goal behind Galic.
Starting Lineup
Formation: 4-3-3
Blagojie Marjanovic played 57 times for the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. He was one of the first superstars in Yugoslavia. He played in the WC Finals of 1930, where Yugoslavia reached the semifinal before losing to host and eventual winner Uruguay. He spent most of his career with BSK Belgrade. He was captured as a POW during the War. He returned to football after the war.
ST: Predrag Mijatović
At club level, Mijatović played for six different clubs: Budućnost Podgorica, Partizan, Valencia, Real Madrid, Fiorentina and Levante. He is best remembered for scoring the winning goal against Juventus as Real Madrid won the 1998 Champions' league, its first title since 1966. He played 73 times for Yugoslavia. In 1997, Mijatović was runner-up for the Ballon d'Or, behind Ronaldo and ahead of Zinedine Zidane.
 |
| Predrag Mijatović |
Honorable Mention
lija Pantelić, Enver Marić, Nemanja Vidic, Ivan Buljan and Dragan Holcer, Robert Jarni, Mirsad Fazlagić, Vladimir Durković, Tomislav Crnković, Faruk Hadžibegić, Željko Perušić, Vladimir Jugović, Vujadin Boškov, Safet Susic, Ivan Osim, Zvonimir Boban, Robert Prosinecki, Milorad Arsenijević, Bora Kostić, Davor Suker, Miloš Milutinović, Milan Galic, Rajko Mitić, Ilija Petković, Dražan Jerković. Dejan Stankovic, Bora Kostić, Darko Pančev.
Squad Explanation
-- When I first created this Yugoslavia All-Time team. I included players who were not active during the existence of the country. However, when I did a review of the team in March, 2022, I decided to limit this team to footballers from during the existence Yugoslavia. I created Yugoslavia after break up (1992) All-Time Team.-- Any players who received caps while representing Yugoslavia are considered eligible for selection. Afterward, Serbia and Montenegro continued to compete under the name FR Yugoslavia until 2003. Given this context, it was difficult to overlook players who had the opportunity to play under the banner of Yugoslavia. All players who participated during that period were entitled to be considered for selection.
-- At the time of the review in 2022, Luka Modric, Nemanja Vidic, Robert Jarni, Davor Suker and Samir Handanović were on this team. In 2014, I selected Asmir Begović as my third goalkeeper. He gained name recognition because he played in the modern era and in the Premiership. In August, 2019, I replaced him with Samir Handanović. Samir Handanović was one of four non-Italian goalkeeper to have won the Serie A Player of the Year. If I kept the post-Yugoslavia players, I would have kept the five players above and added Jan Oblak to this team.
-- Anyone who was capped for the name Yugoslavia was eligible. However, I favoured players who performed well under Yugoslavia. For example, Davor Suker played for Yugoslavia and he was probably the greatest striker ever from the region. However, his greatness came after the end of Yugoslavia. So I only put him on honourable mention. The same applied to Robert Jarni. I selected Fahrudin Jusufi and Branko Zebec over him.
-- Luka Modric was one of the main reason why Real Madrid won four Champions League in 5 years. He led his country to the World Cup Final in 2018 while winning the Golden Ball award as well as the following Ballon d'Or. No other player form the former Yugoslavia could claim that. He is the greatest ever from the former Yugoslavia.
-- I also created Soviet Union and East Germany (DDR) all-time teams. I only included players who played during the existence of the two countries. Why should I make an exception for Yugoslavia? So it was another big reason I did the switch. At the time of writing, my Czechoslovakia All-Time Team still consisted of players from after the end of Czecholovakia.
-- Vladimir Beara, Dragan Dzajic, Branko Stanković, Branco Zebec, Bernard Vukas, Dragan Stojkovic and Dejan Savicevic were automatic selections. No explanation was needed. Dragan Dzajic or Dejan Savicevic was the greatest ever player from Yugoslavia.
-- Yugoslavia won the World Youth Cup in 1987, which led to the Golden Generation of the 1990's. In 2014, my team included five players from that era namely Dragan Stojkovic, Dejan Savicevic, Robert Jarni, Predrag Mijatović and Davor Suker. After the review in 2022 when I decided to cut the players from after the breakup, only Stojkovic, Savicevic and Mijatovic remained. I added Siniša Mihajlović as a replacement to the 2022 team. The four of them all played for FR Yugoslavia. The careers of Jarni and Suker were sandwiched between the breakup and the independence of Croatia.
-- At the time of the review in 2022, Luka Modric, Nemanja Vidic, Robert Jarni, Davor Suker and Samir Handanović were on this team. In 2014, I selected Asmir Begović as my third goalkeeper. He gained name recognition because he played in the modern era and in the Premiership. In August, 2019, I replaced him with Samir Handanović. Samir Handanović was one of four non-Italian goalkeeper to have won the Serie A Player of the Year. If I kept the post-Yugoslavia players, I would have kept the five players above and added Jan Oblak to this team.
-- Anyone who was capped for the name Yugoslavia was eligible. However, I favoured players who performed well under Yugoslavia. For example, Davor Suker played for Yugoslavia and he was probably the greatest striker ever from the region. However, his greatness came after the end of Yugoslavia. So I only put him on honourable mention. The same applied to Robert Jarni. I selected Fahrudin Jusufi and Branko Zebec over him.
-- Luka Modric was one of the main reason why Real Madrid won four Champions League in 5 years. He led his country to the World Cup Final in 2018 while winning the Golden Ball award as well as the following Ballon d'Or. No other player form the former Yugoslavia could claim that. He is the greatest ever from the former Yugoslavia.
-- I also created Soviet Union and East Germany (DDR) all-time teams. I only included players who played during the existence of the two countries. Why should I make an exception for Yugoslavia? So it was another big reason I did the switch. At the time of writing, my Czechoslovakia All-Time Team still consisted of players from after the end of Czecholovakia.
-- Vladimir Beara, Dragan Dzajic, Branko Stanković, Branco Zebec, Bernard Vukas, Dragan Stojkovic and Dejan Savicevic were automatic selections. No explanation was needed. Dragan Dzajic or Dejan Savicevic was the greatest ever player from Yugoslavia.
-- Yugoslavia won the World Youth Cup in 1987, which led to the Golden Generation of the 1990's. In 2014, my team included five players from that era namely Dragan Stojkovic, Dejan Savicevic, Robert Jarni, Predrag Mijatović and Davor Suker. After the review in 2022 when I decided to cut the players from after the breakup, only Stojkovic, Savicevic and Mijatovic remained. I added Siniša Mihajlović as a replacement to the 2022 team. The four of them all played for FR Yugoslavia. The careers of Jarni and Suker were sandwiched between the breakup and the independence of Croatia.
 |
| Yugoslavia at the World Youth Cup, 1987 |
-- In the 1960's, Yugoslavia had their best run. They won the Gold Medal at the 1960 Olympics. They reached the Final of the European Championship twice (1960 and 1968). They also finished 4th in the 1962 World Cup Finals. Milutin Šoškić, Ivan Ćurković, Branko Zebec, Ante Zanete, Fahrudin Jusufi and Dragoslav Šekularac were from that era.
-- Dragan Džajić was on the Euro 1968 team. He was also on the 1976 team that reached the semifinal. The 1976 team also included Branko Oblak.
-- Nemanja Vidic, Ivan Buljan and Dragan Holcer, Robert Jarni, Zvonimir Boban, Robert Prosinecki, Davor Suker, Miloš Milutinović, Milan Galic, Željko Perušić, Vladimir Jugović, Vujadin Boškov and Safet Susic were all big names not selected. Yugoslavia was loaded with talents.
Goalkeeper
-- Vladimir Beara was the logic choice followed by Milutin Šoškić for goalkeepers. Šoškić helped Yugoslavia to 4th place in the 1962 World Cup, and he also played for Partizan in the European Cup final against Real Madrid. Both names appeared almost everywhere during my research.-- The third goalkeeper was tricky. Ivan Ćurković was instrumental in the successful runs of Saint-Étienne's football club to the top of the French League and to the finals of the European Cup in the 1975–76 season. He was on my Saint-Etienne All Time team. Ivan Curkovic had 19 caps. lija Pantelić who helped Yugoslavia to a second place finish at Euro 1968 and Franjo Glaser were often mentioned. Enver Marić had over 30 caps. In the end, I took Curkovic largely because comme ranked him very high.
-- Samir Handanović (Slovenia), Jan Oblak (Slovenia), Asmir Begović (Bosnia and Herzegovina) could easily make this team if they were eligible.
Defenders
-- Velibor Vasovic's career was defined by being a pioneer for Total Football when he played with Ajax. He was credited for changing the way the game was played. Josip Katalinski was another distinguished central defender who should be automatic selections. He helped Nice was to finished second place in Ligue 1 for the 1975–76) season. Both Vasovic and Katalinski were liberos. I also selected Ivica Horvat who was a libero, but he is actually on the bubble due to too many liberos on the team.-- Nemanja Vidic was one of the best centerbacks in the world during his prime. His first cap came in 2001 under FR Yugoslavia, making him eligible. However, his best football was played after the end of Yugoslavia. If I dropped Davor Suker, I should also drop Vidic too.
-- After I dropped Vidic, I needed a replacement. It was between Siniša Mihajlović, Ivan Buljan and Dragan Holcer. Siniša Mihajlović was a top defender in Serie A at the time when the league was the best in the world. He could also play in multi-position.
 |
| Sinisa Mihajlovic |
-- Robert Jarni was on the original team. On paper, he qualified for this team because his 7 senior caps with Yugoslavia. However, the criteria was overall career. His prime was played after the end of Yugoslavia. Fahrudin Jusufi and Branco Zebec had done more for Yugoslavia. Mirsad Fazlagić, Vladimir Durković and Tomislav Crnković also could not break into the team with the four fullbacks selected.
-- RB Mirsad Fazlagić was signed by Juventus, which was then the most expensive defender of all-time, but an injury kept him from going to Italy.He could make the team if he had the exposure in Italy. He was on the team of the tournament for Euro 1968.
-- Branko Zebec mainly operated on the left flank. He later played in the center of the midfield. He was the top scorer at the 1952 Olympics, where Yugoslavia won the Silver. The Mighty Magyars of Hungary won the Gold medal and became a legendary team in the history of the game. He could also play as a central defender.
-- DM Vujadin Boškov was a winger, midfielder and even a defender. He was a useful player to be on the team, but I chose Čajkovski and Zanetic over him.
-- Yugoslavia boasted a surplus of exceptional attacking midfielders, leaving me with a challenging task of accommodating Safet Susic, Zvonimir Boban, and Robert Prosinecki. Ultimately, Dragoslav Sekularac, Dragan Stojkovic and Dejan Savicevic got into the team over them. Branko Oblak was the 23rd player selected.
-- Dejan Savicevic was probably one of the most underrated players in history. In the early 1990's, he was among the best player in the world, but he could not play in a World Cup Finals because of the ban on international football for Yugoslavia. In 1992, Denmark won the European Championship, replacing Yugoslavia in Sweden. That could have been his crowning moment. Instead, he helped AC Milan to win an European Cup in 1994 by destroying Johan Cruyff's Dream team in the Final.
Midfielders/Wingers
-- For defensive midfielders, Zlatko Čajkovski and Ante Zanetic were the clear-cut choices. Čajkovski needed no introduction. Two of my most trusted internet bloggers rated Ante Zanetic very high. He was also listed on the annual "Best XI "award by "World Soccer" in 1960. He was the first Croatian to receive that honour. That year, Yugoslavia won the Olympic Gold medal and finished second in Euro 1960. I had also given thought on Željko Perušić who played with Zanetic. I could even not find a spot for Vladimir Jugović who had a fruitful career playing in Italy.-- DM Vujadin Boškov was a winger, midfielder and even a defender. He was a useful player to be on the team, but I chose Čajkovski and Zanetic over him.
-- Yugoslavia boasted a surplus of exceptional attacking midfielders, leaving me with a challenging task of accommodating Safet Susic, Zvonimir Boban, and Robert Prosinecki. Ultimately, Dragoslav Sekularac, Dragan Stojkovic and Dejan Savicevic got into the team over them. Branko Oblak was the 23rd player selected.
-- Dejan Savicevic was probably one of the most underrated players in history. In the early 1990's, he was among the best player in the world, but he could not play in a World Cup Finals because of the ban on international football for Yugoslavia. In 1992, Denmark won the European Championship, replacing Yugoslavia in Sweden. That could have been his crowning moment. Instead, he helped AC Milan to win an European Cup in 1994 by destroying Johan Cruyff's Dream team in the Final.
 |
| Dejan Savicevic |
-- Robert Prosinecki enjoyed considerable recognition during his prime, yet his peak period was regrettably brief. He failed to fulfill the lofty expectations placed upon him during his stints in Western European club football. His time with both Real Madrid and Barcelona was severely restricted.
-- Zvonimir Boban spent a fruitful career with AC Milan, but the former Yugoslavia had too many attack midfielders.
-- Branko Oblak was selected into the Team of the Tournament for the the World Cup in 1974 and World Soccer Best Xi in 1976. He was also Slovenia UEFA Jubilee Player. I selected him as my last midfielder. The other choice was Safet Susic, but I rewarded Oblak for his World Cup career. Susic was voted as Paris Saint-Germain's greatest player of all time and the best foreign player of Ligue 1 of all time by France Football in 2010. So I would be happy to switch Oblak with Susic.
-- Dejan Savicevic was a right winger while playing for Red Stars Belgrade. So I only took one right winger -- Aleksandar Tirnanić. On the left, Dragan Dzajic was one of the greatest wingers of the 20th Century. In 2000, Bernard Vukas was voted by the Croatian Football Federation as the best Croatian player of all time. He was also first Yugoslavian footballer to play aboard. So I had to leave off left Winger/forward Bora Kostić.
Forwards
-- Predrag Mijatović won the 1998 Champions' League with Real Madrid. He scored the winning goal in the Final against Juventus. He played for FK Yugoslavia, which made him eligible.-- Stjepan Bobek is the all-time top scorer for Yugoslavia.
-- In 2014, I included Predrag Mijatović and Davor Suker primarily due to their prominent reputations. Both players had established themselves as key figures within Real Madrid. And I admitted not remembetring why I failed to select Blagoje Marjanović.
-- Bernard Vukas was chosen by the Croatian Football Federation in 2000 as the greatest Croatian player of the century. Impressively, he played a pivotal role in assisting two of the goals in a thrilling 4-4 draw. The outcome was deemed remarkable since England had never been defeated by a team from the continent on their home soil, and that day they came perilously close to experiencing their first such loss. Less than a month later, England was destroyed by Hungary in the Match of the Century.
 |
| Bernard Vukas |
-- Blagoje Marjanović was one of the first player from Yugoslavia to turn professional. Yugoslavia reached the semifinal of the 1930 World Cup Finals with him as a star player. I also studied the case of Miloš Milutinović, but Marjanovic was a pioneer in this country. Milan Galić was one goal behind Stjepan Bobek's record as Yugoslavia All-Time leading scorer, and Zlatko Vujović is the second most capped player for Yugoslavia, but I do not have a space for them. Marjanović was only a goal behind Galic.
-- I also looked into Miloš Milutinović whose brother was Bora Milutinovic.
Formation: 4-3-3
This lineup was maximising the best talents on the field. Dejan Savicevic started out as a right wing for Red Star Belgrade.
Sinisa Mihajlovic?
ReplyDeleteDarko Pancev
ReplyDeleteHi, I am so impressed with your blog. My father played for Hajduk Split in 1952-54 number 9, then went to Opataja 1955 and played through Europe. He was 16 years when he began with Hajduk. I have tried for years to find anything I could. His name is Ivica Barisic born April 15th 1936. If you could help me or send any information of him Id be most appreciative.
ReplyDeleteLet me try.
DeleteIn my view, Boban was better than Modric
ReplyDeleteHaving seen both players in their prime, I myself would consider Ivica Horvat a more worthy inclusion in your all time team than Vidic. Horvat was particularly mobile, especially when one considered his size. moreover, his positional play together with his ability to accurately read a game was vastly superior to that of his rival for the position of centre back. I was privileged to attend many matches throughout the 1950's in which Horvat played, both at club and international level and I cannot recall him having a bad game. My last memory of him as a player was at Wembley when he Captained Yougoslavia to a 3-0 defeat, which I might add was not due to any deficiencies on his part.
ReplyDeleteGreat to know, I appreciate your input.
Deletepancev
ReplyDelete