This blogger Artur Yanturin of Russia copied many of my blog teams. This blog was one of them. It was my Russia All-Time Team here. His team was written in 2020, but mine was uploaded in 2014. His Spartak Moscow All-Time team entry was published in October 2020, but mine was uploaded in 2017. His entry of the Dutch-German rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona was written in 2020, but mine was uploaded in 2014. He also copied many many of my blog entries.
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| Montenegro national team in 2021 |
Please also see my All-Time World Cup Team Index.
On January 26, 2007, Montenegro was granted full membership in UEFA, marking an important milestone for their national team. Shortly after, on March 24, 2007. Prior to 2006, Montenegro was a part of Yugoslavia. Milovan Jakšić holds the distinction of being the first player from Montenegro to participate in a World Cup, serving as the Yugoslav goalkeeper in the 1930 tournament. Since then, Montenegrin players, such as Dragoljub Brnović, Dejan Savićević, and Predrag Mijatović, have been well-represented in the Yugoslav and Serbia and Montenegro teams, establishing themselves as some of the most prominent Yugoslav players of all time. In recognition of his Montenegrin heritage, Dragoslav Šekularac's father, he has earned a spot on this team.
Following the breakup of Yugoslavia, Serbia and Montenegro continued to compete under FR Yugoslavia before briefly adopting the name Serbia and Montenegro national football team. They participated in the 1998 World Cup Finals and the 2000 European Championship.
According to a report in 2020, Montenegro has 627,809 citizens. As comparison to other European countries, Luxembourg has a population of about 604, 245 while Cyprus has 1.1 million. It is the smallest among the former republics of Yugoslavia. North Macedonia has about 2 million citizens.
This is my all-time team for Montenegro. If there were an All-Time World Cup, this would be the 23 players I would bring to the tournament.
Team
GK: Milovan Jakšić (Yugoslavia)
Remembered mostly as "El Grande Milovan", the nickname he earned for his excellent saves in the game that Yugoslavia won against Brasil in the First World Cup in Uruguay 1930 FIFA World Cup. He is considered one of the major contributors for Yugoslavia reaching the semi-finals in that tournament. He played 17 times for Yugoslavia. For his club career, he played for FK BASK. He played for SK Ljubljana and ND Ilirija at the end of his career.
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| Milovan Jakšić |
Jevrić was born in Ivangrad, SR Montenegro, SFR Yugoslavia which is now Berane, Montenegro. He started playing with FK Ivangrad, and then with FK Rudar Pljevlja and FK Priština. before moving to Belgrade top-league sides FK Obilić and Red Star. He was a member of Serbia and Montenegro for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Jevrić was the only player on the team born in Montenegro as Mirko Vučinić withdrew before the tournament due to injury
GK: Zoran Simović (Yugoslavia)
In his professional career, Zoran Simović played for Napredak in Serbia, NK Hajduk Split in Croatia and Galatasaray in Turkey. He was named Yugoslav Footballer of the Year in 1983. He is best remembered as one of the most legendary goalkeepers of Galatasaray S.K., where he played between 1984-1990. He won two championships with Galatasaray in seasons of 1986-87 and 1987-88. He played 10 times for Yugoslavia between 1983 and 1984.
RB: Zeljko Petrovic (FR Yugoslavia)
Zeljko Petrović made his debut with Budućnost in 1987. He later played for Dinamo Zagreb, Sevilla, Den Bosch, Waalwijk, PSV and Urawa Red Diamonds. Petrović made his debut for Yugoslavia in 1990. Due to Yugoslavia's international ban, he would play for Yugoslavia again five years after his debut. He went to the 1998 World Cup Finals.
Zeljko Petrović made his debut with Budućnost in 1987. He later played for Dinamo Zagreb, Sevilla, Den Bosch, Waalwijk, PSV and Urawa Red Diamonds. Petrović made his debut for Yugoslavia in 1990. Due to Yugoslavia's international ban, he would play for Yugoslavia again five years after his debut. He went to the 1998 World Cup Finals.
RB: Adam Marušic (Montenegro)
In 2010, Adam Marušic started with Voždovac in the third tier of the Serbian football pyramid. In 2014, he joined joined K.V. Kortrijk. After two seasons, he went to h K.V. Oostende. In 2017, he went to Italy to play for Lazio. Although Marušić was born in Belgrade, he accepted an invitation to play for the Montenegro national team. He made his debut for Montenegro on 27 March 2015. At the time of writing, he was capped 47 times.
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| Adam Marušic |
Branko Rašović played five years in Partizan, from 1964 until 1969. The peak of his career was the 1966 European Cup Final in Brussels, when Partizan played in the final agains Real Madrid. In 1969, he moved to Borussia Dortmund, where he played from 1969 to 1974. He was capped 10 times, helping the team to qualify for the 1968 European Championship.
CB: Marko Baša ( Serbia and Montenegro/Montenegro)
Marko Baša started with Trstenik. Between 2000 andn 2005, he played for OFT Belgrade. In 2005, he moved to Le Mans in France/ , He quickly received the captain's armband in Le Mans. He joined tLokomotiv Moscow and signed a four-year contract. In July 2011 . went to the French champion Lille, where he remained until 2017. He was capped 3 times for Serbia and Montenegro, and another 37 times for Monetenegro.
CB: Stefan Savić (Montenegro)
Stefan Savić started his career at Brskovo, before moving to BSK Borča, and then to FK Partizan. He won the double with Partizan, and then joined Manchester City in 2011, winning the Premier League title in his only season there. In 2012, he was transferred to Fiorentina, before signing with Atlético Madrid in 2015, where he won the Europa League in 2018. Since 2010, he has played over 50 times for Montenegro.
Stefan Savić started his career at Brskovo, before moving to BSK Borča, and then to FK Partizan. He won the double with Partizan, and then joined Manchester City in 2011, winning the Premier League title in his only season there. In 2012, he was transferred to Fiorentina, before signing with Atlético Madrid in 2015, where he won the Europa League in 2018. Since 2010, he has played over 50 times for Montenegro.
CB: Ljubomir Radanović (Yugoslavia)
Ljubomir Radanović started with Lovćen in the Yugoslav Second League. He moved to Partizan in 1981, where he played until 1988. He later played for Standard Liège in Belgium, Nice in France, and Bellinzona in Switzerland. Radanović earned 34 caps for Yugsolavia and scored three goals for Yugoslavia between 1983 and 1988. He attended Euro 1984 in France. He won the bronze medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics.
Ljubomir Radanović started with Lovćen in the Yugoslav Second League. He moved to Partizan in 1981, where he played until 1988. He later played for Standard Liège in Belgium, Nice in France, and Bellinzona in Switzerland. Radanović earned 34 caps for Yugsolavia and scored three goals for Yugoslavia between 1983 and 1988. He attended Euro 1984 in France. He won the bronze medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics.
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| Ljubomir Radanović |
Vujačić began his career with local outfit OFK Petrovac. In 1985, he moved to SC Freiburg. Then, in 1988, he returned home with FK Vojvodina. From 1989 to 1993, he played for FK Partizan, where he was an important player as they won the league. .He then joined Sporting CP and in Japan with Vissel Kobe. From 1989 to 1996, he played 12 times for Yugoslavia. He was included on the Euro 1992 that was banned for the Finals due to the war.
LB: Slobodan Marović (Yugoslavia)
Slobodan Marović was born in Bar, SR Montenegro. He started his career with NK Osijek. He played for Red Star Belgrade between 1986 and 1991. With Red Star Belgrade, he was part of their European Cup victory in 1991. Later, he played for IFK Norrköping, Silkeborg IF and Shenzhen. For his national team career, he earned four caps for the Yugoslavia national football team between 1987 and 1989.
DM: Branko Brnović (Yugoslavia)
Branko Brnović started with local club Budućnos and signed with Partizan in 1991. In 1994, Brnović joined RCD Espanyol and played there until 2000. Then, he played a season with Koln in Germany. From 1989 to 1998, he played 27 times for Yugoslavia. He was selected for the 1998 World Cup in France. He was a member of the talented Yugoslav under-20 team that won the 1987 FIFA World Youth Championship.
Branko Brnović started with local club Budućnos and signed with Partizan in 1991. In 1994, Brnović joined RCD Espanyol and played there until 2000. Then, he played a season with Koln in Germany. From 1989 to 1998, he played 27 times for Yugoslavia. He was selected for the 1998 World Cup in France. He was a member of the talented Yugoslav under-20 team that won the 1987 FIFA World Youth Championship.
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| Branko Brnović |
Refik Šabanadžović began with OFK Titograd before he moved to Sarajevo's Željezničar in 1983. He helped the club to reach the UEFA Cup semifinals in the 1984–85 season. He played for Red Stars Belgrade from 1987 to 1991, where he won the European Cup in 1991. With AEK, he won three league championship in the 1990's. He also played for Olympiacos and Kansas City Wizards. He was capped 8 times. He played 4 games at the 1990 World Cup Finals.
CM: Dragoljub Brnović (Yugoslavia)
Dragoljub Brnović played for OFK Titograd, Budućnost Titograd, and Partizan, winning the Yugoslav Cup with the Crno-beli in the 1988–89 season. He subsequently moved to France and joined Metz. Before retiring from the game, Brnović also played professionally in Sweden and Luxembourg. His younger brother Branko also represented Yugoslavia. He himself earned 25 caps for Yugoslavia from 1987 to 1990. He went to the 1990 World Cup, where he played in most games.
Dragoljub Brnović played for OFK Titograd, Budućnost Titograd, and Partizan, winning the Yugoslav Cup with the Crno-beli in the 1988–89 season. He subsequently moved to France and joined Metz. Before retiring from the game, Brnović also played professionally in Sweden and Luxembourg. His younger brother Branko also represented Yugoslavia. He himself earned 25 caps for Yugoslavia from 1987 to 1990. He went to the 1990 World Cup, where he played in most games.
AM: Dragoslav Sekularac (Yugoslavia)
Dragoslav Sekularac was considered one of the best player in Red Star Belgrade history, where he played from 1955 to 1966. He is the second (and one of only five players) to have been awarded the Zvezdina zvezda status. 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. He earned 41 caps for Yugoslavia. He played in the 1958 and 1962 World Cup Finals, where his team reached the semifinal in 1962.
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.Dragoslav Sekularac was considered one of the best player in Red Star Belgrade history, where he played from 1955 to 1966. He is the second (and one of only five players) to have been awarded the Zvezdina zvezda status. 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. He earned 41 caps for Yugoslavia. He played in the 1958 and 1962 World Cup Finals, where his team reached the semifinal in 1962.
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| Dejan Savicevic |
LW/FW: Ilijas Pašić (Yugoslavia)
Ilijas Pašić started playing football at Romania, but at the age of 18 he made a move to FK Željezničar. He is one of the best goalscorers in history of the club. He joined Dinamo Zagreb in 1959, scoring 31 goals in period of three seasons. However, injury stopped his career to rise even more. He later played in Austria and Switzerland. He had 8 caps for Yugoslavia.
Ilijas Pašić started playing football at Romania, but at the age of 18 he made a move to FK Željezničar. He is one of the best goalscorers in history of the club. He joined Dinamo Zagreb in 1959, scoring 31 goals in period of three seasons. However, injury stopped his career to rise even more. He later played in Austria and Switzerland. He had 8 caps for Yugoslavia.
FW: Vojin Božović (Yugoslavia)
Vojin Božović was among the best players in the history of Montenegro and during the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. Since 1931, he played for Budućnost Podgorica, SK Jugoslavija, SK Obilić, SK Jugoslavija and SK Anastas. His best years were spent while playing in BSK Belgrade where, alongside the best country's players Aleksandar Tirnanić, Đorđe Vujadinović, Moša Marjanović, and Svetislav Glišović. After the end of World War II, he played for SR Montenegro. He played 8 matches for the Yugoslavia national football team, having scored five goals.
AM/FW: Stevan Jovetić (Montenegro)
Stevan Jovetic began his career with FK Partizan, winning the double of Serbian Superliga and Serbian Cup in 2008. He spent 5 seasons with Forentina. With Manchester City, he won the League Cup and the Premier League. He then played for Inter Milan, Sevilla and AS Monaco. He made his senior international debut in 2007, in Montenegro's first international football match as an independent country. He is their all-time leading scorer.
Stevan Jovetic began his career with FK Partizan, winning the double of Serbian Superliga and Serbian Cup in 2008. He spent 5 seasons with Forentina. With Manchester City, he won the League Cup and the Premier League. He then played for Inter Milan, Sevilla and AS Monaco. He made his senior international debut in 2007, in Montenegro's first international football match as an independent country. He is their all-time leading scorer.
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| Stevan Jovetić |
Lazarević started out at Sutjeska Nikšić. He was the Yugoslav Second League (Group East) top scorer on three occasions, before moving to Red Star Belgrade in 1966. He subsequently moved abroad and played for RFC Liège (Belgium) and Nancy (France), before returning to Red Star Belgrade in 1972. In the 1972–73 season, Lazarević was the league's joint top scorer with 25 goals, as the club won the title. He represented Yugoslavia internationally, earning five caps
FW: Mirko Vucinic (Montenegro)
Mirko Vučinić started out at his hometown club Sutjeska Nikšić before joining Italy's Lecce in 2000. From 2006 to 2011, he played AS Roma. Then, he played 3 seasons with Juventus. He played a single season with Al Jazira in UAE. He played 3 times with Serbia and Montenegro between 2005 and 2006. An injury kept him out of the 2006 World Cup team. Then, he opted to play for Montenegro where he played 45 times from 2007 to 2017. He won the Player of the Year in Montenegro 7 times.
Mirko Vučinić started out at his hometown club Sutjeska Nikšić before joining Italy's Lecce in 2000. From 2006 to 2011, he played AS Roma. Then, he played 3 seasons with Juventus. He played a single season with Al Jazira in UAE. He played 3 times with Serbia and Montenegro between 2005 and 2006. An injury kept him out of the 2006 World Cup team. Then, he opted to play for Montenegro where he played 45 times from 2007 to 2017. He won the Player of the Year in Montenegro 7 times.
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| Mirko Vučinić |
Zoran Filipović made his name with Red Star Belgrade, during more than ten seasons at the club (5 June 1969 to 29 June 1980). He played a total of 520 games for the club scoring 302 goals. He played for Club Brugge in Belgium before joining Benfica in 1981. Benfioca finished runner-up in the UEFA Cup in 1983. Filipović ended his career with Boavista FC (1984–1986). From 1971 to 1977, he played 13 times for Yugoslavia.
ST: Predrag Mijatović (Montenegro)
At club level, Predrag 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. He played in the 1998 World Cup Finals.
At club level, Predrag 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. He played in the 1998 World Cup Finals.
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| Predrag Mijatović |
Honorable Mentions
Ivica Kralj, Dragoje Lekovic, Vasilije "Čiko" Radovic, Niša Saveljić, Mladen Božović, Vukašin Poleksić, Nikola Jovanović, Duško Radinović, Elsad Zverotić, Miodrag Krivokapić, Miljan Zeković, Ante Miročević, Anto Drobnjak, Sreten Banović, Nikola Vukčević, Duško Radinović, Milutin Pajević, Dejan Damjanović, Lazar Radovic, Fatos Bećiraj,
Squad Explanation
-- Montenegrin players were included in my blog Northern Macedonia/Monetenegro/Kosovo all-time team. In March/April, 2022, I decide to create separated teams for each country. Montenegro is the smallest among the former republics of Yugoslavia. The population of the country is about 627,809 citizens. North Macedonia has about 2 million citizens. So the player pool is small. As comparison to other European countries, Luxembourg has a population of about 604, 245 while Cyprus has 1.1 million.
-- Montenegrin players were included in my blog Northern Macedonia/Monetenegro/Kosovo all-time team. In March/April, 2022, I decide to create separated teams for each country. Montenegro is the smallest among the former republics of Yugoslavia. The population of the country is about 627,809 citizens. North Macedonia has about 2 million citizens. So the player pool is small. As comparison to other European countries, Luxembourg has a population of about 604, 245 while Cyprus has 1.1 million.
-- Because ethnicity is a sensitive issue in the region, I use various criteria for eligibility. All the players from Yugoslavia era were selected through ethnicity and birth place. Many footballers had a multi-racial background. This has given me plenty of head aides. I tried my best not to be offensive to people. After the breakup, I used the "cap-tied rule" with national team as the criteria.
-- Dragoslav Sekularac, Predrag Mijatović and Dejan Savicevic are on my Yugoslavia All-Time Team. They were the automatic selections on this blog team. Dragoslav Sekularac was born in modern day Northern Macedonia to a Montenegrin father. Since I considered ethnicity an important factor, I ruled him eligible.
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| Dragoslav Sekularac |
-- Mirko Vucinic is probably the best player from here after the independence of Montenegro. However, I only selected Mijatović and Savicevic to my Yugoslavia after the breakup team. Both played their prime before and after 1992.
-- The first player from Montenegro to play in a World Cup was Milovan Jakšić who was the Yugoslav goalkeeper at 1930 World Cup.
-- Yugoslavia's Golden Generation of the 1990's was much talked about. Four Montenegro-born players were on the 1990 World Cup team. They were Refik Šabanadžović, Dragoljub Brnović, Dejan Savićević and Dragoje Leković.
-- Yugoslavia was banned for the Euro 1992 Finals. However, they released an official squad. That team included 6 Montenegrins: Predrag Mijatović, Dejan Savicevic, Duško Radinović, Budimir Vujačić, Duško Radinović and Dragoje Lekovic. The first four names are on this team while Radinović and Lekovic are on honorable mention.
-- FR Yugoslavia featured Predrag Mijatović, Dejan Savicevic, Željko Petrović and Branko Brnović at the 1998 World Cup Finals.
-- IFFHS created a Dream Team All-Time team for this country. Their lineup was as followed Dragoje Leković, Branko Rašović, Budimir Vujačić, Ljubomir Radanović, Slobodan Marković, Željko Petrović, Ante Miročević, Dragoljub Brnović, Dejan Savićević, Zoran Filipović and Predrag Mijatović.
Goalkeepers
-- Milovan Jakšić played a crucial role for Yugoslavia during their journey to the semi-finals in the 1930 World Cup Finals. His outstanding performance in the group match against Brazil earned him the nickname "El Grande Milovan." This match held significant importance in the tournament, as Brazil was seen as a potential semi-final opponent for host nation Uruguay. The victory was celebrated by local fans. He was also one of the founders of Red Star Belgrade, further cementing his contributions to the sport.
-- Dragoje Lekovic is widely regarded as one of Montenegro's most notable goalkeepers. He helped Yugoslavia to win the 1987 World Youth Cup. He was expected to be the starting goalkeeper for the national team in Euro 1992, but unfortunately, Yugoslavia faced a ban from participating in the tournament. However, throughout his club career, he failed to make a significant impact anywhere. He performed adequately during his time with Kilmarnock in Scotland, his departure from the club was marked by an awkward situation stemming from a contractual loophole.
-- Instead, I took Dragoslav Jevrić. He was a member of Serbia and Montenegro for the 2006 World Cup Finals. He was the only player on the team born in Montenegro after Mirko Vučinić withdrew before the tournament due to an injury. He did sit on the bench for Serbia in a single game, but he never entered the field. Officially, he was not cap-tied to them.
-- Zoran Simović was named the Yugoslav Footballer of the Year in 1983. He also won the Turkish Footballer of the Year award for three consecutive years (1985, 1986, and 1987). He is on my Galatasaray All-Time Team. He was often listed as one of the greatest goalkeepers ever played in the Turkish league.
-- Ivica Kralj was well-known because of the 1998 World Cup Finals, but his club career outside of FK Partizan was mainly as a backup. Vasilije "Čiko" Radovic only earned 3 caps for Yugoslavia. I did not know how good he was. He was a year younger than Milutin Šoškić and a few years older than Ilija Pantelić. So his chance with the national team must have been limited. Vukašin Poleksić also captained the national team 6 times with over 30 caps. Mladen Božović played in the UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying rounds. They made honorable mentions.
Defenders
-- Marko Baša was born in Serbia, but he chose to play for Montenegro. He won Montenegrin Footballer of the Year in 2014. He is extremely appreciated by Lille OSC fans. He edged out Niša Saveljić (Montenegro) who played 34 times for FR Yugoslavia.
-- Branko Rašović was known for his career with Partizan Belgrade, in which his club reached the Final of the 1966 European Cup. He earned 10 caps, but missed the European Championship of 1968. Ljubomir Radanović (Montenegro) scored the winning goal at the stoppage time against Bulgaria in the Euro 1984 qualifier, which helped Yugoslavia to qualify for the Finals in France. He also earned 34 caps.
-- At the time of writing, Stefan Savić has been named Montenegrin Footballer of the Year 5 times. He also firmly established in La Liga for many years. He is probably the best central defender from here.
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| Stefan Savić |
-- Nikola Jovanović made a high profile transfer to Manchester United in 1980, but he was a flop there. He is known for being first player from outside the British Isles to join Manchester United. His transfer fees was Red Star's and Yugoslav First League record transfer fee at the time. Nevertheless, he was a well-known central defender from Montenegro. Dusko Radinovic from the banned Euro 1992 team was also seriously considered. I put them on honourable mentions.
-- Željko Petrović was probably their greatest rightback. Elsad Zverotić is Montenegro's second most capped player, but instead, I chose Adam Marušic. He had a long career with Lazio in Italy. He was born in Serbia, but chose to play for Montenegro. Duško Radinović who helped Red Star Belgrade winning the 1992 European Cup made honourable mention. He was also on the Yugoslavian team that was banned for the Euro 1992 Finals.
-- With an HPI of 55.53, Budimir Vujačić is the 10th most famous Montenegrin footballers. He could operate as a central defender. The second leftback was between Miljan Zeković and Slobodan Marović Both starred for Red Stars Belgrade. Slobodan Marović was voted as their second best leftback for the club in a poll I found online, but polls tended to favour contemporary players. Miljan Zeković was on the 1954 World Cup team, but did not play. In the end, I took Marović because his name was mentioned more frequently.
-- I also studied Miodrag Krivokapić closely. He could play both as a leftback and a central defender.
Midfielders/Wingers
-- Ethnicity and eligibility were big problems for me in all of my all-time teams for the former Yugoslavia. Dragoslav Sekularac and Refik Šabanadžović were the two footballers in question for this team. Dragoslav Sekularac was often listed as a Serbian footballer. He was born in modern day Northern Macedonia to a Montenegrin father and a Macedonian mother. He grew up in Belgrade, but I used ethnicity and birthplace for eligibility. He was nicknamed "King of Dribble". He made the Team of the Tournament in Euro 1960, where Yugoslavia finished second, and Yugoslavia also reached semifinal of the 1962 World Cup. He was one of the best ever players from Yugoslavia.
Refik Šabanadžović, a Bosniak by ethnicity, was born in Montenegro. Despite his birthplace, I made the decision to also include him in my Bosnia and Herzegovina All-Time team.
--Dejan Savicevic stands as one of the most underrated players in history and was among the world's best players in the 1990's. However, due to the ban on international football for Yugoslavia, he missed out on the opportunity to participate in the 1992 European Championship and the 1994 World Cup Finals. In 1992, Denmark emerged victorious in the European Championship, effectively replacing Yugoslavia in Sweden. This could have been a defining moment for Savicevic. Nonetheless, he managed to contribute to AC Milan's victory in the European Cup in 1994, showcasing his exceptional talents on a different stage.
-- Stevan Jovetić was Montenegro Player of the Year twice. He is also their all-time leading scorer. He was an attack midfielder or secondary striker.
-- Ante Miročević holds the distinction of being the first football player from a Montenegrin club to represent the Yugoslav national team. He was also the captain of the Olympic team that won fourth place in Moscow in 1980. Although Miročević became the first Yugoslav player to venture into English football, his time at Sheffield Wednesday was underwhelming, despite being the club's record signing. Besides, I already had Dragoslav Sekularac, Dejan Savicevic and Stevan Jovetić.
-- Branko and Dragoljub Brnović are brothers. Both earned over 20 caps for FR Yugoslavia. They played in 1990 and 1998 World Cup Finals respectively. Branko Brnović was a right wingback at one point. Branko Bošković, distinguished as an attacking midfielder, merits an honorable mention. It is important not to confuse him from Branko Brnović.
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| Dragoljub Brnović |
-- I did not select any right winger, but Dejan Savicevic played as a right winger while Mirko Vučinić could play on either side of the flank.
-- Ilijas Pašić was sometimes listed as the first ever international footballer from FR Bosnia and Herzegovina largely because he was one of FK Željezničar Sarajevic's greatest players. He was born in Herceg Novi, modern day Montenegro. By birth right, he is eligible for this team. And I needed a left winger.
Forwards
-- In my opinion, Predrag Mijatović, Mirko Vucinic, and Zoran Filipović were the top forwards. Here are some notable achievements for each player. Mijatović attained legendary status during his time with Real Madrid, particularly for his decisive goal against Juventus in the 1998 Champions League Final. This goal secured a 1-0 victory for Real Madrid, marking their first triumph in the tournament since 1966. Vucinic, who won the Player of the Year award in Montenegro an impressive seven times, played a crucial role during a period when Montenegro achieved its best results since gaining independence. Filipović excelled as the top scorer in the UEFA Cup during the 1982-1983 season while representing Benfica. Although Benfica finished as runners-up in the tournament, the final marked their third loss in a final since the inception of the infamous "curse of Bela Guttmann."
-- Vojin Božović's career was sandwiched between the Second World War. He was considered one of the best players in the history of pre-war football in Montenegro and one of the best strikers in Yugoslav football until 1941.
-- Vojin Lazarević scored over 130 goals for Red Stars Belgrade. He is their 6th highest ever scorer.
-- Anto Drobnjak helped Lens to win the league in the 1997-1998 season. He was their top scorer. However, he was not selected to Yugoslavia's final squad for the 1998 World Cup. Fatos Bećiraj is the most capped player for Montenegro. Both made honourable mention only.
-- Dejan Damjanović is AFC Champions' League All-Time leading scorer. In his prime, he was probably one of the best foreign players playing in Asia. I only put him on honourable mention.
Formation
Mirko Vucinic could operate on the left. Refik Šabanadžović played with Dragoljub Brnović at the 1990 World Cup Finals, but I chose to start Branko Brnović. Something in me wanted to start a pair of brothers. Dejan Savicevic was also on that team. He was subbed out for Dragoljub Brnović on the first match against West Germany. I almost started Željko Petrović as my rightback.
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