Belgrade, January 29 (Reuters) -The Yugoslavian national team are to play several friendlies during the next months.
They play Mexico in Phoenix on 13 February, then on 27 March they will meet Brazil. Yugoslav Football Association (YFA) chief Branko Bulatovic today announced that an agreement has been reached for friendly between Brazil and Yugoslavia.
"We accepted an invitation for a friendly with Brazil, " said Bulatovic at a press conference today.
This will be Yugoslavians third tie with Brazil after their return to the international scene in 1994. Brazil won 2-0 in 1994, whereas in 1998 the match ended with 1-1.
Bulatovic also announced that an agreement for a friendly with Spain was reached, but the exact date still remains to be determined.
In May (17 and 19) Yugoslavia will participate in tournament in Russia, alongside with the national teams of Russia, Ukraine and most probably Turkey.
The national team manager Dejan Savicevic spoke about the plans and tasks of Yugoslavian players. He spoke in Italy with Mijatovic, Mihajlovic and Dejan Stankovic:
"Mijatovic has problems because he doesn't play in Fiorentina and he can't find himself a place. Mihajlovic is recovering from the injury. Stankovic plays well. Savo Milosevic also plays well in Spain and he has scored two goals on the first match."
Savicevic insisted that national team will play as many friendlies as possible:
"Through strong matches we can see where we are in regard to the others and compose strong team that can oppose to the rivals.
"We are going to offer the chance to everybody and create the strong team till September."
Savicevic considers Italy to be the favourites in qualifying group 9 for Euro 2004 in Portugal.
He added that Wales and Finland are also serious opponents.
