14 June 1998

YUGOSLAVIA			1-0			IRAN
Mihajlovic 72 

A Mihajlovic free kick sealed the points but the Iranian’s played some great
football at times, Azizi was outstanding and his through balls were World Class,
shame the forwards lack the pace to take advantage. Iran’s right back,
Mahdavikia, was breathtaking, a decent defender but his forays into attack, his
one-two’s, crossing and technique were devastating. Sort of the Iranian Cafu.
Almost certain to be snapped up by a European club. Yugoslavia’s best spell came
after the departure of the highly overrated and insipid Stojkovic. Subs Stankovic,
Ognjenovic and Kovacevic looked far more lively in attack. Poor display for
Yugoslavia and a good performance by Iran.

Attendance : 30,392


15 June 1998

GERMANY			2-0			USA
Moller 8
Klinsmann 64

Klinsmann headed Haessler’s corner back accross goal and Moller was on hand to
head in at the near post, what Burns thought he was doing standing on the goaline
is beyond me, awful defending. Klinsmann capped a great performance with a goal
late in the second half, controlling an inch perfect Bierhoff cross on his chest and
placing the ball into the net but credit to Jeremies who won back the ball initially
with more strong tackling, a feature of his game throughout. A methodical
performance from the Germans, you get the feeling they could have turned it up a
notch if needed. One thing I’ve noticed, the Germans rarely waste a pass, always
going forward with purpose.

Attendance : 48,200


21 June 1998

GERMANY			2-2			YUGOSLAVIA 2 
Mihajlovic 72 (og)					Mijatovic 12 
Bierhoff 80						Stojkovic 52 

Mijatovic’s tame shot appeared to take a slight deflection off Stankovic en route
to goal. Terrible keeping from Kopke, the defending wasn’t much better. Kopke
gifted Stojkovic a goal when he spilled what should have been a routine save from
Kovacevic. Tarnat’s free kick took a deflection off Mihajlovic and Bierhoff headed
in from a corner to rescue a draw for the Germans.

The Yugoslavian’s were strolling and if anything looked likely to increase their
lead, Germany’s defending was terrible, they didn’t create any goalscoring
chances up until Mihajlovic deflected a shot past his own ‘keeper. The
Yugoslavians fell to pieces and the Germans looked a different side once they
 pulled a goal back.

Attendance : 41,275


IRAN				2-1			USA
Estili 39							McBride 86 
Mahdavikia 82

A fantastic counter attack ended when Zarincheh crossed for Estili to head past
Keller. Iran’s second also came from a counter attack, the US in pursuit of an
equaliser piled forward and naively tried to play offside in Iran’s half, Daei fed
Mahdavikia and he ran half the length of the pitch and placed a shot past Keller.
McBride pulled one back with a powerful diving header, which flew in off Saadavi.

The US created more scoring chances, hit the post and the crossbar and were also
denied a goal by poor finishing/great goalkeeping. Iran were technically on
another planet and had far more pace. Mahdavikia was again outstanding and has
guaranteed himself a move to Europe, clubs will be falling over themselves to sign
him.

Attendance : 44,000


25 June 1998

GERMANY			2-0			IRAN
Bierhoff 49 
Klinsmann 57 

Bierhoff, Inevitably, headed Germany into the lead. Bierhoff then smashed
a volley against the post, Klinsmann pounced on the rebound with a
spectacular diving header.

Attendance : 35,500


YUGOSLAVIA			1-0			USA
Komljenovic 4

Friedel punched out Mihajlovic’s free kick, Komlejenovic headed in from
close range. Awful defending and awful ‘keeping.

Another poor performance by Yugoslavia. Mijatovic was once again
disappointing and the US dominated the latter stages of the game.

Attendance : 35,000