Soccer: Basement battlers - it's just pointless, says Milosevic

WUERZBURG - Serbia and Montenegro will bid farewell to the World Cup and each other when they face what is likely to be Ivory Coast's B team.

The Group C basement battle in Munich will be the last at these finals for two teams already eliminated by Netherlands and Argentina.

For the eastern Europeans, Montenegro's vote for independence in May means the soccer remains of Yugoslavia will be reduced to Serbia alone for their next game, in August.

Serbia and Montenegro, who conceded only one goal in qualifying, are seeking to restore their pride after a 6-0 loss to Argentina.

"It is very difficult to find a motive for this match. We have tried to focus on it but our morale has been killed off," said captain Savo Milosevic, the former Aston Villa striker who may announce his retirement from internationals after the game.

Coach Ilija Petkovic is keen to give the fans something to cheer in his last match in charge but has a string of injuries and suspensions.

Fullbacks Ivica Dragutinovic and Dusan Basta, midfielder Albert Nadj and forward Danijel Ljuboja are nursing knocks and bruises. Striker Mateja Kezman and winger Ognjen Koroman are suspended.

Ivory Coast appear keen to bow out with a victory.

"We will do everything to end this tournament with a win," Henri Michel said ahead of his final game as coach.

"But I will give a chance to players who haven't featured yet. That way they can all say they went to the World Cup and played."

The Ivorians have no injury worries, although captain Didier Drogba is suspended.

* Serbia v Ivory Coast Munich, tomorrow 7am

- REUTERS