Yugoslavia, Chile in Millennium Cup semis

Yugoslavia played true to their reputation and sailed into semi-finals with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Romania, in the quarter-finals of the Sahara Cup Millennium football tournament at the Nehru stadium in Fatorda, Goa, on Saturday.

They meet the winners of the Jordan -- Japan quarter-final in the semi-finals on January 23, at Calcutta.

The winners got their goals in the first-half, through captain Ilic Sasa, 32nd minute, and Bogdonovic Igor, 44th minute.

In another quarter-final at Calcutta, Chile beat Iceland 2-0.

Striker Sebastian Gonzalez scored both the goals for the winners.

Romania, their morale high after a big win over Hong Kong in their last group match, looked a confused side and lacked coordination. That saw them miss some easy chances.

Yugoslavia, well supported by their midfield, went into the attack right from the kick-off with a short passes. It paid dividends in the 32nd minute. The goal was the result of a floater from the left flank. Bogdonovic Igor, quickly passed to skipper Sasa, who tapped into the net.

Earlier, in the 14th minute, Yugoslavia came up with a good move when Rasovicvuk collected a ball from the midfield and moved down dangerously, dribbling passed rival defenders, and beat the goalkeeper. However, he hesitated and wasted a sitter.

Yugoslavia increased their lead in the 44th minute through Bogdannovic Igor, who collected a fine pass from Girkovic inside the box and unleashed a power-packed shot which gave Romanian goalkeeper Anghel Eugen no chance whatsoever.

On changing ends, Yugoslavia continued to hold sway but failed to extend their lead.

Romania made desperate attempts to reduce the margin in the second half but the Yugoslav defence was a hard nut to crack.

With this quarter final, the Millennium cup matches in Goa came to an end. The semi-finals and final will be played at Calcutta.

UNI