Lots of quiet anticipation surrounding the debut of this Yugoslavian team. From their base in Saint Galmier they report no injury worries other than a day off for Mihajlovic with stiff joints. By contrast, Iran are in a little turmoil.

The team watched the opening game and ceremonies last Wednesday and trained at nightfall. They report injuries to Hamedani and their inspirational goalkeeper Abedzadeh. Their coach Jalal Talebi has been in the job just three weeks and their glorious adventure is beginning to look like an exercise in damage limitation.

This could be a harrowing afternoon for the World Cup debutants. The Yugoslavians bring perhaps the most potent midfield in the competition to the party tomorrow. Jugovic, Stojkovic and Brnovic load the guns - Mijatovic and Savicevic fire the bullets.

There could be plenty of them today. Iran have been leaking goals at a worrying rate in their build-up to France 98. Indeed, a thrashing by Inter Milan necessitated the late change of manager.

The Iranians have much to offer up front though with Dai, Azizi (from midfield) and Bagheri providing the threat. The experienced Peyravani is expected to sweep at the back with Estili entrusted with the unenviable task of doing the destructive work in midfield.

Too much uncertainty and too little experience are their main problems though. This weekend it could all end in tears against a Yugoslavian side arriving here on a wave of nationalistic emotion.

The Iranians, however, who go to prayers four times a day at their base, have not completely given up the chance of a miracle.

KEY PLAYER

Predrag Mijatovic

AGE: 29. CAPS: 27. GOALS: 14.

CLUB: Real Madrid.

A KEY figure in Real Madrid's progress through Europe this season scoring the winner against Juventus in the final to cap a season which has seen him develop into one of the world's best players.

Had a four-year spell with Partizan Belgrade where his excellence led him to Spain and FC Valencia. Moved to Real Madrid in 1996 becoming one of the world's costliest players and led them to a league title in his first season. Has been playing inter- nationally since 1989 when he made his debut as a 20-year-old. He scored a hat-trick in the play- off humiliation of Hungary and finished highest scorer in the European qualifiers.

STRENGTHS: Pace, pace and more pace. Has an uncanny ability to drift away from his marker in anticipation of the seemingly unexpected. At his first club they called him the ghost.

WEAKNESSES: Not many, but he has spoken of his frustration at finding himself drifting out of games when his concentration wanders. Shouldn't be a problem today.