Mixed emotions in Montenegro

ONE man, at least, will look on Montenegro’s play-off with a degree of bitterness.

Zlatko Kranjcar, Niko’s father, was dismissed as Montenegro coach in September, and still no explanation has been forthcoming. If he really was dismissed for a defeat by Wales when he was without the entirety of his first-choice back four the decisions seems absurdly harsh.

Kranjcar essentially was responsible for getting Montenegro into the play-off, even – it shouldn’t be forgotten – of making England fret about whether they would take top spot and automatic qualification. Moreover, he did so largely without Stevan Jovetic, one of the two bright attacking presences in the side. When he inspired Montenegro to a 0-0 draw at Wembley, he even managed it without the other one, Mirko Vucinic, as well.