Yugoslavia were back. Missing from the previous edition, they had last graced the World Cup in 1982. Under Ivica Osim, they were ready to write the next chapter.
Yugoslavia showed enough quality to navigate the group stage, but their campaign ended in the knockout rounds before the latter stages. With 8 goals in 5 games, they carried a consistent attacking threat throughout.
Yugoslavia showed enough quality to navigate a challenging group stage, though not without the occasional stumble. They edged past Spain in the Round of 16, and were eliminated by Argentina on penalties in the Quarter-finals. The agony of a penalty shootout defeat against Argentina brought a cruel end to a campaign that had promised so much more.
3won1drawn1lost
8scored6conceded
3 consecutive wins.
Dragan Stojković led Yugoslavia's attack with 2 goals at the 1990 World Cup. Shared the top-scorer honours with Jozić and Pančev, all with 2. A specialist in decisive moments, with goals in the closing stages that changed the course of matches.
Conceded in only 3 of 5 matches
The tactical mind behind Yugoslavia's 1990 campaign. Leading Yugoslavia at his first World Cup 3 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss under Osim.
Yugoslavia employed an attacking formation with a focus on quick counter-attacks. Their success in group stage was built upon this strategy, but they struggled against tougher opponents.
