International career

, 27 2011 23:42:03 +0100

Kežman marked his international debut for FR Yugoslavia during March 2000 just short of his 21st birthday with a goal against China in a friendly match as part of the preparations for UEFA Euro 2000. Head coach Vujadin Boškov included him in the final 23-man roster that he took to Belgium and Holland. Despite being the fourth attacking option behind Savo Milošević, Darko Kovačević and Predrag Mijatović, 21-year-old Kežman got his chance as substitute late in the group match versus Norway. However, after being on the pitch for about 90 seconds, he was sent off following a rash tackle on Erik Mykland.

Right after Euro 2000, FR Yugoslavia got a new head coach Ilija Petković under whose tenure Kežman secured a place in the team. Kežman led Serbia and Montenegro's scoring during the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifications with 5 goals, including the only goal in the final game against Bosnia and Herzegovina which in turn allowed Serbia and Montenegro to qualify directly, having come first in their group. During the competition, he was sent off in a group match against Argentina by referee Roberto Rosetti.

Despite being such a prolific striker for PSV he never reached the same heights for Serbia. He has managed 17 goals in 49 caps for Serbia and Montenegro.^[8]

Since his sending off against Argentina in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, he has not been called up to any of Serbia's friendlies nor did he participate in any of the qualification games for the UEFAEuro 2008.

8, ^ "Yugoslavia (Serbia (and Montenegro)) – Record International Players". RSSSF. http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/joeg-recintlp.html. Retrieved 2009-03-12.

Mateja Kezman

International career