Milovan Đorić took over the team, but under his leadership, the team managed only two draws, 1–1 at home against Switzerland and 1–1 away against Slovenia. In both matches, the opponents equalized in late stages of the match). Yugoslavia then lost 0–1 at home to Russia, marking the nation's first home defeat in official matches. After Đorić's resignation, a three-man commission consisting of Dejan Savićević, Vujadin Boškov and Ivan Ćurković took over the coaching duties, until Savićević ultimately took over on his own. The team managed to bounce back with a draw in Russia and a win in Switzerland, but failed to defeat Slovenia in the penultimate game, thus finishing their qualifying group in third position.