It this not possible with JSTL   

Anybody can tell why following code to create a Dropdown box does not show the values correct in the list.
My intention is that the value from my request should bee selected.
All the values are prefixed with following selected<

<SELECT name="montno" onChange="selectChanged(this);">
<OPTION value=1><c:if test="${requestScope.numberoffmonth=='1'}">selected</c:if>>1</OPTION>
<OPTION value=2><c:if test="${requestScope.numberoffmonth=='2'}">selected</c:if>>2</OPTION>
<OPTION value=3><c:if test="${requestScope.numberoffmonth=='3'}">selected</c:if>>3</OPTION>
<OPTION value=4><c:if test="${requestScope.numberoffmonth=='4'}">selected</c:if>>4</OPTION>
<OPTION value=5><c:if test="${requestScope.numberoffmonth=='5'}">selected</c:if>>5</OPTION>
<OPTION value=6><c:if test="${requestScope.numberoffmonth=='6'}">selected</c:if>>6</OPTION>
<OPTION value=7><c:if test="${requestScope.numberoffmonth=='7'}">selected</c:if>>7</OPTION>
</SELECT>

Thanks at all.
The real problem was that I had forgot to include the Package name and the tag was closed after value .