Serbia
Serbia
One of the shockers of the qualifying phase, Serbia beat out France for top spot in their group, in their first ever qualifying campaign as an independent nation, no less. The Beli Orlovi, as the national side is known, are certain to provide a tough challenge to any opponents they face – coach Radomir Antic has brought a sense of unity to a group of very talented players who had previously suffered from poor organization and teamwork; their performance in qualification highlights the ability that the side undoubtedly possess.
Serbia are a rock solid side at the back – central defender Nemanja Vidic is widely regarded as one of the world’s most powerful defenders, and his experience at the top level with Manchester United will certainly be an asset. Alongside him, Neven Subotic of Dortmund has been linked with a move to one of Europe’s elite sides, and Lazio’s Aleksandar Kolarov and Chelsea starBranislav Ivanovic are both extremely capable and versatile players. In midfield, Gojko Kacar and Nenad Milijas are expected to play a central role, while Milos Krasic and Milan Jovanovic are both talented wingers. Up front, recent Birmingham City signing Nikola Zigic, at 6 ft 8 in, will be the tallest player at the World Cup, and is an obvious threat in the air. Youngsters Zoran Tosic and Nemanja Matic have both been impressive in prior appearances for the Serbian side, while Dragan Mrdja, voted the best player in last season’s Serbian league, has also been in scintillating form.
Undoubtedly the Serbs have the talent and squad depth to go far at the World Cup, and it is testament to how far they have come that Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson believes that they will be one of the dark horses of this tournament.
Key Player: Dejan Stankovic
Captain and most-capped player for Serbia, Dejan Stankovic is an attacking midfielder who can also play out wide on the wings or track back in a defensive midfield role. He has scored 15 goals in 88 international games, and led the side through qualification playing every game but one. "Deki", as he is nicknamed in Italy, is best known for his effective, accurate passing and creativity as well as his ability to score goals from long distance. At the club level, he has spent the last 13 years in Italy, playing first for Lazio and then Inter Milan, and winning seven Scudettos, a UEFA Cup and a Champions League during this period. He will doubtlessly be buoyed by the treble that Inter won last season and his vast experience and skill will be important for Serbia at the World Cup, as he will hope to lead from the front.
What they said
“We've proven ourselves to be a strong team. I am sure that we will play the best we can and not let our fans down at the World Cup." – Serbian striker Nikola Zigic promises a stellar display from his team.
What we think
Qualified ahead of France and with quality through the spine of the team in the shape of Nemanja Vidic, Stankovic and the Nikola Zigic up front, they certainly have the talent to beat good teams. Even so, none of their group opponents will be easy to beat, and if they do make it through, either England or the USA are likely to await in the round of 16. It looks unlikely that Serbia can make it past the second stage, but as they showed in qualifying, they might be a good bet to spring some surprises.
