2010 World Cup Group D Preview: Serbia
By Ty Duffy
Country: Serbia
Nickname: Beli Orlovi (White Eagles)
Rankings: 16 (FIFA), 9 (SPI)
Elite Players: Nemanja Vidic, Branislav Ivanovic
Key Players: Dejan Stankovic, Milan Jovanovic, Zoran Tosic, Milos Krasic, Nikola Zigic
History: Semifinals (1930, 1950, 1962) Quarterfinals (1954, 1958, 1990) *FIFA recognized descendants of Yugoslavia
Odds to Win: 66-1
“If people would know how little brain is ruling the world, they would die of fear.”- Ivo Andric
Yugoslavia was one of the world’s strongest soccer countries. The team, along with the country, has been torn apart by the political strife of the past two decades. They qualified for 2006 as Serbia and Montenegro, but struggled as Montenegro pledged to leave shortly after the World Cup. They narrowly missed qualifying for Euro 2008, but have returned as “Serbia” for the first time in 2010.
Qualification: Serbia qualified first from a benign group. France won the head to head battle, but Serbia was more consistent against everyone else, edging Les Bleus by a point. The Serbs also have been strong in friendlies. They have won their last five away from home four of them – South Africa, South Korea, Serbia and Japan – were against World Cup opposition.
Tactics: Radomir Antic has a stellar pedigree. He’s the only person to coach Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. He’s an astute tactician, but, unlike most, he prefers attacking. Serbia wasn’t the cleanest during qualifying, allowing, but they did score 22 in the 10 matches. Serbia has power and height, beginning with Valencia’s 6’7” striker Nikola Gigic. With most of the starting XI over six feet, they will take advantage of set pieces. They are, however, slow, which could impede them against Ghana. They generally play a 4-4-2, though switched to 4-5-1 against a quicker France during qualifying.
Squad: Goalkeeping could be a concern. Vladimir Stojkovic is decent, but has bounced around, most recently on loan at Wigan. He’s made just 18 league appearances the past three seasons. Their back four should be excellent. Ivanovic and Vidic are among the best in the world at right and center back respectfully. Lukovic will partner Vidic in the middle and Kolarov will play on the left. Both are experienced professionals in Italy. Kolarov can run forward and has a cannon of a left foot. They also have former U.S. youth player Neven Subotic in reserve.
Serbia has a trustworthy midfield. Inter Milan’s Dejan Stankovic is not as dynamic at 31, but still a fantastic all around midfielder. Like Ghana’s Michael Essien, he is a manager’s wet dream. He’s creative and an excellent passer. He’s positionally aware and strong defensively. He can play in any midfield position. Wolves’ Nenad Milijas will partner him in the middle.
Milan Jovanovic, on his way to Liverpool, was their leading goal-scorer in qualifying will play on the left, with CSKA Moscow’s brilliant Milos Krasic on the right. The strikers, Zigic and Pantelic, aren’t potent, but can still cause defenses problems. Starlets Zoran Tosic (Man U) and Nemanja Matic (Chelsea) could be in the squad as well.
Conclusion: The Serbs well organized. They have skill in abundance. They would be favorites in many groups, but this one may be the most difficult in the tournament. Australia should be an easy victory, but if they don’t get at least a draw in the first match against Ghana, it may not matter.
Interesting Fact: The Serbians love their raspberries. One third of raspberry exports and 95 percent of the high quality ones come from Serbia.
Group A: South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, France
Group B: Argentina, Nigeria, South Korea, Greece
Group C: England, United States, Slovenia, Algeria
Group D: Germany, Australia, Serbia, Ghana
Group E: Netherlands, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon
Group F: Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, Slovakia
Group G: Brazil, North Korea, Ivory Coast, Portugal
Group H: Spain, Switzerland, Honduras, Chile