Serbia Need to Play at Their Best to Progress in World Cup 2010

Serbia comes into World Cup 2010 with a squad capable of making up for the disappointment of Germany 2006.

How they got here
A battling performance in the qualifiers saw Serbia overcome the odds and top their group. Despite winning their opener against the Faroe Islands, a defeat at France in Serbia’s second game meant it would be an uphill battle to secure an automatic place in South Africa.

They responded to adversity in the best possible way, beating Austria twice as well as recording wins over Romania, Lithuania, and another win over the Faroe Islands put Serbia back on track. A home draw with France followed and a 5-0 home win over Romania secured top spot and a place in the 2010 World Cup.

Who to watch
Serbia possesses a squad loaded with players hitting the peak of their careers. Nemanja Vidic of Manchester United is recognized as one of the finest defenders in the world today. The dominant center back is joined in defense by Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic to help form a backline loaded with experience of winning at the highest level. Serbia’s captain Dejan Stankovic remembers the disappointment of the 2006 campaign. After enjoying success with Inter in Serie A and the Champions League, the midfielder will be keen to make amends in South Africa.

Outside of the established stars Serbia possesses some attacking talents looking to use this World Cup as a platform to move to a bigger club. Nikola Zigic has already aroused transfer interest this season and has indicated a desire to move to England. After a successful season with Ajax in the Netherlands, veteran Marko Pantelic will see South Africa as a chance to arouse interest from one of the bigger European leagues. Milan Jovanovic meanwhile will look at the World Cup as a chance to impress his likely new employers, having reportedly secured a move to Liverpool. The form of these ambitious players should be taken into account when assessing World Cup betting.

How they will perform
In every other group where Serbia could have landed, in place of another European qualifier, they would be heavily expected to progress. In this group it’s a different story. Progression to the knockout stages is still certainly a possibility but it’s going to be a serious challenge. Having underperformed in 2006 this squad of players is a little older and a lot wiser about what they need to do to progress. Expect tight play in defense and midfield putting Serbia in with at least a shot at progressing entering the final group game with Australia.

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