2010 World Cup Preview: Serbia

2010 World Cup Preview: Serbia

Appearing in their first world cup as an independent nation, the Serbs capped off an undefeated qualifying round with a staggering five goal shutout against Romania. The White Eagles were drawn into Group D after edging out France and sealing their place at the top of Group 7 during the qualifying round.

Overshadowed by the hosts of 2006’s international contest, Serbia appears unlikely to make much of an impact this summer in South Africa. But if the Serbian team’s success in the qualifying round gives any hint to the talent, unity, and heart they bring to the grandest stage of them all, then prepare to be surprised – and prepare for a challenge, Germany.

Schedule

Ghana: June 13

Germany: June 18

Australia: June 23

Faced with Ghana, Australia, and Germany, the group stage will likely prove itself challenging for the Serbs. Australia and Ghana advanced to the Round of 16 in 2006, and Germany placed third overall. Serbia and Montenegro lost every match and was consequently sent packing early.

Serbia’s first match, against the Black Stars, will be hosted in the newly renovated Loftus Versfeld Stadium, while the next two, versus Die Mannschaft and the Socceroos, respectively, will be played in stadiums specifically constructed in anticipation of the special occasion. 

With a five-day gap in between each fixture, the White Eagles will be seeing a lot of the road over a short amount of time. The distance between each match is well over a thousand kilometers, and the travel up and down the Rainbow Nation will surely become tedious. That being said, a little extra traveling to play the German squad at the brand new Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in the Friendly City of Port Elizabeth will surely prove itself worthwhile for both Serbian players as well as fans.

Despite the city’s lighthearted nickname, the bout in Port Elizabeth will play out far from amicably. Serbia will be looking to assert itself against a big name team early in the tournament, while Germany will be fending off a lesser but worthy opponent. Don’t expect Serbia to roll over in fear – merely recall Serbia’s hotly contested draw versus France in the qualification round and realize that this small country might just have a chance.

Key Players

It’s no surprise that Milan Jovanović, a master of the free-kick, was Group 7’s number two goal scorer during the qualification round. Striker Nikola Žigić from Valencia FC, one of the tallest players in the tournament, followed close behind – a massive 6 feet and 7 inches of scoring power. But it is in the defensive game that Serbia really shines, and with Manchester United’s Nemanja Vidić and Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanović anchoring the backfield, the White Eagles have been able to hold off some powerful offensive squads.

Although a last minute addition to the team, manager Radomir Antić lacks no experience in international professional football, having managed both Barcelona and Real Madrid in the past. His expertise is sure to bolster the team’s already rock-hard defense and will likely add a great deal of knowledge the sometimes callow offense.

Žigić is a particularly explosive player, and has a reputation for changing games up when thrown into the mix. In a 2005 World Cup Qualifier against Spain, he scored a crucial equalizer from the bench and cemented Serbia and Montenegro’s place in the tournament. Antić will be sure to recognize his physical assets so as to use them to the team’s advantage.

Finally, Vladimir Stojković, the hands of the squad, has performed at a consistently high level during qualifiers but it remains to be seen whether he can sustain it in group play. His skill and consistency have worked wonders for the back line and will continue to – that is, if he keeps performing well.

Strengths and weaknesses

Before Serbia split with Montenegro, the team’s back line was feared. The “Famous Four” were able to hold off historically potent offensive teams and qualified Serbia and Montenegro for the 2006 World Cup. Fortunately, the White Eagles have continued their legacy of strong defense and Nemanja Vidić, who competes at the Champions League level with Manchester United, leads the team with an aggressive approach that the rest of the backs on the team follow fervently.

The Serbs also have offensive potential. Quick wingers Milan Jovanović and Miloš Krasić not only speed up the pace of the game and challenge opposing defenders’ technique but also possess the ability to put away goals efficiently and consistently.

Unfortunately, Serbia lacks players who can control the flow of the game with comparable experience. While Dejan Stanković is fairly comfortable in his midfield position and brings creativity to the pitch, he does not exhibit the same control on Serbia’s national team as he does with Internazionale.

Injury has also shaken the balance of the Serbian team. Boško Janković, one of the Serbia’s better wingers, suffered a season ending knee injury only recently and Branislav Ivanović, one of the most integral parts of the defense, is also struggling with knee problems – though he will be ready to play in time for the tournament. An injury to a vital player like Ivanović could spell quite a bit of trouble for any aspirations the Serbs have of advancing.

It would be a great World Cup if…

Serbia has a legitimate shot at advancing out of the first round. It will not be easy contending with the likes of Australia and Ghana, who both advanced in 2006, but it certainly is possible. This up and coming Serbian team has a chance at pulling through to the Round of 16 – and they could make things quite interesting, to say the least.

It would be a disaster if…

An important player is injured and Serbia loses every game. No one wants to see a repeat of their horrid performance in 2006. Hopefully a newly independent country means moving away from disappointing play of that caliber.

My prediction

I really cannot call which team will be the second to advance out of the group stage with Germany. It is close and I firmly believe Serbia has the ability to beat out both Australia and Ghana, but it will not happen without a good fight and it might get ugly. I do not think Serbia will upset Germany in their faceoff, but I can see them taking it to both of the other teams in the group.

As long as the White Eagles continue to perform as well as they did in qualifiers and remain injury free, I envision them advancing into the Round of 16 along with Germany. An experienced manager and some uniquely talented players are sure to take them a long way.