Serbia World Cup Squad Preview

Written by Tony Concannon Wednesday, 26 May 2010 11:51

World Cup Squad Previews

Serbia should not be underestimated in this World Cup. They qualified in style, topping a group that included France. However, despite a talented selection of players, they may lack the experience of playing as a group on the world stage.

English fans may remember their coach Radomir Antic, from his playing days at Luton. He has built a solid side that includes a number of big players from the European leagues. Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic forms a formidable central defensive partnership with Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic. Can you name a better international defensive duo? Neven Subotic of Borussia Dortmund can, as he is the next in line for stardom.

The midfield is led by Inter Milan treble winner Dejan Stankovic, but there is a serious lack of experience across the rest of the middle. Nenad Milijas, who was a regular in Serbia's successful qualifying campaign, but has only played sparingly for Wolves this season is worth keeping an eye on. Manchester United's Zoran Tosic, who has been on good form on loan at Cologne, is also included.
The options look much better in attack and Liverpool fans will be keen to check out Milan Jovanovic, who is set to arrive at Anfield from Standard Liege. Beanpole striker Nikola Zigic (Valencia) is always dangerous and Ajax marksman Marko Pantelic is a regular goalscorer. 

Serbia certainly have some very good players at their disposal, but will find it difficult to progress from Group D, which also includes Ghana, Germany and Australia. However, a draw against the Germans and a win against Australia could throw them into the mixer depending on other results. Don't underestimate them. 

Serbia's provisional World Cup squad:

Goalkeepers: Vladimir Stojkovic (Wigan), Zeljko Brkic (Vojvodina Novi Sad), Bojan Isailovic (Cukaricki Belgrade), Andjelko Djuricic (Leiria).

Defenders: Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea), Antonio Rukavina(Munich 1860), Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United), Neven Subotic (Borussia Dortmund), Aleksandar Lukovic (Udinese), Ivan Obradovic (Saragossa), Aleksandar Kolarov (Lazio).

Midfielders: Dejan Stankovic (Inter Milan), Nenad Milijas(Wolverhampton), Miloss Krasic (CSKA Moscow), Milan Jovanovic (Standard Liege), Milos Ninkovic (Dynamo Kiev), Zdravko Kuzmanovic (Stuttgart), Zoran Tosic (Cologne), Miralem Sulejmani (Ajax), Gojko Kacar (Hertha Berlin), Nemanja Matic (Chelsea), Radosav Petrovic (Partizan Belgrade).

Forwards: Nikola Zigic (Valencia), Marko Pantelic (Ajax), Danko Lazovic (Zenith), Dragan Mrdja (Vojvodina), Dejan Lekic (Red Star Belgrade).

Comments (4)

Kris Mole said:

... I disagree with the statement that the Serbs will find it difficult to qualify from the group. If anything, I'd put a few quid on them topping the group. Serbia is my tip for surprise team of the tournament. Watch this space.

May 26, 2010

Tony Concannon said:

... You could be right Kris, but it's a tough call this group. I strongly fancy Ghana myself and can you see Germany not getting through? So that's why I feel it may be difficult for Serbia to progress. I could be wrong!

May 26, 2010

Kris Mole said:

... I can't really see Germany not getting through, although stranger things have happened. But I do think they might struggle, as they tend to do in the early stages. Croatia showed them up at the Euros two years ago, and Serbia now has a stronger team than the Croats did then, albeit playing with a similar style. I don't know enough about Ghana to make predictions on their part, but wonder what price for Ghana and Serbia to both qualify Naaaaah, this is a major tournament, the Germans will always be there or thereabouts.

May 26, 2010

Paul Quinn said:

... I'm with Kris on this. I think the outcome of this group is entirely up to how the Germans respond to the fact that both Serbia and Ghana will fancy their chances of getting out of the group. I think it's going to be tight, and I think it's going to be fun!

May 27, 2010