He was sacked to make way for Radomir Antic and there was little in the early stages of his reign to suggest the former Real Madrid and Barcelona coach had the magic ingredients to restore Serbia's fortunes.Īn unimpressive 2-0 win over Faroe Islands in the opening match was followed by a 2-1 defeat in France, but six wins and a draw followed to secure Serbia's passage with one match to spare. Local media gave Serbia only a slim chance of reaching the 2010 World Cup after their failure to qualify for Euro 2008 under Spaniard Javier Clemente was followed by a five-match winless streak under Miroslav Djukic. Serbia's chances of progressing to the last 16 in South Africa are likely to hinge on a fast start and a renewed belief in their strength in depth that has left them sadly lacking in previous major tournaments. Nemanja Vidic is expected to marshal the back four and captain Dejan Stankovic is playing in what could be his last major tournament. Players to watch: Antic has tipped towering striker Nikola Zigic to be one of the tournament's outstanding players while 2009 Serbian player of the year Milos Krasic and top scorer in qualifying Milan Jovanovic should add bite to Serbia's attack. In their first appearance as an independent nation, Serbia aim to impress after disappointing in a group stage exit as Serbia and Montenegro in the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Serbia may take four goalkeepers to South Africa with Andjelko Djuricic coming into the frame after a good season with his Portuguese club Nacional. Forward Danko Lazovic's participation is also hanging in the balance after he sustained a thigh injury. Talking points: Long-term injuries to defender Ivica Dragutinovic and midfielder Bosko Jankovic have forced changes in the squad as both would have been certain candidates for the finals. None as an independent nation.īest World Cup performance: (Semi-finals 1930 and fourth place 1962 as part of former Yugoslavia). Colours: Red shirts, blue shorts and white socks
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