By AlexMilic -
December 7th 2009 @ 7:44am
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Loading ...Socceroos should know their Serbian opponents
Many people here in Australia don’t have a clue about the Serbian football team so they go on about how they are beatable and not going to be a problem for the Socceroos, who have two or three top players playing for rather moderate European clubs. I would like to get you familiar.
The Serbian Backline
Aleksandar Lukovic (LB) (Udinese)
The little wingback has been in excellent form for his Serie A club and has confirmed his spot has the teams left back ahead of Lazio’s Aleksandar Kolarov. The player posses great pace and a great cross.
Ivica Dragutinovic (RB) (Sevillia)
He has been part of the national team for nearly ten years. Was the captain of Standard Liege before moving to Sevilla where he is a regular. He has assisted allot of goals for Serbia thanks to his crosses on the right and left side. Produces many opportunities for the Serbian team.
Branislav Ivanovic (CB) (Chelsea)
Had his breakthrough season last year and has a cult status at the blue side of London for his two goals at Anfield last season in the Champions League. Carlo Ancelotti says he is the most fit fullback who is always concentrated on the game and is one of the best fullbacks he has ever worked with. May have an off day but hes only human.
Nemanja Vidic (CB) (Manchester UTD)
No introduction needed for one of the best fullbacks in world football. Cahill recently said that Vidic is the hardest defender he has ever come up against “He is a man mountain” Cahill said for Four Four Two magazine.
The other top defenders the team has:
Aleksandar Kolarov (Lazio)
Neven Subotic (Borussia Dortmund)
Midfielders
Milos Krasic (RW) (CSKA MOSCOW)
The player is getting better and better look him up on youtube and you will see! He is the Russian teams best player and is on the cards of Manchester UTD and AC MILAN. He was a revelation in the qualifiers and will be a big threat at the WC.
Milan Jovanovic (LW) (Standard Liege)
The team top scorer in qualifying and Standard’s best player. He is a speedy player who sets up his team mates and also has an excellent eye for goal. Jovanovic was amazing in qualifying and is one of Serbia’s best players at the moment.
Nenad Milijas (CM) (Wolverhampton)
Signed for the EPL club this season but has not been used much. He was a key player in midfield for Serbia during qualifying. Scored against the French and scored a screamer against Bolton last night in the EPL. He lacks pace but his left foot covers for it.
Dejan Stankovic (CM) (Internazionale)
The captain of the Serbian team has a different role in the national side to his attacking role for club side Inter. One of Serie A’s best players. He has had an excellent season so far scoring some absolute screamers!. His experience is invaluable. Played at the ‘98 and ‘06 World Cup’s.
The other top midfielders:
Zdravko Kuzmanovic (CM) (VFB STUTTGART)
formerly of Fiorentina where he played over 80 games. Only 22 he is now the key in Stuttgart’s midfield and will be one of the best midfielders the country has seen in the years to come. A pass and go player, doesn’t take to much time on the ball. His shooting is another strong part of his game.
Gojko Kacar (CM) (Hertha Berlin)
A top buy for the German Club. He has proven himself and is on the verge of leaving his club who has lost all of its ambition. The player is very strong and has a great shot on him but the key to his game is his passing. One to look out for in the years to come.
Strikers
Marko Pantelic (Ajax)
Sets up more goals then he scores, he is more of a supporting striker for the go to man Nikola Zigic. Plays with allot of energy and passion, he has opened the floodgates to his Ajax career.
Nikola Zigic (Valencia)
The tall target man has not been given a real chance at Valencia but has proven himself in the Spanish League with Racing being their top marksmen for two seasons. He is still held with high regard amongst European Clubs. Will be hard to mark for the Socceroos, Zigic is easily frustrated when things are not going his way.
The others:
Danko Lazovic (PSV)
These players have been the key to Serbia’s qualification campaign and the resurrection of Serbian football. The team is very strong in defence and on the wings.
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Tom said | December 7th 2009 @ 8:18am | Report comment
Certainly a very good team. Although I haven’t actually heard anyone in Australia talking them down, so I’m not sure where that comes from.
Killer_Tomatoes said | December 7th 2009 @ 8:20am | Report comment
This sounds like it was written by an eight year old, maybe the Major should go back to Green Street or Delije or wherever it is he’s from this week and leave the article writing to my grade 2 neice.
AlexMilic said | December 7th 2009 @ 8:36am | Report comment
It’s a quick article killer tomatoes u arrogant piece of you know what if you dont like it dont comment simple as that.
Killer_Tomatoes said | December 7th 2009 @ 9:00am | Report comment
isus marija ustasha croatia
Krasic is a good player, Srbija have a very solid starting defence, and Kacar looks a good prospect at defensive midfield (apparently interesting Spurs and Arsenal). Lack a bit in the striking department, but still better than Australia there. Stankovic is still class and Subotic and Kuzmanovic are good back ups for their positions. Schwarzer is easily a better ‘keeper than anything they offer though.
Another worry for Australia is that Balotelli is yet to confirm wether he will be an Italian or Ghanaian international (can’t really blame him reconsidering with some of the abuse he gets in Italy) and so may be a Ghana starter by the time of the WC.
dasilva said | December 7th 2009 @ 8:36am | Report comment
Seriously when has anyone talk them down. People are calling this the group of death because the rate serbia.
Mushi said | December 7th 2009 @ 8:42am | Report comment
I haven’t heard anyone talk them down? If anything we’ve disregarded Ghana (who also have ladles of quality) by suggesting that the final game against Serbia will be the crucial one, which insinuates that we’ll have beaten Ghana.
AndyRoo said | December 7th 2009 @ 8:59am | Report comment
I havent seen anything but respect given to Serbia because of the clubs their players play at
Inter, Chelsea and Man Utd…..
Pippinu said | December 7th 2009 @ 9:08am | Report comment
Alex
A timely article I think – well done – I reckon most Australians would not realise just how strong Serbia really is (or only remember the spanking they got from the Argies last time round).
On a whole, the response to our group is mixed: some see it as a very tough group (which it is), others appear to be quite confident about ending up top two – but I’m unsure on what that confidence is based.
Some have even suggested Germany is not up to it!!!
I would put our chances of qualifying at around 25% – and even that might be a touch optimistic.
Killer_Tomatoes said | December 7th 2009 @ 9:21am | Report comment
Serbia 2010 is a much better side than Serbia 2006, players like Ivanovic, Vidic, Subotic, Lukovic, Kacar, Kuzmanovic, Krasic were all too young to be properly in the squad or at their best. In fact, I think only Vidic from that list was even in the overall squad for the torunament.
AlexMilic said | December 7th 2009 @ 10:20am | Report comment
It just angers me when i see people like Jason Culina who has no clue say things like the team is unknown and the players and so on. Does the guy even watch football or does he just sit back and cruise through the Gold Coast. For starters he shouldn’t of even joined the A-League but if you ask me he probably wasn’t in the plans of the new PSV coach so he came here to get some good cash and so on. I think the socceroos need to give more youngsters a go! build the team up in 2010 so they get some excellent experience for 2014/2018. IT was a complete joke seeing him on the World Game yesterday!
dasilva said | December 7th 2009 @ 11:18am | Report comment
Culina wasn’t the only person
I think Cahill also said he doesn’t know much about the Serbian team.
Although you can’t really blame them. I’m quite sure the EPL followers would only know Serbia for Vidic and Ivanovic . The UCL follower may add Stankovic to that list and thats about it. Not everyones are fan of Serbia monitoring their form or follow all major leagues in Europe (generally people pick one major league and that’s it).
Although I think you are bit harsh about Culina. Culina was a regular player for PSV last season and was voted as the second best right back of the eredivisie. If he wanted to, he would have stayed with PSV. I also think that Culina is a bit overrated as a central midfielder but perhaps he’s a decent right back. Wouldn’t mind a swap with Wilkshire.
Pippinu said | December 7th 2009 @ 10:28am | Report comment
these are my early odds for who will qualify from our group (noting that two spots mean the percentage total to 200%):
Germany 95%
Serbia 45%
Ghana 35%
Austalia 25%
vladimir said | December 7th 2009 @ 12:43pm | Report comment
is this a gambling or a football forum…
AlexMilic said | December 7th 2009 @ 12:47pm | Report comment
gambling is part of football if you have not noticed major football teams around the world are sponsored by sporting bet companies. Whats wrong vladimir? sta ti je
vladimir said | December 7th 2009 @ 12:54pm | Report comment
i just don’t get who cares what some poopinu claims are his odds… they have no meaning at all…
i disagree betting is a part of football… i’ve never seen odds out on a football field…
by the way… if you don’t want to write in english don’y bother conversing with me major…
AlexMilic said | December 7th 2009 @ 1:14pm | Report comment
if you want to have an argument then dont comment at all go on youtube. Oh yes I am sorry for writing in my language you must not understand it
Tom said | December 7th 2009 @ 2:41pm | Report comment
95% is ridiculously high for Germany, Pip. They’re a very good team, but they’re not unbeatable. This is the toughest world cup group they’ve had since unification.
Lop 15% off Germany and add 5% to each of the other countries.
The Bishop said | December 7th 2009 @ 5:29pm | Report comment
Group D odds for qualification:
Germany – 1.17
Serbia – 2.1
Ghana – 2.25
Australia – 2.62
estragon said | December 8th 2009 @ 12:00pm | Report comment
gambling is for morons
The Bishop said | December 8th 2009 @ 1:21pm | Report comment
estragon, I completely agree, I have never and will never gamble on anything, however in the context of using odds as a yardstick to determine our chances of making it out of the group stage, they are interesting.
estragon said | December 8th 2009 @ 1:25pm | Report comment
when i get home tonight after having faked it through another day i’m going to get souped up then head down the road to my favourite brothel and ‘bury the bishop’ as they say…
danny said | March 8th 2010 @ 12:58am | Report comment
germany 80%
serbia 60%
ghana 55%
australia 5%
Anyone who thinks australia will qualify, doesnt know anything about soccer full stop! Im not even gona bother replying to people who post replies. The aussies are goin there for a holiday thats it!
Mxjosh said | December 7th 2009 @ 9:52am | Report comment
We’re in a tough group, there is no discounting that. being realistic Germany are a step above Australia, Ghana and Serbia but not unbeatable, However I think the remaining three are about on par with each other. Ijust fear for Australias ability to break down such a staunch backline as Serbias or Germany’s. We have a good record against Ghana but that will count for nothing come world cup time and lets be honest we have no one who has the quality of an Essien or a Stankovic. Having said that It will be an intruiging group to say the least and Australia can be quietly but very cautiously confident
danny said | March 8th 2010 @ 1:01am | Report comment
stupid analysis, sorry mate you have no idea and anyone that agrees with your comments has no idea.. australia has f all hope.
vladimir said | December 7th 2009 @ 9:57am | Report comment
the majority of players in the serbian team are there clubs best player according to milic… no wonder pippinu is impressed…
AlexMilic said | December 7th 2009 @ 10:14am | Report comment
Its all true i follow the players and teams and watch the games. Kacar is Hertha Berlin’s best player, kuzma is leading the way for stuttgart, krasic is world class and will certainly join AC Milan or Man UTD in the next transfer window. Jovanovic is Standard Liege. The Serb players are on fire at the moment lets hope they can raise the bar come the World Cup. But Serbia is always unpredictable so who knows what you are gonna get same goes for Germany and Ghana and the Socceroos.
Spanner said | December 7th 2009 @ 10:41am | Report comment
Alex, Nice work in giving a summary of what the socceroos will come up against. Considering you know the playes well why not give a Player vs Player summary and ranking for each of the teams key players. I am assuming you know the Socceroos as well. It would be interesting to see how they compare to each other. What about the Serbian keeper?
AlexMilic said | December 7th 2009 @ 10:48am | Report comment
Spanner I will do it soon. The Serb keeper Vladimir Stojkovic of Sporting Lisbon can be clumsy but can also pull off some good saves, he has struggled to earn a first team spot in the past few years and thats a major problem. I will do the player v player summary’s soon.
Punter said | December 7th 2009 @ 11:03am | Report comment
Can you be unbias, considering some of the background of the players like Cullina.
AlexMilic said | December 7th 2009 @ 11:10am | Report comment
Im not bias if you are gonna be saying things like that then whats the point of calling it sports opinion its my opinion and lets not turn this into politics i have nothing against Croats. I’m not a fan of the Culina boys because they are overrated and their opinions and analysts are pathetic. And for some reason Culina played all the last world cup games for Australia and Skoko who was by far Australia’s best player leading to the world cup didn’t even get a minute. Just not a fan of Culina simple as that mate
Punter said | December 7th 2009 @ 11:20am | Report comment
You would have to ask Guus why he didn’t play Skoko, I agree he was one of better players. But I would find it hard to argue with him because he suceeded where before we only had dreams. Cullina also had a great WC.
AlexMilic said | December 7th 2009 @ 11:34am | Report comment
The key to the socceroos 2010 campaign would have to be an experienced coach! Pim has done well by qualifying the team but what next? the friendlies will be crucial and yes we are in one of the toughest groups! the experienced players will be the key to the team overall they have to motivate the youngsters and encourage them as much as they can!
vladimir said | December 7th 2009 @ 11:38am | Report comment
what a riduculous statement about culina by the major… up until he came back to aust he was one of aust’s best players including in the last world cup… to deny this is bias not opinion…
Killer_Tomatoes said | December 7th 2009 @ 11:02am | Report comment
Major, when will you be leaving Adelaide to rejoin Delije on the North Stand of your beloved Marakana?
Mxjosh said | December 7th 2009 @ 1:10pm | Report comment
We dont need to get to workde up about Alex article or his views on Culina this is a sports opinion website remember? and this is his opinion, you dont have to agree with it or anyone elses. Personally I think Culina is a quality player and while i love the fact he’s in the A-league probably came back a year too early
AlexMilic said | December 7th 2009 @ 1:15pm | Report comment
He came back way to early and now he is constantly frustrated, he should go back to Europe asap!
AlexMilic said | December 7th 2009 @ 1:33pm | Report comment
your getting to carried away champ. I know its hot cool down a little ay.
Killer_Tomatoes said | December 8th 2009 @ 8:53am | Report comment
OK mate, would not want you to call the police on me. Wouldn’t have thought a hardcore member of the infamous Delihe such as yourself would need a cop to sort out his problems for him…
AlexMilic said | December 8th 2009 @ 11:40am | Report comment
ahahaha mate i know it hurts that your beloved team did not qualify this time around no need to blame others for your misfortunes!
estragon said | December 8th 2009 @ 1:48pm | Report comment
i’m brewing a massive steamer…
Zac Zavos said | December 7th 2009 @ 1:36pm | Report comment
Please get back to the topic Vladimir.
A reminder to all to report any inappropriate comments. We’re deleting comments which aren’t in line with our comments policy.
Zac
The Roar
vladimir said | December 7th 2009 @ 1:41pm | Report comment
thats rubbish zavos…
gambling was brought up earlier in the forum by pippinu and you did nothing about it…
letting your bias show i think…
further, is writing in serbian part of your comments policy… how do you know what he’s said, zavos sounds greek to me?
Zac Zavos said | December 7th 2009 @ 2:01pm | Report comment
We receive over 15,000 comments each month on this site Vladimir. I rely on Roarers to report comments. When they do, we act.
It’s as simple as that and certainly no bias.
But we do value respectful discussion so please respond accordingly.
Chris said | December 7th 2009 @ 4:32pm | Report comment
I didn’t know it was taboo to mention gambling. Gambling is and always has been a part of sport – and who doesn’t enjoy the odd flutter?
Freud of Football said | December 7th 2009 @ 5:53pm | Report comment
How very Australian of you. Gambling doesn’t have to be a part of sport the same as cigarettes don’t have to be smoked after sex. Gambling is killing sport, just take a look at the match fixing scandal in Europe (of which we’ve no doubt only seen the tip of the iceberg) or cricket where everytime Pakistan loses everyone accuses them of match-fixing, it’s all because of gambling.
Chris said | December 8th 2009 @ 10:41am | Report comment
Gambling is killing sport? So the millions of dollars a year the NRL/AFL receive from gambling (which is the only thing keeping some of the clubs solvent) is a bad thing? Pull the other one.
vladimir said | December 7th 2009 @ 2:04pm | Report comment
that didn’t answer my question about publishing comments in foreign languages?
Roger Rational said | December 7th 2009 @ 2:20pm | Report comment
The most worrying thing for the Aussies is the sheer bulk and strength of some of those Serbian players – Ivanovic is built like a brick wall and Vidic is a monster. Verbeek will have to put his thinking cap on because this Socceroo team won’t bully the Serbs.
Chris said | December 7th 2009 @ 4:34pm | Report comment
Good thing it’s Soccer and not Rugby. A physical soccer team – that’s a laugh!
AlexMilic said | December 7th 2009 @ 5:21pm | Report comment
do you have a clue about football boss?
Chris said | December 8th 2009 @ 10:43am | Report comment
I know enough about Soccer to know that even a shoulder bump, where no contact is actually made, will send the average soccer player flying six metres in the air and reduce them to crocodile tears.
estragon said | December 8th 2009 @ 12:34pm | Report comment
this isn’t a rugby forum tough guy…
midfield general said | December 7th 2009 @ 8:57pm | Report comment
Yes you’re right, these guys also provide the mental toughness perhaps lacking in past Serbian teams, along with a cunning coach in Antic. They have the usual array of attacking talent as well, so they will provide a formidable opponent, perhaps even more so than the Germans.
danny said | March 8th 2010 @ 1:06am | Report comment
about time… some1 with some football knowledge
RickG said | December 8th 2009 @ 11:34am | Report comment
Were any born and raised in Australia, a la croatia in the 2006 world cup?
AlexMilic said | December 8th 2009 @ 11:51am | Report comment
none in the Serbian squad although Ivan Ergic was a starting eleven in the first few games and then he decided to retire from international football. He was raised in Perth and played for the Glory, he scored a few memorable goals in the old NSL. Other then that none.
vladimir said | December 8th 2009 @ 11:57am | Report comment
serbia have a lot of problems up front… zigic hardly plays for his club side… mostly when he does he comes on for a few minutes at the death…
AlexMilic said | December 8th 2009 @ 12:38pm | Report comment
yes thats true but when he does play he performs. I think hes remaining at Valencia because of the good contract hes got there because in the second half of last season he was loaned out to his former club racing and scored 12/13 goals and was their top scorer. He needs to leave the club asap.
estragon said | December 8th 2009 @ 1:22pm | Report comment
he obviously doesn’t have what it takes to play at a big club… some players are like that they excel for mediocre teams but can’t take the next step up…
pozzo said | December 8th 2009 @ 1:41pm | Report comment
i agree estragon… they have no decent back up strikers either…
vladimir said | December 8th 2009 @ 2:08pm | Report comment
I know this I am just frustrated at the so called football know it alls who already think Serbia can get through. Everyone in the World knows that they are the outsiders, it was the ssame in the last WC, i was thinkng wtf is going on they cant even play… If they get out of the group it would be a bigger achievement then australia in the last WC. Everything is possible its the WC
AlexMilic said | December 8th 2009 @ 5:57pm | Report comment
compared to Australia and Ghana Serbia’s squad is allot stronger buddy! If you think Luke Wilkshire is a better midfielder then Stankovic etc just look at the clubs the players play off, its a laugh buddy. Dont get so frustrated that your beloved checkers didnt qualify
jimbo said | December 8th 2009 @ 1:58pm | Report comment
Alex,
Serbia have an excellent team and some fine players and indeed should be favoured to beat the Socceroos, so do Ghana amd Germany of course.
Croatia, Japan and Brazil had some great players too in 2006 and most of that team were unknowns then.
But we are Australian, we make up for our perceived weaknesses in other ways.
Maybe we don’t make the knockout stages, but it won’t be through lack of commitment, teamwork and effort.
A champion team will always beat a team of champions.
AlexMilic said | December 8th 2009 @ 2:03pm | Report comment
I know this I am just frustrated at the so called football know it alls who already think Australia can get through. Everyone in the World knows that we are the outsiders, it was the ssame in the last WC, I remember watching against japan, I was thinkng wtf is going on we cant even play let alone beat japan, but the last few minutes where amazing and from then on Australia kept mraising the bar and where unlucky not to make the QF. If we get out of the group it would be a bigger achievement then the last WC. Everything is possible its the WC
danny said | March 8th 2010 @ 1:10am | Report comment
stick to afl mate you dont know what your talkin bout…. maybe your theory works for 1game or more in afl but this is soccer. If what you say was the case than look at the english league for xample. its always chels, man u, ars, liv who are top 4! ask yourself why, and throw your comment in the rubish. you have no idea
estragon said | December 8th 2009 @ 2:03pm | Report comment
dial another cliche jimbo… have you snapped one off yet today?
jimbo said | December 8th 2009 @ 2:08pm | Report comment
I’ve never been so insulted by a female hormone in my life!
The whole article is full of cliches beginning with “Australians don’t have a clue . . . ”
If you don’t expect to win, don’t bother going.
estragon said | December 8th 2009 @ 2:13pm | Report comment
I know this I am just frustrated at the so called football know it alls who already think Serbia can get through. Everyone in the World knows that they are the outsiders, it was the ssame in the last WC, i was thinkng wtf is going on they cant even play… If they get out of the group it would be a bigger achievement then australia in the last WC. Everything is possible its the WC
Pippinu said | December 8th 2009 @ 2:16pm | Report comment
Serbia the outsiders?
And to think that you described me as simple on another thread!!
jimbo said | December 8th 2009 @ 2:17pm | Report comment
I think NZ has that honour.
Punter said | December 8th 2009 @ 2:22pm | Report comment
Pip can’t wait for your summary on Group D. I wonder whether you will rate Australia’s chances or will be another failed WC.
AlexMilic said | December 8th 2009 @ 5:55pm | Report comment
I can see you are one of those glory hunter fans that started to follow football after the Uruguay match coz brother you have no clue.
danny said | March 8th 2010 @ 1:12am | Report comment
silly comment
AndyRoo said | December 8th 2009 @ 2:23pm | Report comment
I was genuinly interested in learning more about this Serbian team so it’s a shame the comments didn’t stay on topic and perhaps provide more in depth infomation.
AlexMilic said | December 8th 2009 @ 5:59pm | Report comment
Andy what do you do buddy, allot of know it alls here dont have a clue.
Zac Zavos said | December 8th 2009 @ 2:30pm | Report comment
Estragon – keep your discussion above board and focused on respectful sports debate. Your comments outside of this will be deleted.
pozzo said | December 8th 2009 @ 7:07pm | Report comment
youre ruining it for everone spiro…
Damir said | December 16th 2009 @ 8:00pm | Report comment
GK: STOJKOVIC (SPORTING) – TEAM’S MAJOR WEAKNESS
RB: IVANOVIC (CHELSEA) – OBRADOVIC & RUKAVINA BACK UPS
CB: VIDIC (MAN UNITED)
CB: SUBOTIC (DORTMUND) – LINKED TO A JAN MOVE TO ARSENAL
LB: LUKOVIC (UDINESE) – KOLAROV & DRAGUTINOVIC BACK UPS
RW: KRASIC (CSKA) – MOVING TO BIGGER CLUB AFTER WC
CM: STANKOVIC (INTER) – CAPTAIN
CM: MILIJAS (WOLVES) – DEADLY SET PIECES – BOTH CM ARENT HOLDING MIDFIELDERS
LM: JOVANOVIC (STANDARD) – JAN MOVE TO EPL
ST: PANTELIC (AJAX) – BRILLIANT DOMESTIC WISE, QUESTIONABLE INTERNATIONAL
ST: ZIGIC (VALENCIA) – OPPOSITE OF PANTELIC – SIMILIAR TO PETER CROUCH
danny said | March 8th 2010 @ 1:15am | Report comment
id prefer kolarov over lukovic but thats ok. stojkovic can play but has bad attitute thats why he struggles to make first team. zigic much better than crouch. pantelic is our weak link, but everything else i agree with.
AlexMilic said | March 12th 2010 @ 4:49pm | Report comment
pantelic weak link? then you must not have watchd the same games I have been watching. He was a key part of the team, he may have not scored as many goals but he did contribute allot and set up goals. He is defently not the weak link!!! and Stojkovic was amazing against Algeria if any of use managed to see that game