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.