Betfair: World Cup 2010 Team Profile: Serbia

Today’s update from Betfair:

A side boasting one of the best defenders in world football in Nemanja Vidic, one of Serie A’s most successful footballers in Dejan Stankovic and a young Man Utd starlet in the making cannot be underestimated. Feizal Rahman tells us all about Serbia’s World Cup chances.

Had political circumstances been far less bloody, then a united Yugoslavia team - with world class players from Serbia and Croatia combined, along with the best from the other republics - would surely have been amongst the best in the world. Or at the very least would have made a bigger impact on the international stage than each independent nation alone has managed. However, where Croatia enjoyed relative success in the late 1990’s, and experienced a brief revival recently under current coach Slaven Bilic, it is Serbia who have become the dominant ex-Yugoslav country.

Now managed by the highly respected Radomir ‘Raddy’ Antic, the Serbian national team is a blend of hungry, promising youngsters and highly experienced internationals. With his vast knowledge of the game - having managed six Spanish clubs, including Real Madrid and Barcelona - Antic has led this current Serb side to the top of their World Cup qualifying group, ahead of France, with six wins from seven and 15 goals scored ([2.1] to win European Zone Group 7).

A similarly impressive qualifying campaign ahead of the 2006 World Cup, where they finished undefeated in their group above Spain, was let down by disappointing showing in Germany with three defeats in a ‘group of death’ including Argentina, Holland and the Ivory Coast. Yet, like many ‘new’ nations, lessons learned from such losses can only be of benefit for the future and with the continued improvement of key players over the coming season, a strong showing in South Africa can be expected. They are [100.0] to win the 2010 World Cup.

Nemanja Vidic

For the last three seasons, Nemanja Vidic has been a rock at the centre of the Manchester United defence and ,with one of the meanest backlines in the Premier League, it can be no coincidence that the Old Trafford club has gone on to win three consecutive titles ([3.4] to make it four in 2009/10).

With his fearless commitment to both tackling and heading, Vidic has been likened to former United captain Steve Bruce and cutting a cyborg-like figure at the back, opposition attackers are frequently intimidated by his mere presence. Named in the PFA Team of the Year in each season he has played in England, for much of last season the centre-back was touted as a Player of the Year candidate and was the long-time favourite for the award.

A rare slip-up when up against Liverpool’s Fernando Torres in a 4-1 home defeat proved he is no machine but it probably says more about his qualities that when Vidic does make a mistake, it has greater impact on the team than that of others. As a senior member of the Serbian squad, Vidic will be relied upon for his leadership and big-game experience at the World Cup and with further club honours expected in the coming season, a solid performance in South Africa will be a major target.

Dejan Stankovic

It seems like he’s been around for ever but at only 30 years of age, Dejan Stankovic is still going strong in Serie A. Part of the star-studded Lazio team that won the Scudetto in 1999-00, the versatile midfielder moved to Inter in 2004 and has enjoyed further success with a fourth consecutive league title won last season ([1.98] to make it five next season).

With the arrival of new Inter coach, Jose Mourinho, last summer, Stankovic - who was loyal to predecessor, Roberto Mancini, since their days at Lazio - was linked with a move to rivals Juventus (La Vecchia Signora [3.6] to win Serie A 2009/10) but has instead gone on be a key player under the Portuguese, being handed a ‘fantasista’ role behind the front two.

For his national side, Stankovic plays a more traditional centre midfield role where he is more able to fulfil his duties as captain but he remains capable of filling in on either flank as he has done most of his career. With numerous fledgling talents pushing for a place in the national side, South Africa could be Stankovic’s last chance at international success and like all of his compatriots, he will be looking to make the eye-opening impact that finally puts Serbia on the footballing map.

Nikola Zigic

At nearly 6ft 8in, it’s no surprise that Nikola Zigic is the main target man for Serbia. While not necessarily prolific with his own goals - only two scored so far in World Cup qualifying - the striker’s very obvious presence and ability to hold the ball up, allows for attacking partners to find the net and also to create chances for oncoming midfielders.

A dream move to Valencia in 2007 has proven more of a nightmare with limited first team opportunities resulting in only one goal scored for Los Che. A loan move back to previous club Racing Santander in the second half of last season saw an upturn in fortune, with 13 goals in 19 appearances, leading to reported interest from numerous European clubs.

Having spoken of a desire to move to England for next season, Zigic has recently been strongly linked with Blackburn Rovers ([9.8] to be relegated) as a replacement for Roque Santa Cruz, although Sunderland ([14.5] to finish Top 6) and Tottenham Hotspur ([5.3] to win Premier League without Big 4) are also rumoured to be eyeing the towering frontman. In need of consistent first team action, Zigic will be hoping to continue his recent good form for a new club and head to South Africa with his country in confident mood.

Zoran Tosic

An international since 2007, 22-year-old Zoran Tosic was snapped up by Manchester United last season in a January transfer window deal along with Partizan Belgrade team-mate, Adem Ljajic. As a natural left winger, Tosic is being hailed as the future successor to Old Trafford legend, Ryan Giggs, when the 35-year-old eventually retires.

Despite the Welshman showing no signs of hanging up his boots just yet, the young Serb may be handed more opportunities to prove himself in the coming season with the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid - perhaps more so in the domestic cup competitions (United [5.3] to win FA Cup, [7.0] to retain Carling Cup in 2009/10).

Said by manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, to be more in the mould of a box-to-box David Beckham than a tricky Ryan Giggs, Tosic will view the coming year as a crucial one as he looks to secure a first team place for both club and country. However many appearances he makes next season though, the future looks bright for the midfielder and he may very well end up being the Serbian Beckham.

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