Here is an article that I wrote that was published in the Late Tackle Magazine (Nov/Dec 2022. Issue 83)
World Cup fever is truly in motion, with fans around the world trying to predict the possible Champions. However, everyone loves an underdog heading into the biggest tournament in the World.
One nation which has gone under the nose of many people is Serbia, who host a number of talents throughout their squad and they have real potential at this tournament.
When Serbia became an independent country after the World Cup in 2006, they only failed to qualify once for the World Cup in 2014.
However, in South Africa and Russia, they failed to make it out of the group stage, winning only one game in their previous World Cup campaigns.
So what is different for Serbia and how can they make an impact at the World Cup in Qatar?
Serbia’s new manager, Dragan Stojkovic took charge of the team in March 2021 and he has impressed many people during his short time in charge. In eight matches they have won five, drew one, and lost two.
The 57-year-old sets up with a back five with attacking fullbacks. They play a free-flowing style of attacking football, which concentrates heavy play through the wing-backs, who support the strikers.
This is key to his success with the team, as it plays to the team’s strengths, especially the key players who can make an impact on results.
Stojkovic has been able to build a squad, which has built partnerships, with the link-up between Aleksandar Mitrovic and Dusan Vlahovic key to any possible success.
Mitrovic has started the season strongly at Fulham, helping the Cottagers with some early season success, both with his goals and his build-up play.
Vlahovic has also started the campaign well, scoring a number of crucial goals for Juventus.
Any real success that Serbia could get from the World Cup, means Vlahovic and Mitrovic have a big part to play, however they aren’t the only players who can contribute.
Vlahovic’s Juventus teammate, Filip Kostic, and veteran, Dusan Tadic have a big responsibility in creating opportunities, which they are capable of doing, and at the heart of midfield, Ivan Ilic is able to play his part in proceedings, and he could be vital to Serbia’s chances.
Serbia comes into the World Cup with confidence, topping their group in the nations league against Norway, Slovenia, and Sweden.
However, the group stage won’t be easy, as they face Switzerland, Cameroon and five-time World Cup winners, Brazil.
Many viewers won’t expect much from Stojkovic and his team in the tournament, but what they have been able to showcase in the lead-up to the tournament and the players they have could leave many teams in shock at the brilliance of Serbia in Qatar.
Final Whistle 