Serbia’s crazy attack is a surprise to play?
We are almost there. After more than four years of waiting, the World will finally open its doors in Qatar with this 2022 edition. This winter, as the French team did in 2018, at least thirty-two countries will participate in the tournament to conquer the planet.
Among these countries, Serbia will take part in the third final stage of the World Cup – the thirteenth, if you count the time it played under the flag of Yugoslavia. Serbia, which has been a separate selection since the 2010 World Cup, will be led by coach Dragan Stojkovic from March 2021. A former Yugoslavian international, he participated as a player in the 1998 World Cup. Now he has to confirm his first experience as a coach. This will require the former Olympique de Marseille player to apply his attacking game. Looking to thrive in a 3-4-1-2, Dragan Stojković is introducing an attacking game to the Serbs and nothing else. Although there are interesting attacking elements for the Eagles, the 21st-ranked country in the world in the FIFA rankings will have to be careful not to burn their wings.
Qualification: Impressive clear round against Portugal
Serbia fell into Group A in the qualifying round of the European zone. Having won six games in eight games in the group stage, the “Eagles” have passed the qualifying stage well. The Republic of Ireland, Azerbaijan and Luxembourg paid the price, but above all, Dragan Stojkovic’s men were impressive against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal. In November 2021, on Portuguese soil, the return match between the two selections, which were separated by a draw (2-2) in the first leg, presented an almost unexpected sight. On the final day of Group A, Renato Sanchez opened the scoring after two minutes of play, but the Serbian attack paid off. Dusan Tadic equalized before Aleksandar Mitrovic scored the winner. Thus, Eagles The striker of “Manchester United” was the first in his group ahead of his teammates.
The team: an attacking sector that has nothing to envy
A few names appeared in the transcript of the last qualifying game against Portugal. They only confirm one thing, if coach Dragan Stojkovic manages to put more emphasis on attack, it’s that he has the elements to get there. Only 28 years old, striker Aleksandar Mitrović (Fulham) is already the top scorer with fifty goals in red and gold. He will definitely be a player to watch in this team. But he won’t be the only one, as Dušan Tadić (Ajax Amsterdam) is not only a potential goalscorer, but also pairs perfectly with his Premier League compatriot. Because this is Dragan Stojkovic’s main job: to create team spirit and understanding in the game among his players.
In order to claim something in this World Cup, Serbia must not only have talented strikers, but they must also be willing to find the net. It will certainly fall on Dušan Vlahović (Juventus), who is arguably the most famous Serbian player at international level. The midfield will also be important to launch attacks. In this part of the pitch, Sergej Milinković-Savić (Roma Lazio) will be one of the elements to watch closely, while Nemanja Maksimović (Getafe) will hope to be in this unprecedented spotlight. In the defensive sector, the presence of Stefan Mitrovic (Getafe), whose surname is the same as that of striker Aleksandar, should not deceive football fans. Finally, experienced Marko Dmitrović (Seville FC) should guard the Serbian cages. He and his back three will have a big mission as the coach’s attacking tendencies tend to sideline the defensive sector.
Group: Brazil as the main threat
The first hurdles Serbia will face to overcome the first round of the World Cup in Qatar will be those of Group G. We find there Cameroon, Switzerland, but also and above all the Brazilian Seleção. Fun fact, Brazil has more World Cup appearances than their three opponents combined. The matchup between these two options promises to be exciting due to their attacking prowess. While assuming the role of favorites will not be a problem for Brazil, the Eagles will also have to be wary of their talented Euro 2021 signings, especially the Helvetians who knocked the Blues out in the round of 16 before facing Spain’s Roja. during the penalty shootout.
Serbia does not want to suffer from its lack of experience in such a competition. Although the head coach Dragan Stojkovic does not have any personal reference in the world championship, he will have to rely on the leadership of the players who are used to the main matches of Europe. By springing a few surprises in their group, the Eagles can claim something. Their first game against Brazil (November 24) should not worry them morally. They will then face Cameroon (November 28) before finishing with Switzerland (December 2).
