SINCE becoming an independent nation in the summer of 2006, Serbia’s presence on the European scene has been non-existent.
In contrast to their impressive run of qualifying for three of the last four World Cups, this Euro is the first time they have reached the tournament stage.
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Previously, they appeared as Yugoslavia (1920-1992), FR Yugoslavia (1992-2003) and Serbia and Montenegro (2003-2006).
Qualifying was not pleasant at all, achieving second place in the last round, but it should not be taken lightly.
They possess some real firepower through Juventus ace Dusan Vlahovic and former Premier League cult hero Alexsandar Mitrovic.
And in coach Dragan Stojkovic, they have someone used to big occasions, having played in a star-studded Marseille team in the 1990s alongside Eric Cantona, Didier Deschamps and Chris Waddle.
Coach: Dragan Stojkovic
Captain, leader, legend of the former Yugoslavia. He was named to the Italia 90 team of the tournament.
Key man: Dusan Tadic
His best years may be behind him, but the 35-year-old is still capable of controlling games in midfield with a creative spark that cannot be ignored.
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Probable lineup
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How they attack
Serbia are consistently one of the hardest nations to predict entering these tournaments.
They have undeniable technical quality throughout their squad – combined with the potential to implode at any moment.
In attack, they will be slow and patient in building the game, looking to move the ball safely into the central third and into more established positions.
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When they reach the middle of the field, they usually change the rhythm of their attacking movement.
The midfielders look to play longer, more direct passes to the flanks, where they will try to place their more skilled attackers 1v1 with the opponent.
When Serbia get into these positions, they will put their players on the attack and flood the area as quickly as possible.
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Serbia’s hopes will be centered on the goal threat of two top-class forwards, Mitrovic and Vlahovic.
Both love playing in the penalty area and can create chaos with their clever movements.
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How do they defend
In qualifying, Serbia was flexible between playing in a 4-4-2 or 3-6-1 system.
But in both systems they tend to defend with one attacker pressing while the rest of the team drops back much further to cover space in their own half.
Although they can counterattack high, as a rule they tend to retreat deeper.
When the opponent plays the long ball, Serbia’s defensive line will be narrow and well positioned.
The midfield will drop back to remain compact in front of the defensive line.
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Serbia can, however, run into problems when they think they can tighten up the game and press high against weaker opponents.
Although they have many creative and technical players, they are not necessarily dynamic or fast.
They can often leave space behind when pressing, which can be exploited.
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The same can happen when the opposition seeks to play through the press.
Serbia can be easy to pass as they struggle to adapt while their opponents make quick combinations around them
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Prediction
Bookmakers estimate that Serbia will be in third place, behind England and Denmark, in Group C.
However, they will capitalize on their chances of reaching the round of 16 ahead of the Danes or as one of the best third-placed teams.
Germany or Portugal could be waiting for them in the round of 16.
Latest odds
Serbia are 80/1 in William Colina to win the competition and 11/10 to finish in the top two of Group C.
Glamor Fans and Wags
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s boss, Natalija, is a qualified doctor who studied at the University of Novi Sad.
Mitrovic has two children, Luka and Nadja, with his wife Kristina.
And striker Luka Jovic risked arrest when he broke coronavirus quarantine rules to visit his model girlfriend Sofija Milosevic.
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
