Coach : Ilija Petkovic
Had two months in charge of Yugoslavia in 2001 before the country changed names, and now in his second spell Petkovic has surprised many as his Serbia and Montenegro side finished above Spain in qualifying. As a player he won 43 caps and scored six goals for Yugoslavia between 1968 and 1974. Picks his son Dusan in his squads but can point to his results if accused of nepotism - the national side have not lost a competitive fixture while he has been in charge.
Key Players:
Inter's experienced midfielder Dejan Stankovic is the heartbeat of the team while striker Savo Milosevic is more of a threat for his international side than he ever was at Aston Villa. Milosevic is Serbia's most-capped player, with 94 appearances and 35 goals. He and Mateja Kezman are a powerful attacking combination.
Form Guide
Went through the qualification campaign unbeaten - some achievement considering the toughness of the group. Drew twice against Spain, who were forced to go through the play-offs, and Mateja Kezman in particular looks sharp.
Form Versus Countries In Group
Playing as Yugoslavia, lost 2-1 to Holland in the last 16 of the 1998 World Cup, when Dennis Bergkamp and Edgar Davids scored. Milosevic and Stankovic were both on the bench for the game.
Style Of Play
Based on an Iron Curtain-like defence - they conceded just one goal in their 10 qualifying fixtures - then using the finishing power of Kezman and Milosevic up front.
World Cup only to lose to Argentina on penalties.
Group Verdict:
Despite their success in qualifying and new-found solidity under Petkovic, they make lack a bit of flair and may have to settle for third or bottom. |
