2022 World Cup

If you are looking for an underdog to follow at this World Cup then you may want to consider Serbia. This is a nation full of character, unity and belief. They topped their qualification group ahead of Portugal and hold a fierce goal threat that should guarantee this is an eventful ride. Serbia are confident and positive that they can make an impact in Qatar.

Who is the Serbia manager?

Dragan Stojkovic is an optimistic man who seems to have a true bond with his players. He has been at the helm since March 2021 and while most of his management had been in China and Japan before that point, he is making a name for himself now.

Aged 57, Stojkovic is a wise coach that has deep belief in his own philosophy of football and has filled this Serbian side with belief in an approach to the game that should ensure they push themselves to the limit. He will take a game-by-game attitude but ultimately holds no fear of any opponent.  

What tactics can we expect from them at the World Cup?

This is a patient and ruthless side. The attacking options available to Serbia should mean they are a joy to watch. Dusan Tadic and Sergej Milinkovic Savic pull the strings and Aleksandar Mitrovic or Dusan Vlahovic finish off the chances. That’s the plan in theory, anyway.

 

This is a tough start, with Brazil as the opening game. Serbia tend to line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation but may also use a 3-5-2 pattern. Often Milinkovic-Savic will scan the pitch, release one of the full-backs, and cross to either Mitrovic or Vlahovic.

Who are the players to watch for Serbia?

The problem with using one up top is that either Vlahovic or Mitrovic has to be left out but Stojkovic has to find the right blend of attack and defence here or Serbia might find themselves overwhelmed. The full-backs are attacking, the midfielders are attack minded, and at times that will have to be tempered. This is an entertaining team that fully intend to force their way into the knockouts.

There is no end to the skill set of this squad but in Dusan Vlahovic they have one of the best young forwards in world football. He plies his trade with Juventus and at international level has a record of a goal every other game. He has hit more than 20 goals in each of his last two Serie A seasons and is one of the most instinctive finishers you could wish to see.

We might not see him from the beginning - he will be competing with Mitrovic for a start - but this is a player ready to make his mark whenever a big chance comes along.

Who is favourite to be top scorer for Serbia?

Aleksandar Mitrovic is one of the most in-form strikers in the game and the man Serbia look to for goals. He scored a staggering 43 times in the Championship with Fulham last season and has continued to find the net regularly in the Premier League this term.

For Serbia his record is equally impressive with 50 goals in 78 appearances, including the late winner against Portugal that guaranteed their place in Qatar.

How did Serbia qualify for the World Cup?

Serbia topped Group A with 20 points, ahead of Portugal. It was an unbeaten campaign that ended in dramatic fashion thanks to that late header by Mitrovic that capped a 2-1 win and forced the Portuguese into the playoffs.

What are the ambitions for this Serbia team?

Coach Stojkovic had only come in as boss three weeks before the qualifying campaign began but was quick to understand his players and manage them in a manner that took them to new levels.

Expectation is growing around this exciting team. A run to the quarter-finals is the general aim but coach Stojkovic believes they can do even better, he is dreaming of getting the team to a semi-final.

It’s a reflection of the optimism and belief he has but for now let’s see if they can focus on getting out of the group and down to the Last eight.

Serbia World Cup Odds

Despite that optimism and their unbeaten qualifying run, Serbia are 100/1 to go all the way following their tough draw in the group stage.

There is one flaw with Serbia, defensively they can be frail. But that should not be the focus ahead of the tournament. They will be a joy to watch and there is every reason to believe they will cause one or two big results this winter.

Serbia World Cup prediction from oddschecker

We can see Serbia being one of the dark horses in this year’s tournament and fancy them to qualify ahead of Switzerland and Cameroon. 

They have a pretty healthy Squad and are very competitive in several positions. However, we feel compared to other top teams they lack in overall quality in depth. We think they’ll get out the group but go out in the last 16.