Serbia will be appearing at the World Cup independently for the first time in South Africa. They go full of confidence after topping a qualification group containing 1998 World champions France. Serbia’s squad features players that are represented in all major European leagues. They include Nemanja Vidic (Man Utd), Dejan Stankovic (Inter Milan) and Nikola Zigic (Valencia). Coach Radomir Antic has turned around Serbia’s fortunes since taking charge in 2006 and has recently signed a contract to take him through to 2011. Under his tutelage they have become a highly-organized unit with experience and skill throughout the squad. The emphatic style in which they clinched qualification beating Romania 5-0 in Belgrade suggests they have the ability to challenge any team at international level.

Dejan Stankovic

Age: 31
Position: Midfield
Club: Inter Milan (Italy-Serie A)
Caps: 85 (13 goals)

His international debut was for Serbia and Montenegro in 1998 and now he is captain of the re-formed Serbia (2006). Stankovic played in the 2006 World Cup but they lost all their games in the Group Stage to Argentina, Holland and the Ivory Coast. A versatile player who can play any midfield role he is also known for his powerful shooting ability. Stankovic played in and captained all but one of Serbia’s qualifying games. Has a wealth of experience having played for Red Star Belgrade, Lazio and current club Inter Milan and his shooting ability has bought him 89 career goals. His knack of scoring important goals could be vital in South Africa.