WORLD CUP 2006
Serbia
Introduction
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Dark horses was always the tag applied to the former Yugoslavia in the build-up to World Cup finals. Now, as Serbia & Montenegro, everything is different. Qualification for Germany is regarded as an achievement in itself, and only real optimists believe that Dejan Stankovic, Mateja Kezman and co can get past the group stage.
There are two main reasons for this: first, the very difficult draw (Holland, Argentina and Ivory Coast), and second, because the current team have few world-class players.
However, perhaps precisely because of this underdog status, Serbia & Montenegro could exceed expectations in Germany. Not many believe this will happen, but I am one of them. If Ilija Petkovic’s side successfully overcome their first hurdle – by winning or drawing against Holland – they can not only advance to the second round but even reach the quarter-finals.
In the past, the demanding Yugoslav public placed their hopes in the team’s talented individuals. A classic example was France 98, when the then Yugoslavia had such players as Predrag Mijatovic, Dragan Stojkovic, Dejan Savicevic, Sinisa Mihajlovic and Vladimir Jugovic. Even neutral observers saw them as a strong team, but they were eliminated in the second round.
Now, in contrast, the team’s strong points are tactical discipline, solid defending and great team spirit. Above all, they are a compact unit, with collective play their biggest virtue, rather than dependence on the inspiration of ball magicians.
For once the main man is not a player but the coach. Petkovic guides the team with a mix of fatherly concern and authority. He is an experienced coach and was successful as a player, and has managed to imbue the players with some of his great self-confidence. The following story is indicative of just how confident Petkovic has been throughout his career in football.
In 1968, when he was 22 and still uncapped, he was called up for a European Championship quarter-final against France in Belgrade. The day before the match, national coach Rajko Mitic told the newcomer that he would be in the starting line-up. Petkovic told the coach not to be worried and that he would score two goals. Mitic was not happy with such a reaction from the rookie, but 24 hours later Yugoslavia beat France 5-1, Petkovic was man of the match…and he scored twice.
Ahead of the finals, the mood in Serbia & Montenegro is one of great excitement: demand for tickets has far exceeded supply, World Cup merchandise is selling well, and the normally poor domestic league attendances have gone up.
One odd anomaly is that Serbia & Montenegro could, in effect, turn up at the finals as two countries rather than one. The political leaders of Montenegro want an independent state, and in a referendum on May 21 the people will decide whether to stay as part of Serbia & Montenegro or go their own way. But whatever the result, the national team will participate as Serbia & Montenegro and the team will be united in spirit and purpose.
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