Serbia

Serbia are entering the World Cup as an independent nation for the very first time. In 1990 Yugoslavia represented the whole Balkan area, in 1998 the sqaud was called Yugoslavia but was really just Serbia and Montenegro, as they officially were called four year ago in Germany. In 2010 however, they are purely Serbia, but are probably stronger than at any time since the World Cup in Italy. 

That side reached the quarter finals, only to lose to Argentina on penalties, and many of that team would go on to win the European Cup a year later with Red Star Belgrade. This years squad however, are far more spread apart, and many players are playing for some of the biggest clubs in Europe.

The White Angels (who wear red) qualified impressively for South Africa as winners of  their European qualifying Group ahead of France, Lithuania, Romania, Austria and the Faroe Islands. The Serbians sealed top relatively comfortably, despite failing to beat France home or away, thanks to a strong start and a consistency of results throughout. The only other game they didn't win way away to Lithuania. 

2006 was a disaster for Serbia and Montenegro, as they lost all three of their games, but they also enjoyed in ignominy of suffering the tournament's heaviest defeat, 6-1, against Argentina. The showing in Germany was considered an embarrassment, but shouldn't be repeated this summer.

SCHEDULE- Group D

Ghana          June 13th- Pretoria

Germany      June 18th- Port Elizabeth

Australia      June 23rd- Johannesburg

Serbia have been drawn in what is commonly known as the group of death. All four teams have a strong chance of qualification to the second round, or even further. Germany are definitely the favourites but the absence of Michael Ballack will give the other three countries hope.

Yugoslavia played Germany in France in 1998 and threw away a two goal lead to draw 2-2. The Serbians of 2010 may be the most likely team to take points of the Germans due to the stenght and European experience of their players compared to Australia and Ghana, not to say that those two nations don't have decent teams of their own. Do that and qualification may be assured.

Needless to say, an early win is essential, whoever wins the opening game from themselves and Ghana will be favourites to progress with Germany, but with three tough games in store, the final outcome will be any one's guess.

KEY PLAYERS

The team captain and most experienced player in the squad is Inter Milan's Dejan Stankovic. The 31 year old midfielder is by far the squad's most capped player with 86. His midfield expertise will be required more than ever as he will be joined there by Wolves player Nenad Milijas, who is the weak link of the side. He is also the second highest scoring player with 13, to the 16 of Nikola Zigic.

The beanpole Valencia striker has had a rough time of it in Spain over the past three years since leaving Racing Santander but he is a regular for the national team due to his size, strengh and aerial prowess. He is joined in attack by the mercurial talents of Marko Pantelic. The striker has had an impressive goal record for Red Star, Hertha Berlin and now Ajax but has been regarded as a bit of a troublemaker, especially in Germany.

Liverpool's new recruit and title winner with Standard Leige Milan Jovanovic and Milos Krasic of CSKA Moscow complete the attacking line up for Serbia. Danko Lazovic, former PSV hitman, will be waiting in reserve.

Not only do Serbia possess talented individual attackers but they have an abundance of defensive talent with Nemanja Vidic being the stand out performer. The Manchester United centre has been a revelation in England since moving from Spartak Moscow in 2006, becoming the leagues most consistent defender over the past four seasons He missed the last World Cup through injury however, so will be looking to make things right this time. 

Branislav Ivanovic was also missing in German. The then Lokomotiv Moscow defender was injured too. The heart of the defence that got Serbia and Montenegro was missing by the time of the main event. 

This team possesses a number of capable sidekicks to the Premier League superstars. Italian based Alexandar's, Kolarov and Lukovic, will complete the back four.

ONE TO WATCH- Milos Krasic

The CSKA attacking midfielder can pick a pass, score goals and carried his club side to the quarter finals of the Champions League this season.

BEST CASE SCENARIO...

Serbia should have high expectations, as they have the first XI to take on any country in South Africa. The hard part will be escaping the group of death. A good start against Ghana is needed if that is to be achieved, but a quarter final is not out of the question. That would be a dream return to the upper echelons of world football since the break up of Yugoslavia

WORST CASE SCENARIO...

An embarrassing repeat of four years ago, and the unfulfilment of vast potential

PREDICTION 

Thee group should be negotiated. All four teams will still have a chance on the final day but I expect Serbia to fall over the line into a winnable second round game against England, or even America, as possibly even group winners. Have the potential to beat a young German team without a leader to win the Group C. Could be the dark horses of the 2010 World Cup.