Fansided

One reason every team at the World Cup can win

By Ty Finch

MOSCOW, RUSSIA DECEMBER 1, 2017: Winner's trophy at the Final Draw for 2018 FIFA World Cup at the State Kremlin Palace. Stanislav Krasilnikov/TASS (Photo by Stanislav Krasilnikov\TASS via Getty Images)
MOSCOW, RUSSIA DECEMBER 1, 2017: Winner's trophy at the Final Draw for 2018 FIFA World Cup at the State Kremlin Palace. Stanislav Krasilnikov/TASS (Photo by Stanislav Krasilnikov\TASS via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
20 of 32
Next
STADIO OLIMPICO GRANDE TORINO, TURIN, ITALY – 2018/03/23: Players of Serbia pose for a team photo prior to the International friendly football match between Morocco and Serbia. Morocco won 2-1 over Serbia. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images)
STADIO OLIMPICO GRANDE TORINO, TURIN, ITALY – 2018/03/23: Players of Serbia pose for a team photo prior to the International friendly football match between Morocco and Serbia. Morocco won 2-1 over Serbia. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images) /

Serbia: Defensive experience

If you’re not a dedicated international soccer viewer, the talent and depth that Serbia have on their side in 2018 might come as a surprise. Considering FIFA has them ranked as the 34th best team in the world as of March 28, it would probably surprise them as well.

Serbia’s defense is aging, but they’d much prefer the term “rugged maturity.” These are names that most any fan of the beautiful game would recognize. Branislav Ivanovic spent the bulk of his career with Chelsea, racking up over 260 appearances with the Blues and has over 100 caps with the national team. Aleksandar Kolarov currently plays for Italian side Roma, and was a key contributor to Manchester City’s title-winning 2013-14 season. Dusko Tosic is a key player for Besiktas, and Matija Nastasic is a regular starter for Schalke in the Budesliga.

Shielding that experienced backline is Nemanja Matic, one of the best, and most active, defensive midfielders in the world. His penchant for breaking up dangerous attacks is spectacular to watch, and makes any defender’s job just a bit easier.

When Serbia struggled here or there defensively in qualifying, it was their offense that stepped up. Dusan Tadic and Aleksandar Mitrovic combined for 10 goals in 10 matches, often at crucial times to collect all three points.

Mitrovic, in particular, is one to watch for a potential breakout tournament. He led the group in goals in qualifying with six. While he can be a head case at his worst, when he’s at the top of his game, it’s impossible not to pick him.

Home/World Cup