Serbia aims to finds its rhythm under new coach

The Serbians advanced from a tight group ahead of Ireland, Wales and Austria after results which sometimes flattered its performances, prompting the country’s FA to part ways with Muslin straight after clinching a berth in the finals. The 64-year-old journeyman came to loggerheads with his bosses for refusing to include several young talents in the squad, notably versatile midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic who is being sized up by Europe’s top clubs.

Krstajic, who will make his competitive debut as head coach when Serbia take on Costa Rica in its Group E opener in Samara on June 17, called up the Lazio playmaker and other prospects for warm-up matches. Serbia blew hot and cold in the friendlies as Krstajic, who switched from Muslin’s unorthodox 3-4-3 to a more familiar 4-3-3 formation, tried a range of players and strategies.

After a 2-0 win over China and a 1-1 draw with South Korea in November, Serbia suffered a 2-1 defeat by Morocco which drew stinging criticism by fans and pundits before an impressive 2-0 win over Nigeria in March. With Brazil and Switzerland also in its group, the Serbians face a tricky path to the last 16.

Serbia faces the Swiss in Kaliningrad on June 27 and meet Brazil in Moscow five days later. The squad includes three survivors from the 2010 team who flattered to deceive as they made a group-stage exit after defeats by Ghana and Australia nullified a shock 1-0 win over eventual semi-finalist Germany.

Goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic and defenders Branislav Ivanovic and Aleksandar Kolarov are the ageing backbone of a side that also includes Manchester United enforcer Nemanja Matic and Newcastle United striker Aleksandar Mitrovic. Milinkovic-Savic and Benfica winger Andrija Zivkovic are the young lions who should up the team’s energy levels, with Dusan Tadic and Adem Ljajic expected to provide width.

FIFA ranking: 35 

Previous tournaments: Serbia featured in one previous tournament as an independent nation, the 2010 World Cup when it made a group-stage exit after a shock win over Germany and defeats by Ghana and Australia. As part of the Serbia and Montenegro state union, the team made a group-stage exit in the 2006 tournament and it reached the last 16 as part of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (also consisting of Serbia and Montenegro) in the 1998 World Cup.

Form Guide: Serbia enjoyed a consistent qualifying campaign with six wins, three draws and one defeat under Muslin, followed by two wins, a draw and a defeat in warm-ups under Krstajic. The Serbians scored in every 2018 qualifier and averaged two goals per game.

Prospects: Serbia’s chances of advancing to the knockout stages of the tournament is likely to rest on the opening two games against Costa Rica and Switzerland, as it will be underdog in its final group match against Brazil, winner of a record five World Cups. There is plenty of potential in an experienced side including only three survivors from the 2010 World Cup squad and how the young players cope with the pressure will be vital.