rediff.com
News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp

Available on  gplay

Rediff.com  » Sports » Serbia will be no pushovers against Germany

Serbia will be no pushovers against Germany

Last updated on: June 17, 2010 09:00 IST

Image: Germany team during a warm-up session
Photographs: Reuters

Serbia know there is little room for error after losing their first World Cup match and have warned Germany they will be no pushovers when they meet in their next Group D game on Friday.

Germany thrashed Australia 4-0 in their opener while Serbia lost 1-0 to Ghana and need top pull off a shock result against the three-times world champions to boost their chances.

"They have a plethora of versatile players and are difficult to contain but we will be no pushovers," said winger Zoran Tosic, who could be brought in to spice up the attack.

"There is no more room for error and we have to show what we are made of," he said of the game at Nelson Mandela Stadium.

Subotic to replace Lukovic

Image: Neven Subotic

Coach Radomir Antic will select Neven Subotic in central defence for the suspended Aleksandar Lukovic, who was sent off against Ghana after receiving two yellow cards.

"Subotic is a natural replacement for Lukovic and I am confident he will do a good job in what is now a crunch game against the Germans," Antic said.

Zdravko Kuzmanovic, who conceded a late penalty against Ghana, is likely to replace the ineffective Nenad Milijas as Serbia aim for a first win over one of the world's top-ranked sides since the country's separation from Montenegro.

Cautious approach from Germany

Image: Germany's Mesut Oezil and Lukas Podolski (left) take part in a training session

Germany coach Joachim Loeb will probably keep faith with the side that thrashed the Socceroos and silenced the many critics who had begun to write off a young squad missing their captain Michael Ballack through injury.

Bastian Schweinsteiger will be ready, despite a cold, and should link up in midfield with Sami Khedira, who has filled the holding midfield role previously held by Ballack.

Germany will likely opt for a cautious approach and curb the attacking instincts on show in their exciting victory against Australia to avoid being exposed at the back.

Stakes are very high

Image: Cacau celebrates after scoring against Australia

They know the stakes are high for Serbia and are preparing for an attacking approach from their opponents, whose lofty marksman Nikola Zigic will be the main threat for a team the Germans consider to be in a different class to Australia.

"Their defence is good with lots of experienced players. Their midfield is very skilled and they like to play down the wings," said Germany's assistant coach Hansi Flick.

"Our team is very young... but they are a young generation that is extremely confident, who know exactly what they want.

"Serbia will play (as if it's) their last chance to remain in the tournament. We have to be as careful as hawks when we play them," he added.

Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.