The team
History lesson
Founded as recently as July 2006, Serbia are the youngest nation in the tournament. Previously appeared as part of Yugoslavia, whose under-performance over the years despite a welter of talented players hinted at the turbulent divisions within the nation, and latterly as Serbia-Montenegro, whose campaign in Germany is best remembered for a massive training ground brawl involving the former-Aston Villa lumberer Savo Milosevic.
Tactics board
Serbia, like all the teams from the former-Yugoslavia, are blessed with a plentiful supply of skilful footballers. They favour a standard 4-4-2, with Dejan Stankovic orchestrating things in the centre, the pacy Milos Krasic on the right and Milan Jovanovic taking a Sheringham-esque role just behind the main striker. Though the emphasis is very much on flair, passing and movement the presence in defence of the rugged Nemanja Vidic and Branko Ivanovic ensures no liberties will be taken by opposition strikers.
Grudge match
Nato's bombing of Belgrade is likely to make any match with the USA a bit feisty, though the players tend to shy away from politics for obvious reasons.
Also known as
Dubbed the White Eagles by the Belgrade press – apparently desperate for something headline friendly - and refers to the two-headed bird on the Serbian coat of arms.
The players
Vuvuzela superstar
Milan Jovanovic is a goal-scoring left-sided midfielder whose speed and swerving runs have earned him the sobriquet The Snake. Commanding form for Standard Liège has won him two Belgian player of the season titles and he is set to join Liverpool in the summer, just in time to wave bye-bye to Rafa Benítez. Or perhaps not.
There's always Bolton
Dejan Stankovic has picked up six league championship medals in Italy. Now 31, he is still capable of running the midfield even if he's not capable of running.
Laager lout
The Ajax striker Marko Pantelic is so hot-headed it's a surprise his lank hair doesn't catch fire. Languid, with a lothario's delight in his own magnificence, Pantelic has clocked up 11 clubs in six countries.
The coach
Body double
As a player Raddy Antic looked like a slightly more menacing version of Christopher Walken, but these days has the benign face of Sid the café owner in Last of the Summer Wine.
Big game hunter
Antic moved into coaching after a spell at Luton Town and cites David Pleat as a key influence in his decision. In the first of three spells with Atlético Madrid, he won the Spanish league and cup double in 1996.
Loved or loathed
Charismatic and with a record of success behind him, Antic is currently ranked as one of the most popular men in the country.
The country
Commentators' kit
Serbia is the world's biggest exporter of raspberries, responsible for a third of the world's supply. "And there'll be a few people in Belgrade giving the raspberry to the ref over that decision, Clive".
They gave the world
World War One all started as a result of the actions of Serb patriot Gavrilo Princep who gunned down Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo. Nikola Tesla is credited with the discovery of alternating current (AC) electricity and also gave his name to the unit used to measure magnetic fields.
National monument
Serbs are patriotic and proud of their history of remaining independent despite the proximity of menacing expansionist neighbours such as the Ottoman Empire, Austro-Hungary and the Soviet Union.
Qualifying
Generally smooth with the odd pothole. Serbia topped their group, sealing qualification with a 5-0 thumping of Romania and beat France into second place but only picked up one point from Les Bleus.
The Triesman tapes ... what he didn't say
"Once classic neighbours from hell and formerly bolshy, Balkan, bigheaded Sljivovic slurpers with a passion for heinous heavy metal."
Statistics
World Cup record: 9 finals (inc Yugoslavia)
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Highest finish: Fourth place in 1930 and 1962
5: Players in Serbia's probable starting XI signed to Premier League clubs: Jovanovic, Milijas, Ivanovic, Vidic and Stojkovic
Fixtures
Ghana, 13 June, Loftus Versfeld, 3pm
Germany, 18 June, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, 12.30pm
Australia, 23 June, Mbombela Stadium, 7.30pm
The verdict
Serbia topped their group ahead of France to reach the finals for the first time since independence, but they are no innocents abroad. Branislav Ivanovic's confidence has grown at Chelsea, Nemanja Vidic is crucial at Manchester United and Dejan Stankovic was part of Inter's run to the Champions League final
Kevin McCarra\
