Croatia vs Serbia

March 21, 2013
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

A nervy affair is expected when bitter rivals Croatia and Serbia meet at Stadion Maksimir in Zagreb, with both sides looking to boost their qualifying hopes. The hosts are in a much better position at the moment, due to the six-point advantage in the standings and vociferous support from the stands, with inexperienced Serbia side in for a very difficult game.

Croatia becoming European powerhouse

Croatia national team have progressed a great deal since the country gained independence from Yugoslavia, as they not only became regular at major competitions, but also developed into true European giants. Team’s impressive showing at the Euro 2012, when they completely outclassed mighty Spain, kept them in good stead for the start of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, even if long-serving boss Slaven Bilic was replaced by Igor Stimac. After a slow start, Vatreni picked up the pace and started playing to their potential, with this game coming in just the right time. Not only are the team high on confidence after three successive victories, but their key players Modric, Mandzukic, Rakitic and Olic are all in excellent form, with amazing team spirit and excellent atmosphere in the side also giving the hosts plenty of reason for optimism. Backed by the huge support from the stands, the hosts are expected to go all guns blazing at their opponents and it will certainly be difficult for out-of-sorts Serbia to survive the opening pressure.

Boss Igor Stimac has absolutely no selection worries, although he is spoilt for choices in all areas except for defence.

Serbia on the downtrend

I have to admit I was happy to see Sinisa Mihajlovic take over the reigns of the national team as he was tipped to get this team into shape thanks to his authority and uncompromising approach, but the entire nation is already calling for his resignation. While constantly overlooking excellent players such as Nemanja Matic, Adem Ljajic, Bosko Jankovic and Miralem Sulejmani, he continues to summon average players from weak domestic league and footballers who are not getting enough playing time at club level. Having further worsened the dressing room atmosphere by publicly criticizing key players Branislav Ivanovic and Aleksandar Kolarov, Mihajlovic seems to have lost the plot and I really don’t see how his average team are going to stop excellent Croatia side from winning this game. The lack of experience at the highest level is likely to be a huge problem in such a high-profile game.

Marko Scepovic has recovered from injury and he is in contention for a starting place, meaning boss Sinisa Mihajlovic has a clean bill of health.

Verdict

Croatia have been in excellent form of late and with the packed Maksimir behind them, Vatreni look a great bet to win this game. Serbia are all over the place at the moment and the lack of quality and experience is bound to cost them dearly in this high-profile encounter.

Top pick: Home win   1.73 (8/11) Paddy Power

Alternative pick 1: Croatia/Croatia   2.80 (9/5) @ 888sport

Alternative pick 2: Croatia to win to nil   2.50 (3/2) @ SkyBet

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