Ben Blake reports from Belgrade
SERBIA CAPTAIN BRANISLAV Ivanovic has paid Ireland a massive compliment by predicting that they will provide the toughest opposition in the World Cup qualifiers.
The two nations are joined by Wales, Austria, Georgia and Moldova in Group D, with the winner guaranteed a spot at the 2018 finals, while the runner-up progresses to the play-offs provided they are one of the best eight second-placed sides.
Experienced Chelsea defender Ivanovic, who has 87 caps for his country, has faced the Boys in Green on three occasions and has yet to lose — although all three games were friendlies.
Having played in the Premier League for the past eight years, the 32-year-old also knows many of the Irish players particularly well, and he spoke highly of forward pair Shane Long and Jon Walters.
“I think Ireland will be the most difficult opponent,” Ivanovic said at today’s pre-match press conference.
“They demand respect and I’ve been impressed by their level of continuity. This team has been playing together awhile and there is a nice mix of young players and players with experience.
It might be because I’ve played in the Premier League for so long, but I understand how difficult an opponent they are. They are aggressive and they make up for any faults the team might have by giving it their very all every second.
“All their players, and especially Long and Walters, are very difficult to defend against. Maybe this is something I shouldn’t be saying before the game but we will be concentrating on them.
“They are the kind of players who don’t give defenders a second to have a lapse in concentration and will make things difficult from start to finish.”
Serbia have failed to qualify for major tournaments on their past three attempts and, despite possessing a gifted crop of players, finished fourth in the Euro 2016 qualifying group after being docked points due to violent scenes in a clash with Albania.
“The biggest disappointment for a player is not to be at major tournaments like the European championships and the World Cup,” added Ivanovic.
“We are mostly to blame for this, although there were a couple of situations that weren’t up to us but these things happen. We’re ready to go forward and do well.”
Experienced coach Slavoljub Muslin took the job back in May and tomorrow night will be his competitive match in charge.
The Serbians are expecting to win at Belgrade’s Red Star Stadium, but their manager is looking at the bigger picture.
“Serbia will be going into each match playing for a win — home or away,” said Muslin. “Especially as the first match is at home, we’ll be going for three points.
It’s important to get three points from the first match and to start well but it’s not crucial as there are many to come and it’s a long qualifying period.
“We’ve seen Ireland play in the European championships both defensively and also when they needed a win against Italy.
“We need to play our own way and push them to go forward in the match.”
The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!
Throw McClean up against ivanovic on the wing and McClean will make him look like shit
Serbs are expecting us to sit back, let’s hope we do not, let’s play high tempo and put the shitz up them
I’m after losing interest in this match for the fact that MON has put loyalty ahead of picking some of our better performing players.
Like who?
You’ll probably say they are tripe then join the tournament bandwagon
Other than mcgeady (who is really only there because no one else creative has put their hand up – or is fit (judge)), I don’t think anyone is in that squad due to loyalty alone?
Not too many were unlucky to miss out either – maybe pilkington, mason, Egan and Doherty are the only ones I can think of….?
John Egan,Matt Doherty and Conor Hourihane are currently playing better and are 23,24 and 25 respectively so they are not exactly kids.Its a shame that these lads could end up like Weso making their debut in their latter years.
Connor Sammon, of course.
I think the idea behind this squad is trying to keep the Euros form rolling. It would be hard to get Egan, Doherty and Hourihane up to speed with just a friendly against Oman. We actually have a lot of options at centre back and in midfield, so calling up Egan and Hourihane would be a bit pointless outside of giving them exposure. Every minute you spend getting them up to speed is a minute that could be spent preparing for Serbia.
@Ewan
We can have a million options but the players I mentioned are better than who MON has in the squad according to current stats.Also I don’t know what ‘up to speed’ you are on about,these lads are starting for their clubs,are club captains and are scoring goals.
Hourihane has played what 4-5 games in the championship and you want him
In ahead of lads that start for their clubs in the prem (and other than Hendrick also did last year)??
Same with Egan….
I think it’s a bit too much to be expecting such a quick step up to international football (though I’d agree I’d like to see them in squad).
Re Doherty having been watched both Christie and him, for me Christie offers more….. Particularly with his lacs given the lack of pace across the rest of the back 4!
It always frustrates me how good players are before they are called up for us.
Glenn whelan was an absolute super star when he was captaining Wednesday and not getting called up for us….. Daryl Murphy, Gibson, ward, McCarthy, Sheridan – were all much better players before they were given a chance and then suddenly once they were people were asking why they kept being picked!!
@Augustus
I gave you their ages above.When do we give these players their first cap.Do we wait till they turn 30?.
Either in a friendly – or if it’s a competitive match (this match is huge for the entire campaign) when they have clearly shown they are the best options available. 4-5 games at the same or a level below those they are competing with, isn’t clearly showing it…..
O,Connell at Celtic Horgan at Dundalk to name 2
Serbians