World Cup Memories: Serbia

Serbia is a difficult subject to tackle. Its geopolitical history complicates its football history...even in my own memories. Should I treat them as the former Yugoslavia and group all the great things that former soccer nation accomplished? For the time being, and in this blog, I will simply point to past achievements.

The Yugoslavia national football team represented the Kingdom of Yugoslavia (1920–1941) and the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Despite the break-up of the former Yugoslavia, remnants of its history offer a rich background full of impressive achievements. These include 8 World Cup appearances and two fourth place finishes in 1930 and 1962.

Yugoslavia split, of course, in the early 1990s. From it came Croatia, Macedonia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Serbia & Montenegro. The latter were included took part in qualifying for the last World Cup, prior to Montenegro's independence. Through the 1998 tournament and Euro 2000, the name of Yugoslavia stuck with the team. And this is where we begin the memories.

France '98 was the year Yugoslavia was considered a dark horse contender for the title. Names such as Mihajlovic, Jugovic and Komlejenovic still ring in Euro club lore. The Yugoslavs played against Germany, Iran and the US in their group. They defeated the lower-seeded USA and Iran teams by 1-0 and tied the German's in a heartbreaker, where the Germans erased the 0-2 score thanks to a Mihajlovic own goal and a Bierhoff score 10 minutes from the 90 minute mark. What followed was a game against the Dutch, having lost first place in the group phase to Germany. Holland posed a much more dangerous opponent and although the match was 1-1 and headed for extra time, another late-game score, this time by Edgar Davids, was enough to finish their stay in the tournament.

Yugoslavia (still using this name) would miss out on 2002 due to the political turmoil and its spillover onto football. As Serbia & Montenegro, the Serbs finally returned to action in a World Cup in 2006. They had qualified with an unbeaten record and ahead of always-favorite Spain. Their group was that tournament's "group of death" with Argentina, Netherlands, Cote d'Ivoire. An injury to their major star, Petkovic, and the ensuing controversy surrounding his replacement (the coach's son, Dusan, who later withdrew due to pressure from the public/media) meant a mentally-weakened squad. They lost their first game against Holland, were destroyed by Argentina (6-0) , and subsequently failed to defeat Didier Drogba's Ivorian side.

What's next for Serbia? Germany, Australia and Ghana. Worthy foes in another "group of death." I can see them finishing in second place but competition for this spot will depend on their score against Germany and wins against the other two teams. Look out for stars like Stojkovic (Wigan), Vidic (Manchester United), Subotic (Borussia Dortmund), Stankovic (Inter), Ivanovic (Chelsea), Lazovic (Zenit St. Petersburg) and Zigic (Birmingham).

Neven Subotic and the US National Team

There has been much speculation regarding one Neven Subotic--an outstanding defender of Serbian roots, American citizenship and German residency--and which country he might represent in the near future as Africa 2010 slowly creeps up on us. I have alluded to this particular situation on previous entries and I still believe he would be a great asset to the United States. Just recently it was mistakenly reported that Subotic had opted to play for Serbia instead of the US or Bosnia (also eligible). This, however, was quickly retracted when Sunil Gulati, the US Soccer Federation Prez himself, issued a communique saying that USSF had spoken with Subotic's representatives and claimed such claims to be "untrue." Earlier attempts by Germany to claim him were thwarted by FIFA due to a technicality involving his status with US youth squads.
So why all the fuss? Some facts: Subotic was born in Yugoslavia, spent his childhood in Germany and his teenage years in the USA since 1999 (Utah, Florida). He attended (and represented) the University of South Florida, played for the US U-17 and was eligible although not selected for U-20. He has spent the past couple of seasons in the German Bundesliga, playing for FSV Mainz (4 goals in 34 games) and most recently for powerhouse Borussia Dortmund (5 goals in 13 games). Clearly, the US backline can use a man of his stature and nose for goal. But here's my take on this debate and I'd like to pick Subotic's brain for just a second. . .
Serbia, former Yugoslavia is clearly no Germany in world footballing terms, but then again the US isn't Yugoslavia in footballing terms either. Yugoslavia reached the semifinals in the 1930 amd 1962 World Cups and runers-up in the 1960 and 1968 UEFA Euros. Let's not forget that Croatia was also once part of the Communist Yugoslavia and their 3rd place finish in France 98 is noteworthy. Many attributed most of the former Yugoslavia deep player pool to playters such as Davor Suker (Croatia) and Savo Milosevic (born in Bosnia, played for Yugoslavia/Serbia). Confusing, heh? And it should be, because Subotic also has the posibility to represent Bosnia, although his Serb parents strongly suggest Serbia as his team.
All in all, I think it comes to this: right now both the US and Serbia have chances of advancing to World Cup 2010. The US may have it easier against foes from CONCACAF whilst Serbia is paired up with none other than mighty France and on-again off-again Romania plus the feisty Austrians. I venture to suggest that Subotic will pick a team that has already qualified or is on the verge of qualifying for FIFA's biggest date, if he follows his football greed... if he follows his heart is another matter altogether. Clearly, the man will be a starter no matter whom he plays for. As for us USA fans let's cross our fingers and hope that France and Romania get the better of Serbia (Serbia has yet to snatch points from either one). We lost Rossi to Italy even though the boy was born in Jersey and now he's scoring regularly for Villareal and will feature alongside Luca Toni in the full national squad. Hopefully this will not be the case with Subotic.
Here he is in action: