FIFA conducts World Cup tournaments in four categories - U17,U20,U23[Olympics]. U20 world Cup is considered to be the competition of future super stars in Football. List goes from Diego Maradona , Lionel Messi to latest sensation Earling Haaland. Started in 1977, 22 tournaments were held so far with 11 countries achieving the trophy - Argentina 6 times and Brazil 5 times. It's surprising that Nigeria have never won it with their super success in U17 category. Also, with so much football in England, they have won it only once. (It's a shame that they have won every FIFA World Cup only once with their great legacy in the game) . To qualify for the tournament, each team compete in their respective confederation's U20/U19 matches.
Serbia have participated in the tournament 3 times , twice as Yugoslavia (1979,1987) and as Serbia in 2015. They were champions in 1987 but their name wasn't heard much after becoming Serbia. As Yugoslavia, they created a scoring record of 3.66, which stands unbroken even now. After country's dissolution, Serbia team was made. Some other famous teams came by this way are Croatia, Slovenia etc. Europe is the playground of the world, as we all know. Serbia is surrounded by so much football, Hungary, Bulgaria, Croatia. So this country already have a great football history , like many other European countries.
With some tension in and around the country, Serbia have a great sporting culture. They participate in Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Tennis, Water polo to the highest level. All know Novak Djokovic for sure. They have won Olympic golds in Water polo and Volleyball too. Many of their athletes are successful in achieving medals including Olympic golds.
Football is the main sport of the country. Belgrade Red Star being the most famous club and players like Nemanja Vidic (Man Utd), Ivanovic (Che), Matic (Che). They have also qualified for the last four World cups too. The Football Association of Serbia organises tournaments and leagues. Serbian superliga is the top league. There are men, women and youth leagues in the country.
It was very odd for Serbia to become champions because they have never ever after 2015 played or qualified into U20 World Cup or UEFA U19 championships. If Leicester winning Premier League was a miracle, Serbia winning U20 World Cup was miracle of miracles. They got one chance to participate in 28 years and they used it very well to glory.
ORGANISATION
1.LEAGUES
There are 2770 clubs in the country starting from Municipal league to Superliga. From grassroots to senior have league competitions throughout the year. They conduct coaching and competitions under UEFA guidelines, with special care to children. They have mainly 8stages in league. Third stage league is divided into Four zones - Belgrade, Vojvodina , east and west. Fourth stage into 10 groups. 5th stage have 31 leagues. 6th have 52 leagues, 7th have 57 and 8th 7 leagues. So it's clearly evident that their players get so much match experience from base level.
2. U17 TEAM
With the given organisation and history, Serbian U17 team have never qualified for FIFA World Cup. They have been not much successful in UEFA Qualifications too. They were knocked out in group stages of recent UEFA U16/17 competitions.
3. U20 TEAM
The Serbian U20 team is known as Orlici which means Young Eagles. They showed their flying powers first when they became EURO U19 champions in 2013. They reached UEFA U19 championship Semi-final in 2014 by which got qualified for the 2015 FIFA World Cup. They had earlier reached UEFA semis in 2005, 2009,2011,2013,2014.
In 2013, they became UEFA U19 champions without losing any match. But in 2014, they have won only 1 match and 3 were draws.
THE HEAD COACH
Veljko Paunovic
Coach is the backbone and brain of team , working out and over them. A team can do magic in a team. That's what really Veljko Paunovic did to this team. Serbia planned for this very well. They appointed him as coach from 2012, of U18 team, later made him U19 team, and then U20 team. So that team stayed with him for a long time, and that helped them to create great understanding.
He had a long 11 season club playing career as Forward or attacking midfielder in Spain, Germany, Russia and US. Usually with Athletico Madrid and some time with Mallorca nd Getafe. That's experience was clearly visible in the team's swift attacks. He gained his coaching pro license also from Spain. Paunovic was one reason for the team's success. He was then just 37 years old and young players merged very well with him. Paunovic was able to make them very confident, put the dream of lifting trophies in their hearts and minds and passion.
Milan Kosanovic
It will be rude to not mention him. As assistant coach, he was with the team from 2013. You can't see his name anywhere. But, he had a good experience with young boys, and that was crucial for the tournament. He was very good in identifying and using talents.
THE TEAM
One team with one motto. It was their slogan. The team and coach reached for the tournament as a family. Goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic was their captain. Savic brothers were also part of the team, younger one Vanja GK and Sergej MF. Stefan Ilic was the forward and he was supported by Ivan Saponjic, Mandic. Along with attacking midfielders Jankvoic and Savic. Maksimovic, Zivkovic, Gacinovic where other MFs. Defense was formed by Antonov, Gajic, Zdjelar, Velkovic. By the time they reached New Zealand, all were good friends, with close coordination and very good understanding. They were strong physically and mentally.
THE PLAYING STYLE
Serbia played with real venom in the tournament. They were not much interested in keeping ball possession but wanted to attack fast. It was very clear in the match against Mali, they had only 33% ball possession but 20 shots.
2015 FIFA WORLD CUP
2015 New Zealand edition of FIFA World Cup was 20th. It was third time New Zealand hosting a FIFA tournament, 1999 U17 World Cup, 2008 Women's world cup were previous. For the fourth consecutive time, previous champions couldnt qualify for the tournament, this time being France, who were 2013 champions. As usual, Brazil, Germany, Argentina, Nigeria were tournament favorites. Unusually, Hungary, Ukraine, Serbia, Austria were representing Europe, along with Germany and Portugal. Usual names like Spain, France, Italy couldn't make it. Also, some other new faces were there to compete like Fiji, Myanmar, Mali, Qatar and Uzbekistan. Total 24 teams reached New Zealand.
FIRST ROUND
For the league cum knockout tournament, Serbia were in Group D , along with Uruguay, Mali, Mexico. It was a dramatic group. Mexico were considered to be the strongest team but they were eliminated in the group stage. It was dramatic because Mali surprised others by beating Mexico and held Uruguay in a 1-1 draw. But, Mexico beat Uruguay. And Serbia started with a loss 0-1 to Uruguay. But, Uruguay managed to reach second round with third place. Adama Traore's brilliance and scoring against Uruguay and Mexico helped them.
Another big name who returned home after group stage was Argentina, who have won the cup most number of times.
Match 1.
Uruguay vs Serbia
1-0
Rajkovic made save of the tournament , with reflex to keep the first half clean. Serbia also couldn't break the deadlock as they missed some chances. In the 56th min, Periera decievd Rajkovic, who was waitg for the bounce but Uruguay Stricker cunningly tapped over bounce and rolled past him. Serbia kept on pressing for the goal but couldn't score as Uruguay defense and keeper did their best. Saponjic got a 1v1 chance with goal keeper but shot directly to his hand.
Match 2
Mali vs Serbia
2-0
On June 3,2015, by the time they meet, so much drama already had happened in the group. Mali beat a strong Mexican side 2-0 , and Mexico beat Uruguay 2-1, so Serbia had fancy chances. To give an advantage, Savic scored in the 27 min, from a superb low placed free kick. Match saw the advantages of coached by a coach who had an attacking background. They kept on trying to score more and more. They found the target again in the 74th min by Mandic and Mali couldn't beat Rajkovic.
Match 3
Serbia Vs Mexico
2-0
It was the group decider game. Winner becomes group leaders. They got early advantage, in the second min from goal by Maksimovic. Savic created the chance , from a long throw deep into Mexican box. He used his height well, to connect ball across goal, which Maksimovic headed into net. Mexico kept trying hard with long shots. They had a total of 21 shots ,9 of them on target. Rajkovic was strong and Efficient to clear the danger. They took lead just before half time (43') when Zivcovic's left footed 35 yard free kick curled into the top right corner of the goal. Mexico fought back but eventual fate was to go back home.
Round of 16
Serbia Vs Hungary
2-1
Hungary were in Group E, along with N. Korea, Brazil, and Nigeria. They lost their matches against Nigeria and Brazil, but scored 5 goals against N. Korea, which gave them advantage. Again in Round of third placed teams, they finished fourth to gain a ticket to round of 16 in goal advantage.
But, they were not ready to give their hard earned chance without a fight.
Their goal keeper made 2 brilliant saves in the first half. Half time ended 0-0, but Hungary scored in the 57' and gained lead. Later in the second half, again Hungary goal keeper did well to keep away a shot from Maksimovic. But they leveled the score in the 91st min from a corner. Saponjic ran in and connected with head to send ball into the net. But again Serbia came under pressure when Gajic got second yellow and red card. They were playing with 10 men, but their determination got paid off just 2 min before end of extra time. Saponjic was trying to cross and it got deflected from the foot of Hungarian defender Talaber, which flew well over Goalkeeper into the net.
Serbia show real strength to their European counter parts with 8 corners to 2, 6 on target shots to 3.
Quarter Finals
Serbia vs USA
0-0(6-5)
USA came from Group A, where they defeated asian team Myanmar, hosts New Zealand but losing to Ukrain. In round of 16, they managed to defeat Columbia 1-0.
Both goalkeepers did well to manage not concede goals. Zivkovic's second half free kick was superb but US goalkeeper got a hand to it to deny goal. Saponjic got a chance but ball went past his sliding extended foot in despair. Match went into penalties after 0-0 in extra time too.
Rajkovic couldn't score but later saved kicks to take Serbia to Semi finals.
Semi Final
Serbia vs Mali
2-1
After becoming third in the group, Mali went on to play Round of third placed teams and finished second there with 1 win, 1 draw and 1 loss. Also, they scored and conceded 3 goals. But in round of 16, they beat their African counter parts Ghana convincingly 3-0. In quarter finals, Germany was their opponents , which went into penalties after 1-1 till extra time. They had grown in confidence by reaching semi final.
Serbia took lead in the 4the minute , thanks to the goal by Zivkovic from a brilliant defense splitting through ball from Savic. After few min, Savic was denied by a goal line clearance. Mali equalised in the 39'. Kone surprised Rajkovic with a low flying long range effort which bounced at his left. But, Rajkovic saved a shot from Diara in the first half confidently. In the second half, Gajic's shot hit crossbar. Match went into extra time.
Saponjic , who came in as substitute in second half, scored from a close range header of a corner in 101 min to seal the match. Kone got a second yellow and was sent off. Zivkovic couldn't score a 1v1 chance with goal keeper but it was enough to make them jubilant.
They partied. Players started to think they have already achieved. Playing mighty Brazil in a World cup final, was more than a dream for them coming alive.
FINAL
" If I can nutmeg a Brazilian, You can also do that, past or present. So go out and enjoy with your talent"
Young coach showed them his success over Brazilian players and said this to motivate his boys. Well , the rest is history.
Serbia came to final with 3 consecutive extra time meetings , while Brazil were like already champions to the world, after beating a mighty Senegal 5-0 , who defeated Germany in the quarter final. On the other hand, Mali had grown in strength and confidence from their group stages, and were reluctant to accept defeat in Semi final clash. Serbian determination cut short their dream run.
Brazil have always been favorites. They do that kind of fantasy and magic in the field. The yellow jersey even make admiration for the opposition. They had not conceded any goal since second match of group stage against Hungary till final.
"Don't feel second to none one. Legacy and talent don't match everytime. You have the talent to win it" Paunovic said and Serbian young boys started aiming and dreaming for the trophy.
Beating Brazil Plan
"Every Brazilian wants to score. They attack with numbers. A swift counter attack would do the job. "
That what they did. They defended well in their half and waited for their chance.
After a goal less first half, shocking everyone, Serbia took lead in the 70th min with a well orchestrated attack move. Mandic just had to tap in for the cross. In 73rd min ,Andres Pereira, a born in Belgium, playing in Man Utd, came in as substitute and scored a magical fantasy goal, which was one of the goals of the tournament. Rajkovic stood tall between goal and Brazil whenever needed. That took the match to extra time, where Serbia won the battle of mental and physical strength. That also gave them a psychological advantage. In the 118th min, they nutmegged Brazilians , and created a chance with quick counter by moving behind Brazilian defenders, exactly as they had planned. Maksimovic run through the defenders and checked how far they are , before rolling ball past goal keeper into the net.
Rajkovic was selected as the best goalkeeper of the tournament and recieved Golden glove.
Bence mervo of Hungary and Viktor Kovalenko of Ukraine shared golden Boot with 5 goals. Adama Traore's brilliance gained him player of the tournament Golden ball award.
For Serbia, 4 players scored 2 goals each becoming top scorers - Mandic, Zivkovic, Maksimovic, and Saponjic. It clearly says how they played as a united team to achieve the feat. They scored 10 goals in total. Players like Savic are now grown into big players with huge price tags. Coach Paunovic now is head coach for MSL club. They all are reliving the memory of their epic achievement. Annual get togethers and WhatsApp group connections are still going.
KEYS TO SERBIAN SUCCESS
1. Long term of coach with players
2. Scouting at very young age
3. Mental and physical strength
4. Coach's long experience, knowledge of opposite teams
5. Swift Attack
6. Dream, work and achieved as a team of family.
What India can learn from Serbia
1. Planning and development from basic municipal league level
2. Match experience at young ages
3. Long term plan
4. Coach who can merge with team can do wonders
5. Any team can do it.
Serbia have participated in the tournament 3 times , twice as Yugoslavia (1979,1987) and as Serbia in 2015. They were champions in 1987 but their name wasn't heard much after becoming Serbia. As Yugoslavia, they created a scoring record of 3.66, which stands unbroken even now. After country's dissolution, Serbia team was made. Some other famous teams came by this way are Croatia, Slovenia etc. Europe is the playground of the world, as we all know. Serbia is surrounded by so much football, Hungary, Bulgaria, Croatia. So this country already have a great football history , like many other European countries.
With some tension in and around the country, Serbia have a great sporting culture. They participate in Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Tennis, Water polo to the highest level. All know Novak Djokovic for sure. They have won Olympic golds in Water polo and Volleyball too. Many of their athletes are successful in achieving medals including Olympic golds.
Football is the main sport of the country. Belgrade Red Star being the most famous club and players like Nemanja Vidic (Man Utd), Ivanovic (Che), Matic (Che). They have also qualified for the last four World cups too. The Football Association of Serbia organises tournaments and leagues. Serbian superliga is the top league. There are men, women and youth leagues in the country.
It was very odd for Serbia to become champions because they have never ever after 2015 played or qualified into U20 World Cup or UEFA U19 championships. If Leicester winning Premier League was a miracle, Serbia winning U20 World Cup was miracle of miracles. They got one chance to participate in 28 years and they used it very well to glory.
ORGANISATION
1.LEAGUES
There are 2770 clubs in the country starting from Municipal league to Superliga. From grassroots to senior have league competitions throughout the year. They conduct coaching and competitions under UEFA guidelines, with special care to children. They have mainly 8stages in league. Third stage league is divided into Four zones - Belgrade, Vojvodina , east and west. Fourth stage into 10 groups. 5th stage have 31 leagues. 6th have 52 leagues, 7th have 57 and 8th 7 leagues. So it's clearly evident that their players get so much match experience from base level.
2. U17 TEAM
With the given organisation and history, Serbian U17 team have never qualified for FIFA World Cup. They have been not much successful in UEFA Qualifications too. They were knocked out in group stages of recent UEFA U16/17 competitions.
3. U20 TEAM
The Serbian U20 team is known as Orlici which means Young Eagles. They showed their flying powers first when they became EURO U19 champions in 2013. They reached UEFA U19 championship Semi-final in 2014 by which got qualified for the 2015 FIFA World Cup. They had earlier reached UEFA semis in 2005, 2009,2011,2013,2014.
In 2013, they became UEFA U19 champions without losing any match. But in 2014, they have won only 1 match and 3 were draws.
THE HEAD COACH
Veljko Paunovic
Coach is the backbone and brain of team , working out and over them. A team can do magic in a team. That's what really Veljko Paunovic did to this team. Serbia planned for this very well. They appointed him as coach from 2012, of U18 team, later made him U19 team, and then U20 team. So that team stayed with him for a long time, and that helped them to create great understanding.
He had a long 11 season club playing career as Forward or attacking midfielder in Spain, Germany, Russia and US. Usually with Athletico Madrid and some time with Mallorca nd Getafe. That's experience was clearly visible in the team's swift attacks. He gained his coaching pro license also from Spain. Paunovic was one reason for the team's success. He was then just 37 years old and young players merged very well with him. Paunovic was able to make them very confident, put the dream of lifting trophies in their hearts and minds and passion.
Milan Kosanovic
It will be rude to not mention him. As assistant coach, he was with the team from 2013. You can't see his name anywhere. But, he had a good experience with young boys, and that was crucial for the tournament. He was very good in identifying and using talents.
THE TEAM
One team with one motto. It was their slogan. The team and coach reached for the tournament as a family. Goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic was their captain. Savic brothers were also part of the team, younger one Vanja GK and Sergej MF. Stefan Ilic was the forward and he was supported by Ivan Saponjic, Mandic. Along with attacking midfielders Jankvoic and Savic. Maksimovic, Zivkovic, Gacinovic where other MFs. Defense was formed by Antonov, Gajic, Zdjelar, Velkovic. By the time they reached New Zealand, all were good friends, with close coordination and very good understanding. They were strong physically and mentally.
THE PLAYING STYLE
Serbia played with real venom in the tournament. They were not much interested in keeping ball possession but wanted to attack fast. It was very clear in the match against Mali, they had only 33% ball possession but 20 shots.
2015 FIFA WORLD CUP
2015 New Zealand edition of FIFA World Cup was 20th. It was third time New Zealand hosting a FIFA tournament, 1999 U17 World Cup, 2008 Women's world cup were previous. For the fourth consecutive time, previous champions couldnt qualify for the tournament, this time being France, who were 2013 champions. As usual, Brazil, Germany, Argentina, Nigeria were tournament favorites. Unusually, Hungary, Ukraine, Serbia, Austria were representing Europe, along with Germany and Portugal. Usual names like Spain, France, Italy couldn't make it. Also, some other new faces were there to compete like Fiji, Myanmar, Mali, Qatar and Uzbekistan. Total 24 teams reached New Zealand.
FIRST ROUND
For the league cum knockout tournament, Serbia were in Group D , along with Uruguay, Mali, Mexico. It was a dramatic group. Mexico were considered to be the strongest team but they were eliminated in the group stage. It was dramatic because Mali surprised others by beating Mexico and held Uruguay in a 1-1 draw. But, Mexico beat Uruguay. And Serbia started with a loss 0-1 to Uruguay. But, Uruguay managed to reach second round with third place. Adama Traore's brilliance and scoring against Uruguay and Mexico helped them.
Another big name who returned home after group stage was Argentina, who have won the cup most number of times.
Match 1.
Uruguay vs Serbia
1-0
Rajkovic made save of the tournament , with reflex to keep the first half clean. Serbia also couldn't break the deadlock as they missed some chances. In the 56th min, Periera decievd Rajkovic, who was waitg for the bounce but Uruguay Stricker cunningly tapped over bounce and rolled past him. Serbia kept on pressing for the goal but couldn't score as Uruguay defense and keeper did their best. Saponjic got a 1v1 chance with goal keeper but shot directly to his hand.
Match 2
Mali vs Serbia
2-0
On June 3,2015, by the time they meet, so much drama already had happened in the group. Mali beat a strong Mexican side 2-0 , and Mexico beat Uruguay 2-1, so Serbia had fancy chances. To give an advantage, Savic scored in the 27 min, from a superb low placed free kick. Match saw the advantages of coached by a coach who had an attacking background. They kept on trying to score more and more. They found the target again in the 74th min by Mandic and Mali couldn't beat Rajkovic.
Match 3
Serbia Vs Mexico
2-0
It was the group decider game. Winner becomes group leaders. They got early advantage, in the second min from goal by Maksimovic. Savic created the chance , from a long throw deep into Mexican box. He used his height well, to connect ball across goal, which Maksimovic headed into net. Mexico kept trying hard with long shots. They had a total of 21 shots ,9 of them on target. Rajkovic was strong and Efficient to clear the danger. They took lead just before half time (43') when Zivcovic's left footed 35 yard free kick curled into the top right corner of the goal. Mexico fought back but eventual fate was to go back home.
Round of 16
Serbia Vs Hungary
2-1
Hungary were in Group E, along with N. Korea, Brazil, and Nigeria. They lost their matches against Nigeria and Brazil, but scored 5 goals against N. Korea, which gave them advantage. Again in Round of third placed teams, they finished fourth to gain a ticket to round of 16 in goal advantage.
But, they were not ready to give their hard earned chance without a fight.
Their goal keeper made 2 brilliant saves in the first half. Half time ended 0-0, but Hungary scored in the 57' and gained lead. Later in the second half, again Hungary goal keeper did well to keep away a shot from Maksimovic. But they leveled the score in the 91st min from a corner. Saponjic ran in and connected with head to send ball into the net. But again Serbia came under pressure when Gajic got second yellow and red card. They were playing with 10 men, but their determination got paid off just 2 min before end of extra time. Saponjic was trying to cross and it got deflected from the foot of Hungarian defender Talaber, which flew well over Goalkeeper into the net.
Serbia show real strength to their European counter parts with 8 corners to 2, 6 on target shots to 3.
Quarter Finals
Serbia vs USA
0-0(6-5)
USA came from Group A, where they defeated asian team Myanmar, hosts New Zealand but losing to Ukrain. In round of 16, they managed to defeat Columbia 1-0.
Both goalkeepers did well to manage not concede goals. Zivkovic's second half free kick was superb but US goalkeeper got a hand to it to deny goal. Saponjic got a chance but ball went past his sliding extended foot in despair. Match went into penalties after 0-0 in extra time too.
Rajkovic couldn't score but later saved kicks to take Serbia to Semi finals.
Semi Final
Serbia vs Mali
2-1
After becoming third in the group, Mali went on to play Round of third placed teams and finished second there with 1 win, 1 draw and 1 loss. Also, they scored and conceded 3 goals. But in round of 16, they beat their African counter parts Ghana convincingly 3-0. In quarter finals, Germany was their opponents , which went into penalties after 1-1 till extra time. They had grown in confidence by reaching semi final.
Serbia took lead in the 4the minute , thanks to the goal by Zivkovic from a brilliant defense splitting through ball from Savic. After few min, Savic was denied by a goal line clearance. Mali equalised in the 39'. Kone surprised Rajkovic with a low flying long range effort which bounced at his left. But, Rajkovic saved a shot from Diara in the first half confidently. In the second half, Gajic's shot hit crossbar. Match went into extra time.
Saponjic , who came in as substitute in second half, scored from a close range header of a corner in 101 min to seal the match. Kone got a second yellow and was sent off. Zivkovic couldn't score a 1v1 chance with goal keeper but it was enough to make them jubilant.
They partied. Players started to think they have already achieved. Playing mighty Brazil in a World cup final, was more than a dream for them coming alive.
FINAL
" If I can nutmeg a Brazilian, You can also do that, past or present. So go out and enjoy with your talent"
Young coach showed them his success over Brazilian players and said this to motivate his boys. Well , the rest is history.
Serbia came to final with 3 consecutive extra time meetings , while Brazil were like already champions to the world, after beating a mighty Senegal 5-0 , who defeated Germany in the quarter final. On the other hand, Mali had grown in strength and confidence from their group stages, and were reluctant to accept defeat in Semi final clash. Serbian determination cut short their dream run.
Brazil have always been favorites. They do that kind of fantasy and magic in the field. The yellow jersey even make admiration for the opposition. They had not conceded any goal since second match of group stage against Hungary till final.
"Don't feel second to none one. Legacy and talent don't match everytime. You have the talent to win it" Paunovic said and Serbian young boys started aiming and dreaming for the trophy.
Beating Brazil Plan
"Every Brazilian wants to score. They attack with numbers. A swift counter attack would do the job. "
That what they did. They defended well in their half and waited for their chance.
After a goal less first half, shocking everyone, Serbia took lead in the 70th min with a well orchestrated attack move. Mandic just had to tap in for the cross. In 73rd min ,Andres Pereira, a born in Belgium, playing in Man Utd, came in as substitute and scored a magical fantasy goal, which was one of the goals of the tournament. Rajkovic stood tall between goal and Brazil whenever needed. That took the match to extra time, where Serbia won the battle of mental and physical strength. That also gave them a psychological advantage. In the 118th min, they nutmegged Brazilians , and created a chance with quick counter by moving behind Brazilian defenders, exactly as they had planned. Maksimovic run through the defenders and checked how far they are , before rolling ball past goal keeper into the net.
Rajkovic was selected as the best goalkeeper of the tournament and recieved Golden glove.
Bence mervo of Hungary and Viktor Kovalenko of Ukraine shared golden Boot with 5 goals. Adama Traore's brilliance gained him player of the tournament Golden ball award.
For Serbia, 4 players scored 2 goals each becoming top scorers - Mandic, Zivkovic, Maksimovic, and Saponjic. It clearly says how they played as a united team to achieve the feat. They scored 10 goals in total. Players like Savic are now grown into big players with huge price tags. Coach Paunovic now is head coach for MSL club. They all are reliving the memory of their epic achievement. Annual get togethers and WhatsApp group connections are still going.
KEYS TO SERBIAN SUCCESS
1. Long term of coach with players
2. Scouting at very young age
3. Mental and physical strength
4. Coach's long experience, knowledge of opposite teams
5. Swift Attack
6. Dream, work and achieved as a team of family.
What India can learn from Serbia
1. Planning and development from basic municipal league level
2. Match experience at young ages
3. Long term plan
4. Coach who can merge with team can do wonders
5. Any team can do it.
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