Serbia class to tell against Socceroos

Serbia had a stuttering start to their World Cup, but they will prove too strong for Australia in Group D on Wednesday.

Serbia had been many world cup round of 16 betting pundits’ tips to be the tournaments dark horses, but they looked anything but contenders in their opening 1-0 defeat to Ghana. They were awful against the Africans and weren’t helped by being reduced to 10 men.

However, they bounced back against 10-man Germany and grabbed a convincing 1-0 win. Their attacking play against the resilient Germans was impressive and Milan Jovanonic, Milos Krasic and Nikola Zigic will be a handful for the Socceroos.

Serbia are a stand-out 10/11 with Ladbrokes to win the game in Nelspruit and considering the fact they need a win to make certain of a place in the round of 16 they look a must.

Australia, who could still make the knock-out phase and a chance to progress to world cup quarter finals betting with a win, were battered 4-0 by Germany, but did earn a 1-1 draw with Ghana next up.

However, in both games they have been reduced to 10 men and that has raised suggestions Pim Verbeek’s men could be jaded. And if that has taken it’s toll on Verbeek’s workman-like side then Serbia are more than capable of giving Australia the run around. They have players who can keep the ball, while defensively they have looked assured.

Australia will be without Harry Kewell, but they will be boosted by the return of Tim Cahill, but Nemanja Vidic and Branislav Ivanovic should have the measure of the Everton man and Serbia should wrap up a place in the last 16.