Serbia ready for tough test against Brazil

Coach Milinkovic-Savic confident of finding way past rival defence

Serbian morale was affected by a 2-1 loss to Switzerland, and midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic knows the squad has a tough match against Brazil.

Serbia were leading for much of the first half courtesy Aleksandar Mitrovic’s goal in the fifth minute. But twin strikes from Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri took the game away from them.

They will have to lift their game by a few notches against Brazil who have the likes of Phillipe Coutinho and Gabriel Jesus to cause more than worry.

Mladen Krstajic’s Serbia have strength but are not one of the quicker sides in the competition, a shortcoming that ultimately cost them the match against the Swiss.

Mitrovic’s aerial quality is a reason Serbia can be confident. His performance will be just one of the reasons why they will go into their final group match against Brazil with hope.

Hoping for a miracle

“Yes, we definitely need a miracle. That is what can make us beat Brazil and get through to the next stage,” MilinkovicSavic said. “I always say that those that believe in miracles can make them happen. We are Serbian, nothing is impossible. With a bit of luck, we can produce a miracle.”

Serbia beat Costa Rica 1-0 in their opening game, and Milinkovic-Savic said Brazil have shortcomings in their defence. “Costa Rica and Switzerland showed they could face Brazil,” he said. “I believe that, too, and I believe that we will knock them down.”