Rookie Mlad Serbs up a Costa warning

SERBIA coach Mladen Krstajic dismissed fears his lack of experience as boss of the national team could hinder their chances against Costa Rica in their World Cup opener today.

Krstajic, who had no club coaching experience when he took over the national team in October, will be taking charge of his first competitive game against the Central Americans in Samara.

However, Krstajic, 44, is confident his side is ready and he will be leaning on some of his more senior players to lead the way.

“As far as this story goes about me lacking experience, I don’t have any problem because I am working with professional players who prove themselves in clubs across Europe,” he said.

“My conscience is clear because we are working really well and have been together for three weeks.

“These are things that make me happy. We have to be focused. When I met my squad for the first time I said, ‘Let’s relax, be friends off the pitch, but when it comes to matches everyone has to be responsible’.”

The most experienced player he can call upon is defender Branislav Ivanovic, who could become Serbia’s most capped player today with 104.

With Brazil hot favourites to top Group E, which also includes Switzerland, a win in the opening game would go a long way to securing qualification.

However, Aleksandar Kolarov knows the following match against Switzerland could be the most decisive in a tight race for second.

He said: “Whatever the result, Switzerland is going to be the key for our qualification.”

Costa Rica v Serbia

Today, 1pm, ITV