Northern Ireland 0-1 Serbia

A classy goal from PSV Eindhoven striker Danko Lazovic was enough to give Serbia victory in Saturday's friendly at Windsor Park.
Lazovic drilled in a low shot to cap a neat move in the 57th minute. 
Zdravko Kuzmanovic and Zoran Tosic had first-half efforts well saved by home goalkeeper Maik Taylor. 
In the second half Northern Ireland had chances to take the lead but Kyle Lafferty missed out in front of goal and Chris Brunt put a low shot wide. 
Defender Stephen Craigan then tried for his first international goal but saw his header saved by keeper Bojan Isailovic. 
The result means Northern Ireland have won just twice in their last 20 friendlies. 
Having lost their last home game to Slovakia in a World Cup qualifier, Nigel Worthington's men were keen to produce a good display. 
Keeper Taylor had to be alert in the ninth minute to tip over a shot from Zdravko Kuzmanovic. 
Niall McGinn then cut inside and tried his luck on goal but his shot was deflected for a corner by Aleksander Lukovic who could easily have scored an own goal. 
Manchester United defender Jonny Evans did not come out for the second half because of a calf injury. 
His club colleague Nemanja Vidic also sat out the second half. 
Northern Ireland should have taken the lead in the 49th minute after good work by McGinn but Brunt sent his shot wide of the far post with his less-favoured right foot. 
Serbia took the lead in the 57th minute with a quality score. 
Lazovic fired past Taylor from the edge of the box after a great dummy from Gojko Kacar set him up following Tosic's cross. 
However Northern Ireland threatened an equaliser six minutes later but Isailovic made a good block to keep out Craigan's header. 
David Healy, relegated to the bench, came on in the 64th minute and soon scuffed a shooting chance wide of the mark. 
The out-of-touch Sunderland striker had a great chance late on but curled his shot just wide from the edge of the area. 
Northern Ireland: Taylor, Evans, Hughes, Craigan, McCartney, McGinn, Davis, Baird, Brunt, Feeney, Lafferty.
Subs: Tuffey, McCann, McGivern, Healy, McCourt, Kirk, O'Connor.
Serbia: Isailovic, Rukavina, Vidic, Lukovic, Kolarov, Milijas, Kuzmanovic, Petrovic, Tosic, Jovanovic, Lazovic.
Subs: Stojkovic, Kacar, Ivanovic, Lekic, Tomovic, Vukovic, Krasic, Ninkovic, Zigic, Subotic.
Referee: Albert Toussaint (Luxembourg)

Serbia - Romania

For home side the situation is crystal clear. One win in last two games will lead them to the final countdown in South Africa. Under the new national team coach, Radomir Antic, Serbia have made little surprising results, leaving France four points behind. And only against the France, Serbs didn’t notice a win (0-1 defeat in Paris and 1-1 draw at home). Beside all strength that Serbia have been showing (top quality performances, tactic skills and fighting spirit, finally), game against French in previous round showed some weaknesses. First goalie, Vladimir Stojkovic, has competitive games only in national team shirt, while in his club(s) usually warming a bench. He is not in full shape and it causes two outcomes. His direct errors, conceded goal against France was his gift. Second, his insecurity affects on whole defense line. However, Serbia already defeated Romania, as a visitor in Constanza 3-2, team form (and quality, dare to say) is on their side and including full motivation and sold out stadium, Serbs are favorites tonight. Coach Antic has no injury worries, only missing is reserve striker Danko Lazovic who is suspended and best eleven will play. 

Romania failed in another qualification campaign and Sout Africa will remain only as a dream. After turbulent start and plenty of “misunderstandings” on relations Piturka-players-public, national team coach got fired and new boss is talented Razvan Lucescu. Under his guidance, team has been noticing some improvement in performance. He’s also well known as a good motivator. They also were without a real motive in Paris, but put a more than decent display and stopped French (1-1 draw). So, I think it is fair to say they won’t surrender tonight before the game start. Another thing that improves their chances at Marakana is Romania will be first time complete so far in this campaign. Two probably best players, Mutu and Chivu, will play together after a while. Mutu ignores 17 mill.eur penalty, plays in a great shape and will be a big danger for hosts’ back line, while Chivu should bring some safety in front the goal. Although positive result seems too far, Romanians certainly will show a heart. They’re declared as losers from domain press and best possible way to shut ‘em up is to beat Serbia in Belgrade. I think they won’t practice “catenaccio” and will try to play. 

Well, it is sure no one in Serbia would like to leave a decision for the last round and trip to Lithuania. Better team, better shape, higher motivation, home ground and 55 000 noisy fans are the facts that should bring a win. On the other hand, odd is miserable. Mutu and Marica look as a great attacking force, Chivu is dangerous from free kicks as Rat from distance. I think it won’t be so easy as everybody in Serbia expects and although I think the home win is very probable, see bet on goals as a better option. Pinnacle offer great 2.14. Over.

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