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)

Northern Ireland - Serbia

Northern Ireland will miss another big competition. And while in previous campaign as underdogs were very close, this qualifiers entered with bigger ambitions but reached only fourth place in group. They gain English style of play characterized with fighting spirit, national coach has a decent squad, but simply lack in quality when they face some of the best European teams (if we can say so for Slovakia, Slovenia, Czech Republic or Poland). Two best players are young Man.Utd. star Jonny Evans and Sunderland’s striker David Healy. Healy didn’t repeat the performances from campaign for EURO when he was the best European goal scorer and probably because the lack of first team play at Stadium of Light scored only one goal in ten group games. Small amount of goals also was the main reason for recent national team failure as they didn’t score in two last and decisive games (Slovakia 0-2 at home and Czech Republic 0-0 away). However, coach Nigel Worthington has called the best available players. Only missings will be Coventry midfielder Sammy Clingan and striker from Burnley Martin Paterson. Northern Ireland never lack in motivation and I expect their decent display.

 

Serbia passed very strong group consisted of France, Romania, Austria, Lithuania and Faroe Islands. With seven wins and 22 points on the balance, booked the ticket for the final countdown in South Africa and left France short handed. New national team coach, Radomir Antic has brought collective play and fighting spirit that were never characteristics of Serbia’s games. With excellent tactical leadership and squad based on Vidic and Ivanovic in defense line, Stankovic, Krasic and Jovanovic in midfield and Zigic and Pantelic in attack, team surprised announced group favorites France, Romania and whole European audience reaching the first place in group. Second of two defeats (first was in Paris 1-2), Serbia faced in last round in Lithuania 1-2. Cold weather and freezing rain in Vilnius, extremely bad pitch and two penalty kicks for the opponent were the main reasons for defeat that took off the celebration smiles. So, Serbs traveled to Belfast with intention to return a good mood. Antic can not count on key midfielder Dejan Stankovic, regular striker Marko Pantelic and defender from the bench Ivica Dragutinovic. He’ll mix the cards and try some tactical solutions, but anyway team that will start the game at Windsor Park will be more than competitive.

 

Northern Ireland have a decent squad, but will face the stronger opponent than they used to play against. Although they’ll play at home and will have fans’ support, clear advantage is on visitors’ side. Serbia  will be very serious, friendly games are important for self confidence and I expect their attacking attitude and win. Probably without a goal conceded. Best odd is at Betfair, 2.35. Away win.

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