World Cup 2018 Serbia team profile: How they qualified, star man, World Cup record, fixtures

Serbia qualified first in Group D of the European qualifiers, two points clear of the Republic of Ireland. The two key goals came from Aleksandar Kolarov in the clash in Dublin and from Aleksandar Prijovic against Georgia in Belgrade on October 9, 2017 after the defeat against Austria in Vienna had hampered their campaign briefly.

Aleksandar Kolarov, captain and undisputed leader of Mladen Krstajic's side. Back from a great season at Roma on his return to the Italian championship, the 32-year-old left-back is playing in a second World Cup after being part of expedition under Radomir Antic to South Africa 2010.

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic did not play a minute in the World Cup qualifiers due to the choice of the previous coach. The wind has changed and with the arrival of Mladen Krstajic the offensive midfielder, who scored 12 goals in Serie A this year will be a key part of the Serbian trip to Russia. It will be a hot summer for the 23-year-old from Lazio with the World Cup finals and a probable auction that will follow his performances at the tournament.

Mladen Kristajic was appointed at the end of the qualifying tournament after the federation had relieved Slavoljub Muslin of his role due to the lack of call for young players like Milinkovic-Savic. Kristajic, a former central defender, composed together with Vidic, Dragutinovic and Gavrancic the defence of the famous four who conceded only one goal in the 2006 World Cup qualifiers. Initially hired as a caretaker, he will be there at least until the conclusion of Russia 2018.

After eight years Serbia returns to dispute a final round of a World Cup. In 2014 it was not included among the participants, while in 2010 the selection of Antic failed to overcome the obstacle of a group with Germany, Ghana and Australia; with defeat against the Socceroos on the last day proving to be fatal. In the following four years, Sinisa Mihajlovic failed to take Serbia to the World Cup, finishing third behind Italy and Belgium.

Talent, class, inspiration: characteristics that have always been inherent in Serbian DNA, characteristics that could compensate for the organisation and experience gap with Switzerland.