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The country of Yugoslavia, over the period of time, have produced numerous talents who set the stage on fire. FromZvonimir Boban, Davor uker, Predrag Mijatovi, Dejan Savievi and Dragan Daji, this country of Europe has been blessed with players who make their country proud. Yugoslavia in their days, was the team who represented the Balkan football and created terror in the mind of opposition. Strong, ruthless, organised, these were the three characteristics which made Yugoslavia a team to beat. It is not a wonder that the only champions league triumph from a club in the Central Europe was from Yugoslavia, now that club is part of Serbia and proudly serving their national sideAs the FIFA World cup is less than 50 days away from now, let us try to re-create the same old dominant Yugoslav side, with same old energy, organisation. And maybe, maybe, if the nation still existed as a whole, who knows we might have witnessed a potential world champion here. But how will their XI look like?
#1 GK- Samir Handanovic
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Samir Handanovic
The Slovenian keeper has already made a reputation as one of the best shot stopper in Italian Serie A. A keeper always have to rely on his instincts and reflexes; but his skills are required to be on their peak, especially when you represent a team with such history and stature. Also, he is a keeper in a league where screamers and long ranged efforts can come from almost, anywhere! But Samir is always prepared to handle them all, determined to lead his club and country to glory.
#2 RWB- Darijo Srna (C)
Darijo Srna
Currently playing for Shakhtar Donetsk, Srna is an experienced wingback that every team wants. Also, a captain for Ukrainian side, Darijo is known for his overall contribution in the game, both offensively and defensively. Srna is very good when it comes to supporting his side from the flank, and equally comfortable when asked to defend.
With 6 assists to his in 24 games, Srna surely looks good to lead his side to glory.
#3 CB- Neven Subotic
Neven Subotic
He is the first Serbian in the current crop of players to include his name in the side. Although it is no body's fault, as it was upto the writer's wish to arrange it in this order. Though Subotic's involvement has been minimized this season due to series of injuries, playing as little as 10 Bundesliga games this season. But still, the defender always makes his presense felt. He shows why he is the defensive rock of Borussia Dortmund. His partnership with German Mats Hummels was pivotal to Dortmund's astonishing journey to Champions League final. His strength and desire to win the ball always helps him to gain an upperhand over his opposition.
#4 CB- Branislav Ivanovic
Branislav Ivanovic
Subotic's partner for Serbia, Ivanovic is going through his golden phase of his career. The defender who has matured with such vast experience in top flight football and with age, Ivanovic is one of the hardest nut a striker finds to crack. A fullback who can easily play in center back role to add defensive stability to his side. Certainly the best defender of Premier League along side Vincent Kompany, he is an indespensible memeber of Chelsea and Serbian set-up. While Srna playing as a wingback, his inclusion as center back will improve this side's defense by leaps and bounds.
#5 CB- Stefan Savic
Stefan Savic
He was facing the stiffest competiton for this spot. Dejan Lovren, Matija Nastachic all pushing hard to gain upperhand. While Dejan's brilliant introduction to Premier League was dissolved by some average performances, Nastachic didn't really featured to make an impact.
After a disappointing spell at Manchester City, he was used as a bait to exchange him with one of his competitor now- Matija Nastachic. This move seems to work for either side as both the defenders were able to show their potential in the league where they were brought; Matija to Manchester City and Savic to Fiorentina.
Stefan has worked hard to recover himself from the bad experience and is on his way to become one of the best center halves in Serie A and Montenegaro.
#6 LWB- Aleksandar Kolarov
Stefan Savic
It is Savic's former City team mate who takes the final place in a 5-man defense. The 28 year old is one of the best attack minded fullbacks in the league. Serb is widely known for his brilliant crossing and sharp freekicks, he has created 6 assists and scored one himself in the league. His pace often gets the better of the man in front of him as he eases past him.
Though Kolarov is certainly not the best defensive fullback, his duty certainly will be to race down the left side of the field, creating all sorts of trouble for the facing team.
#7 CM- Miralem Pjanic
Miralem Pjanic
AS Roma midfielder has been an attraction for the major clubs around the world. Especially the cash rich clubs, like PSG, who often looked desperate to get the signature of the 24 year old. Creative, fast and with an eye for goal, Miralem has often proved why deserves so much attention he is getting.
A very good set piece taker, and excellent when it come to long range shooting, surely Pjanic will add another dimension to this Yugoslavia.
#8 CM- Luka Modric
Luka Modric
The Croatian after having a lesser succesfull season under Mourinho, is back on top of the game with a newer role. Gone are the days when Luka was more of an attacking threat, now under Ancelotti, he is more of a deep lying playmaker orchestarting the play. But still with same old flare and pace, he eagerly participates in team's attacking moments.
But with Pjanic and another team mate of Luka in the heart of midfield; Luka could well be seen dropping into the deeper role and delivering long balls from less dangerous position.
#9 CM- Ivan Rakitic
Ivan Rakitic
As most of you might have guessed, Ivan Rakitic, who is the partner of Real Madrid midfielder makes the midfield trio. This season has been a somewhat of a breakthrough for Ivan, with 13 goals and 12 assists in all competitons, clubs like Liverpool and Chelsea showing interest in signing is pretty obvious. Once a winger in his Schalke days, he has completely settled himself in the midfield and leading as chief playmaker.
Rakitic is more likely to adopt a more advanced role amongst the mid 3. With his silky smooth trickery and admirable acceleration, composure on and off the ball, he is surely going to give a hard time to the man in front of him.
#10 CF- Mirko Vucinic
Mirko Vucinic
Juventus forward, much like his compatriot Savic, faced a very strong contest to occupy the place upfront. Yugoslavia showing again the abundance of quality forwards which pop up, and hitting headlines for the their skills and abilty to keep scoring goals again and again.
Mirko Vucinic from his Roma days, is known for his clever movements to penetrate the defense. Adding the creative instincts and an excellent passing skills, Mirko is a striker who is equally effect to play as both attacking and supporting role as a striker.
#11 CF- Mario Mandzukic
Mario Mandzukic
Last but surely not the least! Mario Mandzukic of Croatia completes the lineup of the "Plavi". Currently spearheading the attack of the European Champions Bayern Munich, Mario has scored 18 goals in the league, 21 in all competitons. He is one of the lethal strikers in the world. He introduced himself to the world when he netted 6 goals in Euro 2012, though Croatia couldn't do much in that edition of Euros, but Mario has shown what caliber he possesses.
His first team status in Bavarian side might be little doubtful, but his superb aerial abilities and finishing skills would not go unnoticed!
