Its not that Serbia is necessarily a bad team. In fact, they do boast a roster of stars. Problematic is that many of those stars are aging. This is their current roster’s last realistic shot at World Cup glory. But beyond that is an even bigger issue. Serbia had horrible luck on its draw. They ended up in Group E. Among the teams in the group is super power Brazil. And that is why the Serbs are Bet on 2018 FIFA World Cup underdogs. They just may not get out of group play alive.
2018 FIFA World Cup Serbia
Date and Time: June 14 through July 15, 2018
Location: Russia
World Cup Betting Online Odds at SBG: Serbia +17500 to win the World Cup, Serbia +855 to win Group E
2018 FIFA World Cup TV Coverage: Check Listings
Opener against Costa Rica
Sure, nobody expects a Serbian upset of Brazil. But second place and a shot at the knockout stage isn’t a pipe dream. Costa Rica is the Bet on 2018 FIFA World Cup underdog of Group E. Switzerland is most comparable to Serbia. And punters see that is the top match of Group E play. The Serbs open against Costa Rica at a near even money price. If they can’t beat Los Ticos they may as well fold the program. The Swiss are a nominal chalk in their match against Serbia. But the Eagles rate a strong chance at the upset.
Good Sportsbook Online Value
For many sharps Serbia may provide good sportsbook online value on over the total. In 12 of their last 14 matches a minimum of two goals have been scored. Three or more goals were scored in seven of those matches. Should Serbia emerge from Group E their knockout chances look slim. If they are the second team in Group E, Germany is their probable opponent. Which gives new meaning to the term knockout. As it would be a quick one.
Aleksandar Mitrovic
One undeniable positive with Serbia is Aleksandar Mitrovic. He was voted best player in the 2013 Euro Under-19 championship. He then led the senior club with six goals in World Cup qualifying. While much of the roster is older, Mitrovic offers hope for Serbia’s future. Now 23 years old, he broke out professionally with Fulham. He scored 12 goals in 17 English Premier League matches for that club.
Impressive Qualification Numbers
Another positive was that Serbia hardly broke a sweat to qualify for Russia. Their final record was an impressive 6-3-1. They were the highest scoring team in UEFA Group D. A plus 10 goal differential was also tops in that Group.
Slavoljub Muslin
Of concern is the departure of head coach Slavoljub Muslin. He had a major conflict with the President of the team. Both style of play and roster selection caused the break. And the handling of star midfielder Sergej Milinkovic Savic blew things up for good. Mladen Krstajic is caretaker manager. But he took enough care to at least bring Milinkovic Savic back to the fold last November. The team responded with stellar play.
Matchup to Watch
Serbia could be a dangerous team to Bet on 2018 FIFA World Cup with. They are good enough to attract activity. But not powerful enough to be trusted for big money in most of their games. The match with Switzerland will tell all.
World Cup Betting Odds Picks
Serbia rates a solid shot at upsetting Switzerland.
World Cup Betting Online Pick: Serbia to make the knockout stage.
Checkout highlights of emerging superstar Aleksandar Mitrovic!