World Cup Qualifying Preview: Lithuania - Serbia

Wednesday's match in Group 7 has little meaning for either side.....

Oct 13, 2009 4:30:24 PM

More On :  Lithuania, Serbia, Lithuania vs Serbia
Nemanja Vidic (Serbia)
Kick-Off: Wednesday, October 14, 20:00 CET
Marijampole Stadium, Marijampole

Playing For Nothing

Lithuania's World Cup qualifying campaign never really took off and although at one point they did have a slim chance of making it through to the World Cup finals in South Africa next year, now they don't have any whatsoever.
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Jose Couceiro's side are currently fourth in the group with nine points from nine games. They were defeated 2-1 by Austria on Saturday but a win over the already qualified Serbia on Wednesday evening would secure them a fourth place finish in the group.

But in a group that has Serbia, France, Austria and Romania, finishing fourth for a nation that doesn't have much footballing history wouldn't be necessarily bad, especially if they finish above Romania.

Basking In Glory

Serbia were not really expected to top the group and qualify automatically for the World Cup finals especially as they had France in their group, but Radomir Antic's side did eventually realise that dream when they comprehensively defeated Romania 5-0 in Belgrade on Saturday.

Serbia have 22 points from nine matches and so far have won every game in their group except the encounters against former world and European champions France. They could be relaxed against Lithuania on Wednesday as they have already booked their place in South Africa but they would also like to carry on their good form in the qualifiers.


FORM GUIDE

Lithuania

October 10 v Austria (A) - LOST 2-1 (World Cup Qualifier)

September 9 v Faroe Islands (A) - LOST 2-1 (World Cup Qualifier)

August 12 v Luxembourg (A) - WON 1-0 (Friendly)

June 6 v Romania (H) - LOST 1-0 (World Cup Qualifier)

April 1 v France (A) - LOST 1-0 (World Cup Qualifier)

Serbia

October 10 v Romania (H) - WON 5-0 (World Cup Qualifier)

September 9 vs France (H) – DREW 1-1 (World Cup Qualifier)

August 12 vs South Africa (A) – WON 3-1 (Friendly)

June 10 vs Faroe Islands (A) – WON 2-0 (World Cup Qualifier)

June 6 vs Austria (H) – WON 1-0 (World Cup Qualifier)


TEAM NEWS

Lithuania

The hosts would like to finish their qualifying campaign with a flourish and might put their strongest side available out on the pitch.

Possible Lineup (4-4-2): Karcemarskas, Paulauskas, Stankevicius, Dedura, Kijanskas; Razanauskas, Mlcelka, Kalonas, Panka; Luksa, Sernas

Serbia

Although the Serbians could well play with their fringe players in this match, they might like to stick to their strongest side available.

Possible Lineup (4-4-2): Stojkovic; Ivanovic, Lukovic, Vidic, Kolarov; Kacar, Krasic, Milijas, Jovanovic; Zigic, Pantelic


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Nikola Zigic (Serbia)

The Valencia striker started the rout against Romania at the weekend when he scored the first goal for Serbia in the 37th minute. Zigic is going through a good spell of form at the moment with both club and country and would be expected to lead the attackline against Lithuania on Wednesday too.

Zydrunas Karcemarskas (Lithuania)

The Dynamo Moscow custodian has been one of the few Lithuanian players who have impressed in the qualifiers and he will again have to be at his best on Wednesday.


PREDICTION

Lithuania know that they have nothing to lose against Serbia and will be trying their best to give the home crowd something to cheer about. The hosts are not bad when they play in front of their own supporters and there are doubts on the motivation level of the already qualified Serbian team. But Serbia have too much in them to lose on Wednesday.

Lithuania 1-1 Serbia

Subhankar Mondal. Goal.com
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