Serbia fails to qualify for World Cup in Brazil

ZAGREB The Serbian national football squad on Friday evening lost 0-2 to Croatia in Zagreb, and thus failed to qualify for the World Cup in Brazil. "Serbia defeats itself 0-2," said our reporter of the game whose result was determined by two first-half goals, scored after Serbian team's defending mistakes by Mario Mandzukic and Ivica Olic. Serbia fails to qualify for World Cup in Brazil Serbia coach Sinisa Mihajlovic went for an "unexpected tactic", according to the pundits, and this has been blamed for the defeat. The team only started to play well in the second half - and also managed to miss three excellent chances to score. At the same time, the Croatian side did not produce a stellar performance, but used the opportunities it had and in the end routinely concluded the match. Half-way through the qualifications, Serbia has four points, while Croatia has 13. If they win their game, Belgium could catch up and take over as group leaders. Serbia will play Scotland next on Tuesday, March 26, in Novi Sad. No violence has been reported from Zagreb this evening, but the tense game did not go without provocations. The crowd at the Maksimir Stadium booed at the Serbian national anthem and took to chanting "Kill the Serb" before the start of the match. By contrast, the Serbian squad applauded during the sounding of the Croatian national anthem. (Tanjug) B92

Serbia fails to qualify for World Cup in Brazil

Serbia coach Siniša Mihajlović went for an "unexpected tactic", according to the pundits, and this has been blamed for the defeat. The team only started to play well in the second half - and also managed to miss three excellent chances to score.

At the same time, the Croatian side did not produce a stellar performance, but used the opportunities it had and in the end routinely concluded the match.

Half-way through the qualifications, Serbia has four points, while Croatia has 13. If they win their game, Belgium could catch up and take over as group leaders.

Serbia will play Scotland next on Tuesday, March 26, in Novi Sad.

No violence has been reported from Zagreb this evening, but the tense game did not go without provocations. The crowd at the Maksimir Stadium booed at the Serbian national anthem and took to chanting "Kill the Serb" before the start of the match.

By contrast, the Serbian squad applauded during the sounding of the Croatian national anthem.