Antic signs a new deal

Serbia have tied their manager Radomir Antic down for another year. His previous deal was due to run until 2011, but it's now extended to the end of EURO 2012 qualifying. A successful campaign there, would also mean the contract being extended until the end of the final tournament, which is co-hosted by Poland and Ukraine.

The former Real Madrid and Barcelona manager, took over Serbia at a perfect time you have to say. The current crop of players might be the best since the Second Yugoslavia fell in 1992. Some of Europe's best talent in all departments of the squad and the average age is just perfect - around 25-26.

The qualifying process for South Africa 2010 was impressive. Serbia topped the group ahead of France, picking up 7 wins from a possible of 10. It was a second great World Cup qualifying campaign in a row. Though in, the 2006 Montenegro was still part of Serbia. The team won their group ahead of Spain, with both finishing undefeated.

The tournament itself wasn't very good, with the team losing all of their matches, but the squad was mostly made up from the players, who are also now involved. Only this time, they have more experience in internationals and club football and Serbia might be a surprise package of South Africa 2010. That is, if they aren't considered as possible winners from the start. With players like Vidić, Ivanović, Stanković and Krasić in the side, that prediction might not be too far off.