Samara: Serbian coach Mladen Krstajic dismissed fears that his lack of experience as manager of the national team could hinder their chances against Costa Rica in their World Cup opener on Sunday.
Krstajic, who had no club coaching experience when he took over the national team in October, will be taking charge of his first competitive game against the Central Americans. However, the 44-year-old says he is confident in his side's preparations and will be leaning on some of his more senior players to lead the way.
"As far as this story about me lacking experience, I don't have any problem because I am working with professional players who prove themselves in clubs across Europe," Krstajic told reporters on Saturday.
"My conscience is clear because we are working really well and have been together for three weeks. These are things that make me happy.
"We have to be focused, responsible. When I met my squad for the first time, I said, 'Lets relax, be friends off the pitch, but when comes to matches, everyone has to be responsible'."
The most experienced player he can call upon is defender Branislav Ivanovic, who could become Serbia's most capped player on Sunday with 104 international appearances. The Zenit St Petersburg player, who won the 2012 Champions League with Chelsea, will likely be joined by captain Alexander Kolarov in a mature backline.
"God willing, he is going to break the record," said Krstajic. "He has demonstrated his qualities in different clubs around Europe and has won many titles. This provides us with extra motivation to give more and we want to make his day tomorrow better."
"Branislav has brought us so much," added Kolarov.
"Hopefully nobody breaks his record. We are all happy for him."
With Brazil overwhelming favourites to top Group E, which also includes Switzerland, a win in the opening game would go a long way to securing qualification to the last 16. However, Kolarov knows the following match against Switzerland could be the most decisive in a tight race for second.
"Of course, the upcoming game is the most important in several years. Tomorrow's game will show how important the subsequent games will be," he said.
"Whatever the score, whatever the result, Switzerland are going to be the key for our qualification. I hope we will get a good result and it will mean a lot to us if we do win tomorrow."
Krstajic, who is likely to field a 4-2-3-1 formation with Aleksandar Mitrovic as the lone striker, says he has been certain of his starting line-up for the past five days.
On the other hand, Costa Rica were the surprise team of the World Cup four years ago in Brazil, reaching the quarter finals on the back of resilient defensive organisation. This time, under a different coach in Oscar Ramirez, the Central Americans know there are different expectations from their fans and the wider football audience.
However, as the team prepares for their first Group E game on Sunday, the Costa Ricans are looking to write a new chapter in their country's footballing history. "I think it is different this time.
"The 2014 edition is over. It's our biggest achievement ever in a World Cup, but this time, there will be another story,"? Ramirez said. reporters on Saturday. "Our story starts tomorrow with our first match."
Defender Giancarlo Gonzalez, who scored a penalty in the shoot-out victory over Greece in the last 16 four years ago, echoed the thoughts of his coach. "The last World Cup is past for us. It's ancient history.
"We need to write a new chapter for us, for Costa Rica," said the 30-year-old. "A lot has been talked about the last World Cup, but this is a new World Cup, a new story."?
Kick-off: 5.30 pm (IST)
