Serbia's Stankovic counting on team character

PALIC, Serbia&Montenegro, May 25: Midfielder Dejan Stankovic believes the character and will power Serbia&Montenegro showed in qualifying can carry them through a tough group to the knockout stage of the World Cup.

''Although not as strong on world class talent as the (Yugoslavia) side that played in France 1998, this team has exceptional character and will power,'' Stankovic told reporters at the squad's training camp in Palic in northern Serbia.

''We are a group on and off the pitch, almost like a family.

This team is known for its camaraderie and gritty determination, that's what took us to the World Cup finals in Germany.

''I hope it can carry us through a very tough group to the second round.

''I don't know how far we can get in the competition but I can promise that we will have a go and try to make life difficult for everyone.

Serbia&Montenegro are in Group C with twice world champions Argentina, twice finalists the Netherlands and African Nations Cup finalists Ivory Coast.

''To speak about the qualities of Argentina and the Netherlands would be superfluous, but I can't stress enough how impressed I was with Ivory Coast after watching them in this year's African Nations Cup,'' Stankovic said.

''They are one of the most talented and physically demanding sides I have ever seen.'' Stankovic and captain Savo Milosevic are the only two players with World Cup experience, having played for Yugoslavia in the 1998 tournament.

''Nothing compares to playing in the World Cup, it's an unforgettable experience and I am glad these lads have earned their right to be there,'' he said.

The 28-year old Inter Milan midfielder is one of the most versatile players in the squad and said he was prepared to play in any position.

''I can operate behind the strikers, in a deeper role as cover for the back four or on either flank. It's up to coach Ilija Petkovic and I will gracefully accept any role he entrusts me with, bar goalkeeping.'' Serbia&Montenegro play Uruguay on Saturday in their final warm-up match before heading to Austria for a week's training.

They play the Netherlands in their World Cup opener in Leipzig on June 11, meet Argentina in Gelsenkirchen on June 16 and Ivory Coast in Munich on June 21.

REUTERS