Wolves' Nenad Milijas on Serbia call

So you think England fans are crazy about their football?

Serbia is one of the fiery hotbeds of the European game where passions can run off the scale.

The Serbs got so wound up when the final warm-up match against New Zealand did not go to plan - a 1-0 defeat - stand-in captain Nemanja Vidic had to calm rioting supporters at half-time.

But the emotion and excitement pouring out of every corner of the country as they head for their first World Cup is undeniable, and pitched into the frenzy of anticipation is Wolves midfielder Nenad Milijas.

Serbia have already sprung something of a surprise by dominating a qualifying group which included France, Austria and Romania.

And Milijas believes that potential to catch opponents unaware will be echoed in the finals.

He said: "I hope we can do well. If you look through our squad, there are plenty of big names from big teams.

"We didn't do well at the last World Cup and I wasn't there, but a lot of players want to show everyone they can do much better. We played well in qualifying through the group and I think everyone's ready.

"We haven't had any problems within the team, which we had at the last World Cup, which is the biggest problem that can happen.

"The only thought on the minds of all the players and the whole country is just to qualify from the group.

"We've got a tough group but we know we can do that because we've got a good enough team. If we can do that, we will just try to win every game we play and see what happens.

"We're not thinking about getting to the final or doing great things, or even losing and going out in the group stages.

"Qualifying from the group is the most important thing and, if we manage that, then we'll talk about other stuff."

Milijas is right. Germany, a stubborn Australia team and dangerous African challengers Ghana, Serbia's opening game opponents, will be testing for all concerned with the player facing the challenge having just closed out an unconvincing first season in England.

The quality and range of his passing, executed with that brilliant left foot, was obvious but his ability to handle the frantic tempos and physical challenge of the Premier League less so.

But you will find neither regret or a lack of confidence in his make up. Indeed, his first season at Wolves has only whetted his appetite for more and there is a quiet assurance within that he will ultimately cope.

He said: "I was disappointed because, like every other Premier League player, I want to play and having missed a lot of games, it is frustrating.

"But it was my first year in England having come from Europe, everything is different and I understand it takes time to adapt.

"The manager Mick McCarthy spent a lot of time talking to me to make me into a better player in England, which was fine.

"But it's still hard as a player when you're told you're not playing and urged to bide your time and wait for your chance."

When his national team do step out for the opening game in Pretoria the day after England start, Milijas believes they will be bonded by forces which feature strongly at Molineux.

He adds: "I think the team spirit was a huge factor in keeping Wolves in the Premier League. It helped us win some games we may have not have done and helped us stay solid.

"I think we have that same sort of spirit in the national team. They're great lads and great players and everyone knows what we need to do.

"The coach Raddy Antic got that going in telling us what was expected and what everyone's jobs were.

"He told everyone that if they didn't do their jobs, they would be out of the squad."

By Martin Swain