 Neven plays for Serbia
In December of 2008, Neven made the decision, based on his family roots ; he felt that playing for the Serbian National Team over all others that had sought his services, was the right thing to do. He let his heart speak for him. He easily found his place within the team as all the players were very friendly
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National team coach Radomir Antic called up Neven for his first international match against Romania on March 28th 2009. He starts out on the sidelines in a reserve role, but will make his appearance and earn his first international cap when he replaces Marko Pantelic in the 66th minute of the game. Serbia won the away game 3-2 in Romania, and this victory enabled group-leading Serbia to widen the gap over France, who remained in second place.
First match in the mythical Marakana !
For his second selection for the Serbian National Team, Neven played the entire match in the win against Austria in the mythical Marakana stadium (home of Red Star Belgrade), in front of 60 000 home supporters. He had already lived the same kind of moment, a few months ago, while playing his first match for BVB’s first team in front of a huge crowd. But this time, his emotions were at fever pitch because his friends and family from Serbia were all in the Marakana Stadium. He is also deeply touched by the 60+ supporters from his birth town who made their way especially to see him play.
Faroe Islands : For ever in his memory !
It is always hard to play in the tiny Faroe Islands Stadium, where generally few goals are scored during World Cup Qualifications. On June 10th 2009, Neven is a starter for the third time and he will score his first goal for Serbia in the 2-0 win at Faroe Islands. After the match, Neven got plenty of congratulatory messages from his family in Serbia who were already celebrating their victory in the streets of the capital Belgrade.
Romania : Qualification for South Africa 2010 !
Serbia is four points ahead of France and a victory against Romania could qualify the team for South Africa. October 10th is the date, and Serbia played in its Marakana Stadium in a real festive atmosphere. At the 73rd minute mark, Serbia was already leading 2-0 against Romania when Neven got into the match.
He took part in a fantastic finish to the match as Serbia scored three more goals in only 12 minutes! Serbia won the match 5-0 as the Romanians were overwhelmed. Serbian played an ideal match and Neven was living through his first qualification for the most famous Football competition on the planet. All streets in Belgrade were full of crowds celebrating the nations’ World Cup qualification.
South Africa 2010 : Serbia in Group D
For the coming World Cup, Serbia will be in Group D and will play against Germany, Ghana and Australia. Neven will meet his German friends from Bundesliga in South Africa, where the national excitement of the continents’ first ever hosting opportunity is unmatched. As South Africa and its people are extremely fond of Football, the stadiums will be full and the matches alive. [READ MORE]
Meet in Nelson Mandela’s country!
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