Stanković hopes for a happy return

Captain Dejan Stanković has his eye on an early birthday treat as Serbia take on Finland in UEFA EURO 2008™ Group A, saying "victories are always the best presents".

Key attributes
A home win against Roy Hodgson's side on Saturday would leave Serbia level on points with second-placed Finland in an extremely competitive group. And Stanković, who celebrates his 29th birthday on 11 September, said: "We must be strong and brave. Our quality gives us reason for optimism but it will not be enough to earn a victory. A tough job awaits us and we are ready for that."

Good record
In the nine years since his international debut, the FC Internazionale Milano midfielder has appeared in only two qualifying defeats – by the Republic of Ireland in 1999 and by Russia in Belgrade in 2001. As he prepares to win his 70th cap, he has no intention of adding to that collection. "I am not even thinking about it," he said. "Two defeats is enough. I need victories."

Aerial threat
Serbia triumphed 2-0 in Helsinki in the corresponding fixture in June, and coach Javier Clemente hopes a similar performance can yield three points in Belgrade this weekend. "In Helsinki we cut out their chief threat by neutralising their aerial power ... and we won," said the Spaniard. "Maybe the same tactics will work again, but I expect a different type of game."

Defensive concerns
With experienced centre-backs Nemanja Vidić and Mladen Krstajić suspended, Clemente can call on Sevilla FC defender Ivica Dragutinović and FC Porto's Milan Stepanov as potential replacements along with Branislav Ivanović and Dusko Tošić, who played together at the back for Serbia at the 2007 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.

Informed decision
After the fourth-placed Serbs lost their August qualifier 3-2 in Belgium, Clemente knows there is little room for error – particularly with a trip to Portugal looming next week. "I know what my best XI is, but some small, important details may make a difference," he said. "Tactics are one thing and formation is another. We often play better with one striker and five midfielders. I will use the coming hours to make my decision."