Serbians have every right to celebrate the nationistic pride that comes with their footballing teams succe s in reaching the World Cup finals. The break-up of the former Republic of Yugoslavia resulted in one of the bloodiest civil wars in recent history having a profound effect on George Fant Jersey every Serbian.Serbian fans will add colour and pa sion to the World CupAs Yugoslavia broke up into smaller states in the early 1990s, Serbia & Montenegro made up the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY). Perversely, the biggest impact made by FRY on international football was their disqualification from the 1992 European Championships Finals due to UN sanctions. Their place was taken by Denmark, who amazingly then went on to be crowned champions. In 2006 Montenegro gained independence, resulting in the formation of the state of Serbia as we know it today. Both UEFA and FIFA recognise Serbia to be the succe sor to Yugoslavia and have pa sed on all its history to Serbia.Prior to the political upheaval in the early 1990s Yugoslavia held a respectable reputation in the world game. In all they have qualified for 8 World Cups, making the semi finals twice and the quarter finals 4 times. They were one of only four European teams that appeared in the inaugural world cup held in Uruguay in 1930, C. J. Prosise Jersey sensationally qualifying from their group at the expense of Brazil, before losing to the hosts and eventual champions in the semi final. Yugoslavias next appearance in the World Cup was again to be in South America, this time Brazil in 1950. But there was to be no repeat of the 1930 heroics and they were knocked out in the group stage despite winning 2 of their 3 games.In 1954 Yugoslavias involvement ended in the quarter finals at the hands of subsequent champions West Germany. The West Germans knocked out the Yugoslavs again 4 years later at the same stage after Yugoslavia had qualified from their group unbeaten.The 1960s proved to be a golden era. In 1962 the World Cup was hosted by Chile and saw the Yugoslavs finish fourth with forward Draan Jerkovi sharing the Golden Boot after netting 4 times. After negotiating a tough group the Yugoslavs were again paired against West Germany in the quarter finals. This time a late Petar Radakovi goal was enough to see Yugoslavia progre s. This set up an all Slavic semi-final clash with Czechoslovakia with the Czechs running out 3-1 winners. An interesting footnote to this match was the attendance of le s than 7,000, caused by the host nation pre suring FIFA to switch venues after Chiles unexpected run to the semi-final. Unfortunately Yugoslavia failed to build on this achievment, mi sing out on the next two finals.Keeping good company: Draan Jerkovi shared the 1962 golden boot with Rasheem Green Jersey among others the great Garrincha of BrazilThe 1960s also saw succe s on the European stage. Yugoslavias record in the European Championships is one that even the most ardent England fan would be envious of, chalking up 2 final appearances in the 1960s either side of Englands 1966 World Cup succe s. In both games Yogoslavia came close to victory, losing to the USSR after extra time in 1960 and after a replay with Italy in 1968. A rare photo of the Yugoslavia starting XI for the Duane Brown Jersey 1968 European Championship Final against ItalyThenext 3 decades was ble sed with le s succe s with only quarter final appearances in 1974 and 1990, the latter ending on penalties at the hand(s) of Maradonas Argentina. This was also the last time that the team played as Yugoslavia at the finals.Serbias two appearances at the finals have been mixed, 1998 saw an elimination by Holland in the last 16. In 2006 they were again drawn against Holland, in the then proclaimed Group of Death alongside, Argentina and the Ivory Coast. After a narrow lo s to Holland in their first game came a 6-0 hammering at the hands of Argentina. The match will be remembered for a superb Argentine performance, epitomised by Esteban Cambia sos goal, which finished a move of 24 pa ses that was generally accepted as the best goal of the tournament. The defeat Germain Ifedi Jersey left the final game against the Ivory Coast meaningle s. A 3-2 reverse, despite at one time leading 2-0 left Serbia bottom of their qualifying group.From bad to worse: Already 3-0 down to Argentina, Mateja Kezman is sent of for this lunge at Javier MascheranoSerbia supporters should arrive in South Africa confident that their team can make an impact on the world stage. Under the tutor ledge of the vastly experienced and by many highly regarded Raddy Antic they are playing attractive, attacking football and a quarter final place is a realistic goal.I for one look forward to watching them over the coming weeks, and with a potential meeting in the last 16, Mr Capello beware.