Chelsea full back Branislav Ivanovic has admitted that nerves are playing a big part in Serbia’s training camp ahead of their opening game of the world cup against Ghana.
Speaking about the mood among the players as the nation prepares itself for their first world cup as an independent country, Ivanovic said: "It's the normal thing, we're feeling a little bit nervous before the start of the World Cup because for every player it's very important to play at the World Cup.
"We're feeling nervous but we're positive and I think we're ready."
Talking at a press conference, Ivanovic continued by saying it is a major plus for his side that they will not be lining up against Blues team-mate Michael Essien in the Group D game.
"Mike [Michael Essien] is a fantastic player, and it's very difficult for him because he has two big injuries and he cannot take a risk but for us it's good of course that he can't play. For me I think he's one of the best midfielders in the world."
Essien was ruled out of the tournament after failing to recover from knee and ankle injuries that have seen him not play competitive football since December.
Serbia finished above 1998 world champions and 2006 runners-up France as they finished top of group seven in the qualifying for the world cup, collecting 22 points and only conceding 8 goals in the process.
Speaking about the mood among the players as the nation prepares itself for their first world cup as an independent country, Ivanovic said: "It's the normal thing, we're feeling a little bit nervous before the start of the World Cup because for every player it's very important to play at the World Cup.
"We're feeling nervous but we're positive and I think we're ready."
Talking at a press conference, Ivanovic continued by saying it is a major plus for his side that they will not be lining up against Blues team-mate Michael Essien in the Group D game.
"Mike [Michael Essien] is a fantastic player, and it's very difficult for him because he has two big injuries and he cannot take a risk but for us it's good of course that he can't play. For me I think he's one of the best midfielders in the world."
Essien was ruled out of the tournament after failing to recover from knee and ankle injuries that have seen him not play competitive football since December.
Serbia finished above 1998 world champions and 2006 runners-up France as they finished top of group seven in the qualifying for the world cup, collecting 22 points and only conceding 8 goals in the process.
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