Serbian national team under 20 (U-20), lead by a brilliant team coach Veljko Paunović won the FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand, at the tournament which took place from 31 May to 20 June 2015. This is the first world title for Serbia in football. The same glory was acquired by the generation of the “Chileans”, under the name of Yugoslavia in 1987.
Within the competition of 24 best world teams, “eaglets” were the best team in New Zealand and deservedly raised the cup in Auckland on 20 June. The success of the “New Zealanders” is based on four pillars: enthusiasm, responsibility, respect and trust. Our heroes’ path wasn’t easy. According to the draw, they had to triumph in the “group of death” in Dunedin with Uruguay (0:1), Mexico (2:0) and Mali (2:0). In the eighth finals in Dunedin they first defeated Hungary in the horrific end-game with two extra times (2:1). A catchword “God entrusts His best missions to His best chosen ones” written on the jersey, Paunović’s chosen ones confirmed in the quarter finals against USA in Auckland achieving victory on penalties (6:5). In the semi-finals Mali was defeated again 2:1. When children make their first steps in football, they daydream about playing in the finals of the World Cup against Brazil.
This dream came true for the “New Zealanders” in Auckland at the packed stadium “North Port”. The historic goal of Nemanja Maksimović in 118th minute brought an enormous celebration in Auckland and the entire Serbia, the title of the world champions, joy to the nation and hope in the better future of the Serbian football. The finals to remember: Serbia – Brazil 2:1.
Goalkeepers: Predrag Rajković (FC Crvena zvezda), Vanja Milinković Savić (Manchester United), Filip Manojlović (FC Crvena zvezda). Defence: Miloš Veljković (Tottenham), Srđan Babić, Radovan Pankov (FC Vojvodina), Miladin Stevanović (FC Partizan), Nemanja Antonov, Milan Gajić (OFK Beograd), Stefan Milošević (FC Spartak), Vukašin Jovanović (FC Crvena zvezda). Midfielders: Nemanja Maksimović (FC Astana), Sergej Milinković Savić (KRC Genk), Saša Zdjelar (Olympiacos FC), Mijat Gaćinović, (FC Vojvodina), Filip Janković (Catania), Marko Grujić (FC Crvena zvezda). Forward: Staniša Mandić (FC Čukarički), Stefan Ilić (FC Spartak), Ivan Šaponjić (FC Partizan), Andrija Živković (FC Partizan). Coaching staff: Veljko Paunović (Team Coach), Mitar Mrkela, (Director, Chief of the Delegation), Marko Mitrović (Coach), Milan Kosanović (Coach), Aleksandar Sarić (Goalkeeping coach), Petar Milčanović (Specialist in Physical Preparation), Nikola Leposavić (Specialist in Video Analysis), Dušan Gelić (Team Manager), Dr. Pavle Maksimović (Physician), Viktor Vujošević (Physiotherapist), Srđan Branković (Physiotherapist), Vladimir Borković (Psychologist), Igor Gačić (Media Officer), Miljan Stanojević (Security Officer), Nenad Dragaš (Steward).
