Serbia hammer wasteful Algeria

(GSM) – Serbia produced a magnificent display on Wednesday as they beat fellow World Cup finalists Algeria 3-0 in a friendly.

Despite a good start from the host Algerians, it was Serbia that took the lead on the quarter-hour. A cross from the right found Marko Pantelic for the goal after Algeria goalkeeper Lounes Gaouaoui misplayed it.

But Les Fennecs quickly responded and came close numerous times, especially through the ingenuity of Karim Matmour. If not for the sharp goalkeeping of Vladimir Stojkovic, Algeria could have had the lead by the half-hour.

The misses proved costly in the 55th minute when Serbia grabbed a 2-0 lead, Zeljko Brkic bundling home in goalmouth scramble off a set piece.

Serbia put the match away in the 65th minute when Dusko Tosic tucked one away on the break.

Algeria open the World Cup in Group C on 13 June against Slovenia while Serbia’s first Group D encounter is on the same day against Ghana.