Vibrant Vučinić focuses on finals

Remarkable return
The 22-year-old had only appeared in one previous qualifying game, a 4-0 defeat in Belgium in November 2004. Given a chance by coach Dragomir Okuka against the Croatians, Vučinić seized it with both hands at the FK Crvena Zvezda stadium, striking three times to give his side a two-goal cushion ahead of Wednesday's second leg in Velika Gorica. The forward's devastating display, coupled with some scintillating form for his Italian club US Lecce, has intensified calls for him to be included in the senior squad for next summer's FIFA World Cup in Germany.

Vučinić delight
So pleased was Vučinić with Saturday's showing that it even surpassed his senior international debut in his affections. "Saturday was a delight for me," he said. "I played for the team. My dream was to play in our biggest stadium, and on Saturday night I had that chance. Croatia have a good team but we are better. In the second leg, we must play our own game and go for more goals - we do not know how to play for a draw. I'm not concerned about the atmosphere in Velika Gorica as I've played in many red-hot matches before, especially in Italy, and I am ready. We were [European U21] runners-up two years ago and we want more."

Early starter
The Lecce player is already well known to the Serbo-Montenegrin public. Vučinić made his debut for FK Sutjeska two days after his 16th birthday, appearing against FK Sartid on 3 October 1999. Four goals in nine league games followed in what turned out to be his only season with the club before Vučinić elected to move to Lecce before his 17th birthday.

Burst to prominence
He was on the periphery of the first team during his first two terms in Italy, before making the breakthrough in 2002/03. Sixteen league starts brought six goals as Lecce gained promotion to Serie A and, although the following campaign was one of personal frustration, he shot to prominence in 2004/05. Lecce finished eleventh in Serie A, with Vučinić capturing the headlines with a remarkable 19 strikes in 20 starting appearances.

International acclaim
A full international call-up was inevitable, and Vučinić made his debut on 4 June this year, replacing Nenad Ještrović after 53 minutes of the friendly with Belgium in Belgrade. The supporters gave him a tremendous reception, but that happy memory has now been eclipsed by his achievement against Croatia – although the senior side remains his top priority. "I will always have a strong desire to play for the national team," Vučinić said. "That's the biggest ambition in my career and sporting life. When I heard the fans shouting my name, I was on fire."

'New weapon'
Two years ago, Serbia and Montenegro defeated Norway 5-1 in the first leg of the play-offs, but had to survive a scare in the return, losing 3-0. Despite being without midfielder Dejan Miladinović through injury, with Miloš Pavlović his replacement, plus the suspended quartet of Boško Janković, Miloš Krasić, Danko Lazović and Simon Vukčević, Okuka remains confident there will be no repeat. "We have studied our every mistake from the match in Belgrade and we cannot repeat them," the coach said. "We also saw some good things, and although we have a problem with suspended players, we have a new weapon. All our newcomers have played before and they know what is expected. I expect us to qualify."