Playing in their first finals as an independent nation, Serbia will be determined to get off to a good start against Ghana, with matches against Germany and Australia to come in Group D.

But, with it being their opening appearance of the tournament, Antic admits there will be additional pressure on the players.

"The beginning of the World Cup is when we think about many things - we fight against Ghana but also ourselves," he said.

"We have great ambitions and the first game is a game with huge psychological pressure, as always."

However, Antic believes that the club successes that some of his players have enjoyed over the last few years will stand them in good stead.

The likes of Inter Milan's Dejan Stankovic, Nemanja Vidic of Manchester United, Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic and Standard Liege forward Milan Jovanovic have all enjoyed trophy-winning campaigns in recent years.

"We are a team comprised of champions, players who know how to play under great pressure," said the vastly-experienced Antic, who replaced Miroslav Djukic as head coach barely two weeks before Serbia's opening World Cup qualifier back in 2008.

"Ever since I became coach, each year our players have managed to win 10 trophies, which means that my players know how to play well when they have to. The important thing is to know how to play under pressure.

"For me, my players are champions."

Antic has a fully-fit squad at his disposal, with the players all eagerly wanting the action to begin.

"What our team wants is for the World Cup to finally start and I can tell you that all the guys on the list are more than well prepared," the former Real Madrid and Barcelona coach said.

"They have no physical difficulties and we have a squad of 23 players I can count on.

"Of course, our opponents are a very good team - four times winners of the African Nations Cup and winners of the FIFA Under-20 World Cup (2009).

"Ghana also reached the final of the African Nations Cup this year, but I believe in my players. I have faith in them.

"I'm also very content with the conditions in which this game will take place. The pitch is very good, conditions are very good and I'm sure that it will be a true and good game."

mfl