Serbia coach Radomir Antic wants to retain his job despite his team's early exit from the World Cup and he defended his players over photos showing them drinking and smoking at the tournament.

Antic said he is committed to leading the team to the 2012 European Championship.

The president of Serbia's football association has said he wants to cut Antic's 1.5 million ($1.85 million) two-year contract because Serbia failed to advance to the second round of the World Cup.

Serbia beat Germany 1-0, but lost 1-0 to Ghana and 2-1 to Australia in Group D.

"By signing the contract, I have taken the obligation and I will stick to it," the 61-year-old Antic said.

Serbian media has reported that the problem with firing Antic, who has coached Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, is that he has taken the whole 1.5 million in advance.

Photos emerged after the team was eliminated of his players drinking alcohol and smoking at a training camp in South Africa.

"The same boys were smoking and drinking beer before the (World Cup qualifier) against Romania, but we still won that match," he said.

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