Page 18 - Soccer360 Issue 106

S360 PREDICTION | 13TH PLACE NICKNAME: EAGLES
SERBIA
Serbia are often tipped as having the potential to go far at major tournaments, but until now it has never materialised. Stephen Donovan asks if they can change that at Euro 2024.
ALL EYES ON ATTACK
In theory, it is much easier to qualify for
the European Championships than the World Cup - after all there are more spots available and, with the introduction of the UEFA Nations League, more possible routes to get there. However, since becoming an independent nation Serbia have flattered to deceive and after appearing at three of the last four World Cups, they have finally made it to the Euros for the first time.
Each of those appearances on the global stage have been accompanied by optimism and several pundits singling them out
as potential dark horses, but a failure to capitalise on their undoubted ability and grasp the big moments has seen them repeatedly exit at the group stage. With the structure of the Euros allowing the four best third placed sides to go through into the knockout rounds, reaching the last 16 is the bare minimum that Serbia expect here. They should be able to achieve that aim, as although England are the clear favourites
in Group C, they’ll fancy their chances
to collect the points they need against Denmark and outsiders Slovenia. The emphasis will be on attack, with veteran captain Dusan Tadic and Sergej Milinkovic- Savic providing the ammunition for Dusan Vlahovic and Aleksandar Mitrovic.
This is a fearsome frontline which will cause problems for any team, but the question for Serbia will again be whether they can be strong defensively. Their weakness at the back proved costly at the 2022 World Cup, so that must be rectified if they are to proceed far in this tournament.
PROBABLE STARTING XI
THE COACH:
DRAGAN STOJKOVIC
The winner of 84 caps as a player for the former Yugoslavia, Dragan Stojkovic is an adventurous coach blessed with star quality in forward areas. He likes to give his key players freedom to express themselves and Serbia will carry a major attacking threat at Euro 2024, but his main test will be to find the right balance and ensure that they are also sound defensively.
KEY PLAYER:
ALEKSANDAR MITROVIC
In a top-heavy side full of attacking talent, nobody can rival Aleksandar Mitrovic’s record for the Serbia national team. With 57 goals in 89 caps, he is comfortably their all-time top scorer and will offer a powerful presence in Germany with his physicality and finishing ability. The 29-year-old enters the tournament following a prolific season with Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.
EURO APPEARANCES: 5
EURO CHAMPIONSHIPS: 0
FIFA RANKING 33RD
THEIR BEST THREE EUROS
1968
1960
1976
2ND
2ND
4TH
UEFA EURO OVERALL RECORD PLD:14 W:3 D:2 L:9
MITROVIC
MILINKOVIC-SAVIC
TADIC
ZIVKOVIC
GUDELJ
LUKIC
KOSTIC
MLADENOVIĆ
PAVLOVIC
MILENKOVIC
MILINKOVIC-SAVIC
FACTFILE
POPULATION:
6.7 million
EURO FINALS APPEARANCES: 5 (as Yugoslavia)
BEST FINISH:
Runners-up, 1960, 1968 (as Yugoslavia) Most famous
MOST MEMORABLE EUROS MOMENT: As Yugoslavia, winning the first ever Euros match 5-4 against France in 1960.
HOW THEY GOT TO EURO 2024: Finished second to Hungary in qualification Group G.
LAST EUROS APPEARANCE: 2000 - As Yugoslavia, reached the quarter-finals before being thrashed 6-1 by the Netherlands.
MOST CAPPED PLAYER: Dusan Tadic, 106 caps
LEADING INTERNATIONAL SCORER: Aleksandar Mitrovic, 57 goals
HOW TO FOLLOW:
ALEKSANDAR MITROVIC
VS ENGLAND VS SLOVENIA VS DENMARK JUNE 16TH JUNE 20TH JUNE 25TH 3:00PM | EST 9:00AM | EST 3:00PM | EST
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SOCCER360 SUMMER 2024
GROUP C - UEFA EURO 2024