The year and a half following the World Cup has seen significant development within the squad. Younger players, enriched by their experiences in European competitions, have shown marked improvement. This newfound maturity and exposure to high-stakes football are expected to play a crucial role as Serbia aims to make a stronger impact in Euro 2024, particularly in their encounters with Slovenia and Denmark.
Key Figures and Tactical Setup
Serbia’s journey in Euro 2024 will be spearheaded by manager Dragan Stojkovic, with veteran attacker Dusan Tadic donning the captain’s armband. At 35, Tadic is likely making his final appearance in a major tournament, bringing a wealth of experience from his time at Ajax and Southampton. Alongside him, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic will be pivotal in the creative department, with both players possessing the ability to dismantle any defense with their skill and vision.
The star player to watch is undoubtedly Aleksandar Mitrovic. Despite Dusan Vlahovic’s impressive record of scoring a goal every two games for Juventus, it is Mitrovic who remains Serbia’s main attacking threat. Now plying his trade with Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, where he netted 27 goals in 26 games, Mitrovic’s formidable presence and goal-scoring prowess make him a nightmare for any defender. His role will be crucial as Serbia navigates through the group stage and beyond.
Path to the Tournament and Prospects
They secured their spot in Euro 2024 by finishing second in Group G, trailing behind Hungary. Their qualification campaign included four wins, two draws, and two losses against Montenegro, Lithuania, and Bulgaria. While the group was perceived as relatively weak, Serbia’s performance showcased their resilience and capability to secure the necessary results to advance.
Looking ahead, Serbia faces a challenging start against England, where they will likely aim for a draw. However, confidence within the squad is high for their subsequent matches against Slovenia and Denmark, from which they expect to gather valuable points. The team is driven by a collective sense of redemption following their World Cup disappointment and is determined to prove their potential on the European stage. With a balanced blend of experience and youthful exuberance, Serbia is poised to make a significant impact in Group C and beyond. ::Challenges and Expectations
The road to Euro 2024 has not been smooth for Serbia. Their qualifying campaign was fraught with inconsistency, raising concerns about their ability to compete at the highest level. The team’s performance in the 2022 World Cup, where they struggled to maintain leads, highlighted several weaknesses that need addressing. Despite these challenges, the squad possesses enough quality to be competitive, especially with the attacking prowess of players like Mitrovic and Vlahovic, who have proven their mettle in top European leagues.
Serbia finds itself in a challenging group alongside England, Denmark, and Slovenia. With England and Denmark expected to secure the top two spots, Serbia’s hopes hinge on securing a third-place finish to advance to the knockout stages. This scenario sets the stage for a crucial match against Slovenia, which could determine their fate in the tournament. The team will need to display resilience and tactical acumen to navigate through these challenges and achieve their goal of reaching the next round.
SERBIA EURO 2024 FIXTURES & SCHEDULE
Group D
Sunday, June 16: Serbia v England, 8pm (Arena AufSchalke, Gelsenkirchen)
Saturday, June 20: Slovenia v Serbia, 2pm (Fussball Arena Munchen, Munich)
Tuesday, June 25: Denmark v Serbia, 8pm (Fussball Arena Munchen, Munich)
SERBIA EURO 2024 SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS: Predrag Rajković, Vanja Milinković-Savić, Dorđe Petrović.
DEFENDERS: Nemanja Gudelj, Nikola Milenković, Strahinja Pavlović, Miloš Veljković, Uroš Spajić, Srđan Babić, Nemanja Stojić.
MIDFIELDERS: Dušan Tadić, Filip Kostić, Sergej Milinković-Savić, Nemanja Maksimović, Saša Lukić, Andrija Živković, Mijat Gaćinović, Ivan Ilić, Srđan Mijailović, Lazar Samardžić, Veljko Birmančević.
FORWARDS: Aleksandar Mitrović, Luka Jović, Dušan Vlahović, Petar Ratkov
