Preview: Serbia vs Spain
- Soccer News 2024/09/04 08:34
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Spain are preparing for their first game since beating England 2-1 in the final of Euro 2024 at the Olympiastadion Berlin on 14 July to become the first nation to win the competition four times.
La Roja have been the continent's standout performers by far and deservedly triumphed in Germany. Not only did they become the first European nation to win all seven of their games at a major tournament (Euro and World Cup), they also scored more goals (15) than any other team in the history of the Euros.
Luis de la Fuente has won 17 of his 21 games as Spain head coach since taking over in December 2022, and Euro 2024 is his second major title after leading his country to glory in the Nations League in 2022-23.
Indeed, Spain finished top of their group ahead of Portugal, Switzerland and the Czech Republic after accumulating 11 points from six games, before beating Italy in the semi-finals and Croatia on penalties in the final after a 0-0 draw.
Spain, ranked third in the world by FIFA, will be among the favourites to finish top of Group 4 this time around, and will begin their campaign against a Serbia side they have only met once before - a 2-0 friendly win in May 2012.
Serbia made their first appearance at a European Championship as an independent nation since 2000 this summer and were tipped by many to progress beyond the group stage, but they were flattered to be deceived.
Indeed, Dragan Stojkovic has now failed to win any of his six matches in charge of Serbia at major tournaments, with the Eagles finishing bottom of Group C at Euro 2024 after picking up just two points from games against England, Denmark and Slovenia.
Serbia had more reason to celebrate in the previous Nations League campaign, however, as they secured promotion to Group A after winning four of their six matches to finish top of Group B ahead of Norway, Slovenia and Sweden.
Serbia, ranked 32nd in the world by FIFA, have made the leap from League C to League A in the last three Nations League tournaments, boasting a record of nine wins, six draws and just three defeats.
However, the Eagles may find it difficult to top League A Group 4 this time around and face a tricky opening match on Thursday against Spain, who have lost just two of their last 21 internationals since the start of 2023.
Serbia possible starting lineup:
Rajkovic; Veljkovic, Milenkovic, Pavlovic; Nedeljkovic, Lukic, Ilic, Zivkovic; Samardzic, S. Mitrovic; Jovic
Spain possible starting lineup:
Raya; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Fabian; Yamal, Olmo, Williams; Oyarzabal
Prediction:Serbia 0-2 Spain
Serbia VS Spain stream and TV listing
International:Holasports
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