Watch here Serbia vs Spain Live Stream: Zonesport.live
Match Analysis: Serbia vs Spain
Spain has demonstrated their dominance on the European stage, rightfully claiming the victory in Germany. They not only became the first European team to win all 7 matches in a major tournament but also scored more goals than any other team in EURO history (15 goals).
Luis de la Fuente has achieved 17 wins in 21 games as Spain’s head coach since taking over in December 2022. EURO 2024 is his second major trophy after winning the 2022/23 Nations League.
Spain topped their group ahead of Portugal, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic. They then defeated Italy in the semifinals and Croatia in the final to claim the title.
Currently, Spain is clearly considered the top contender to advance from Group 4 in League A. They begin their campaign with a challenge against Serbia, a team they previously defeated 2-0 in a friendly in May 2012.
Serbia also participated in EURO this summer and was expected to advance beyond the group stage, but ultimately, they did not make much of an impact. Coach Dragan Stojkovic has had a disappointing run, failing to win any of the 6 matches he managed Serbia in major tournaments.
Serbia had a better performance in the previous Nations League campaign, earning promotion to League A after winning 4 of 6 matches to top Group 4 in League B ahead of Norway, Slovenia, and Sweden.
Ranked 32nd by FIFA, Serbia has moved up from League C to League A in three recent Nations League campaigns and boasts a record of 9 wins, 6 draws, and just 3 losses.
Latest Squad Information: Serbia vs Spain
Serbia will be without key players Aleksandar Mitrovic and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic due to injuries. Additionally, forward Dusan Vlahovic and versatile midfielder Filip Kostic are not included in coach Stojkovic’s 25-man squad.
Coach Stojkovic has called up 5 uncapped players, including notable names like Aston Villa’s right-back Kosta Nedeljkovic, Sunderland midfielder Milan Aleksic, and Millwall forward Mihailo Ivanovic.
Luka Jovic is expected to start as the central striker to replace Mitrovic, while Sasa Lukic, Marko Grujic, or Ivan Ilic will compete for the two central midfield spots.
For Spain, goalkeeper Unai Simon, midfielder Mikel Merino, forward Alvaro Morata, and midfielder Fermin Lopez are all unavailable due to injuries. Additionally, 38-year-old Jesus Navas has retired from international duty.
Key midfielder Rodri has returned to training with Manchester City after an injury and is ready to play, while 26-year-old talent Pepelu has been called up for the first time.
Simon’s absence could open the door for Arsenal’s David Raya to start, while Mikel Oyarzabal is expected to lead the attack in Morata’s absence. Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams will provide support on the flanks.
Projected Lineups: Serbia vs Spain
Serbia (3-4-2-1): Rajkovic; Veljkovic, Milenkovic, Pavlovic; Nedeljkovic, Lukic, Ilic, Zivkovic; Samardzic, S. Mitrovic; Jovic
Spain (4-2-3-1): Raya; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Fabian; Yamal, Olmo, Williams; Oyarzabal
Betting Odds: Serbia vs Spain
- Spain to Win the Asian Handicap: Serbia has only covered the Asian Handicap in 2 of their last 8 matches. Meanwhile, Spain has lost the Asian Handicap in only 1 of their last 10 matches.
- Over 2.5 Goals in Total: 5 of Serbia’s last 8 competitive matches have had at least 3 goals. Similarly, 7 of Spain’s last 10 matches have followed this pattern.
- Even Total Goals: The last 3 encounters between the two teams have had an even total of goals. 8 of Serbia’s last 11 competitive matches have also featured an even total of goals.
Nowsport Prediction: Serbia vs Spain
Serbia is unlucky to be the first team facing Spain as the reigning European champions. Thus, a goal fest for the visiting team is expected.
Prediction: Serbia 1-3 Spain
Leave a Reply