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Slovenia 1-1 Serbia: England can win Euro 2024 group

Published 1 weeks ago on Jun 20, 2024

Serbia Grab Dramatic Late Equalizer Against Slovenia After Fan Misbehavior.

Serbia Salvage Point in Euro 2024 After Late Jovic Header, Fans Mar Match with Object Throwing

Serbia's Euro 2024 campaign took another dramatic turn as they snatched a late equalizer against Slovenia in a match overshadowed by fan misconduct. Following a morning of threats to withdraw from the tournament due to perceived slights from other teams, Serbia ended the day celebrating Luka Jovic's dramatic 95th-minute header.

Late Drama Overshadowed by Ugly Scenes

The closing stages of the match descended into chaos as frustrated Serbian fans hurled plastic cups onto the pitch after Slovenia took the lead through a brilliant Zan Karnicnik goal on 69 minutes. Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak was forced to plead with supporters to stop the barrage, which also included a red smoke bomb and a flare.

This moment of desperation was followed by a Serbian onslaught, culminating in Jovic's late equalizer, sparking jubilant celebrations amongst the players and some remaining fans.

Morning Threat of Withdrawal Looms Large

The drama surrounding the match extended beyond the pitch. Earlier in the day, the Serbian FA threatened to withdraw from the tournament entirely, demanding UEFA punish Croatia and Albania for offensive chants directed at Serbian fans during their previous match. With tensions still simmering from long-standing Balkan conflicts, the threat of a Serbian withdrawal cast a shadow over the entire competition.

England Likely Eyeing Slovenia Fixture

For England and manager Gareth Southgate, the primary focus of this encounter will likely be on Slovenia, their opponents next Tuesday. The match offered a glimpse of a team with limited attacking threat, despite a promising start. Slovenia initially showcased a more attacking approach compared to their opening fixture against Denmark, with two shots on target in the first ten minutes.

However, a familiar pattern emerged as Serbia nullified the influence of Slovenia's young star Benjamin Sesko. England will likely take note of how effectively Serbia cut off supply lines to Sesko, focusing on stifling midfield play.

Mitrovic's Power Causes Problems

Despite a slow start, Serbia gradually grew into the game, with the physical presence of Aleksandar Mitrovic causing problems for the Slovenian defense. The former Newcastle striker forced three saves from Oblak before halftime and continued to threaten in the second half.

Karnicnik's Brilliance Briefly Lifts Slovenia

Sesko managed a long-range effort saved by Predrag Rajkovic, but Slovenia's struggles to connect midfield with their attacking duo remained. The deadlock was finally broken through a moment of individual brilliance from Karnicnik. He dispossessed an opponent near his own area, embarked on a weaving run through the Serbian defense, and finished expertly after a smart interchange with Elsnik.

Late Serbian Pressure Rewarded

Mitrovic responded immediately, rattling the crossbar, highlighting Slovenia's vulnerability to aerial threats. A barrage of Serbian chances followed, and ultimately, they found their equalizer in the dying moments. Jovic rose highest to head home a corner, with every Serbian player, including the goalkeeper, crowding the penalty area.

This dramatic conclusion capped off a bizarre and controversial encounter at Euro 2024.

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