Serbia Vs Spain

Just seven weeks after clinching the Euro 2024 title, Spain is gearing up for a crucial encounter at the Rajko Mitic Stadium in Belgrade. This Thursday night, La Roja will face Serbia in their opening match of the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League, setting the stage for what promises to be another exciting campaign.

As the defending champions of the Nations League, Spain enters the competition with a sense of momentum and high expectations. Alongside Serbia, Spain finds itself in League A, Group 4, which also includes Denmark and Switzerland. This grouping offers a mix of competitive fixtures, but Spain, buoyed by their recent success, will undoubtedly be the team to beat.

Reflecting on Spain’s Triumph in Euro 2024

Spain's head coach, Luis de la Fuente, leads the national side into their first fixture since their dramatic 2-1 victory over England in the Euro 2024 final, held at the iconic Olympiastadion in Berlin. That victory not only marked Spain’s dominance in European football but also etched their name in history as the first nation to secure the European Championship title four times. La Roja’s triumph was no fluke; they were the standout performers throughout the tournament, showcasing their flair, tactical discipline, and resilience.

Spain’s performance at Euro 2024 was nothing short of spectacular. They became the first European side to win all seven matches in a major international tournament, a feat no other team had accomplished in either the European Championship or the World Cup. With 15 goals scored, they set a new record for the most goals in a single European Championship, cementing their legacy as one of the continent’s most potent footballing powers.

Luis de la Fuente, who took charge of the national team in December 2022, has been instrumental in revitalizing Spanish football. Under his stewardship, Spain has flourished, winning 17 of their 21 matches. His tactical acumen and ability to nurture young talent have made him a standout figure on the international stage. His recent Euro 2024 triumph added to his already impressive résumé, which also includes guiding Spain to victory in the 2022-23 Nations League.

Spain’s Nations League campaign leading up to their Euro 2024 success was a testament to their consistency and skill. They topped their group, which included Portugal, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic, with 11 points from six matches. After a hard-fought semi-final victory against Italy, they edged out Croatia on penalties in the final following a tense 0-0 draw. Spain’s ability to perform under pressure, especially in penalty shootouts, has become a hallmark of their recent successes.

Ranked third in the world by FIFA, Spain heads into the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League as one of the favorites to top League A, Group 4. They open their campaign against a Serbia side they have only faced once before, securing a 2-0 friendly victory in May 2012. While much has changed since then, Spain’s pedigree and form suggest they will be confident of starting their campaign on a winning note.

Serbia’s UEFA Nations League Outlook: A Team on the Rise?

Serbia’s head coach, Dragan Stojkovic, leads a team that has seen its fair share of ups and downs in recent years. Serbia’s participation in Euro 2024 was historic, as it marked their first appearance in the European Championship as an independent nation since 2000. However, their performance left much to be desired, as they failed to progress beyond the group stage despite entering the tournament with high hopes.

Placed in Group C alongside England, Denmark, and Slovenia, Serbia struggled to find their rhythm. They managed just two points from their three group matches, finishing at the bottom of the group. This underwhelming display followed a trend for Stojkovic, who has yet to secure a win in six matches at major international tournaments. Serbia’s Euro 2024 campaign was a bitter pill to swallow for a team with such potential.

Nevertheless, Serbia’s recent Nations League performances offer reason for optimism. In the 2022-23 campaign, Serbia earned promotion to League A after topping their group in League B, Group 4. With four wins from six matches, they finished ahead of Norway, Slovenia, and Sweden, securing their place in the top tier of European international football. Serbia’s upward trajectory in the Nations League has been impressive, with the team progressing from League C to League A over the past three tournaments. Their overall record in the competition stands at nine wins, six draws, and only three defeats, highlighting their competitiveness on this stage.

However, Serbia’s rise to League A comes with new challenges, and they face a formidable test in their opening fixture against Spain. Ranked 32nd in the world by FIFA, Serbia is a team with talent and potential, but they may find it difficult to compete with the likes of Spain, Denmark, and Switzerland in this group. The Eagles will need to be at their very best if they are to challenge for the top spot in League A, Group 4.

Spain’s Dominance and Serbia’s Struggles: What to Expect on Thursday

Thursday’s match at the Rajko Mitic Stadium will be a litmus test for both sides. Spain, fresh off their Euro 2024 victory, will be eager to continue their winning ways and solidify their status as the team to beat in the Nations League. La Roja’s squad, filled with world-class talent and led by the astute Luis de la Fuente, will be confident of securing all three points.