Slovenia vs Serbia – June 20, 2024 | In a thrilling UEFA Euro 2024 Group C match, Slovenia and Serbia played out a 1-1 draw in Munich. The game saw Luka Joviฤ score a stoppage-time equalizer for Serbia, denying Slovenia a vital win. The match, filled with high-intensity moments and dramatic plays, kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
Match Details
- Date:ย June 20, 2024
- Venue:ย Fuรball Arena Mรผnchen, Munich, Germany
Key Moments
- 8′: Rajkoviฤ Keeps Out Low Mlakar Effort
- 38′: Elลกnik Denied by Woodwork
- 47′: Oblak Blocks Goal-Bound Mitroviฤ Strike
- 69′: Karniฤnik Breaks Deadlock from Close Range
- 72′: Mitroviฤ Shot Deflected onto Crossbar
- 90’+5: Joviฤ Equalises Deep into Added Time
Team Statistics | Slovenia vs Serbia
Slovenia
- Yellow Cards: 2
- Total Shots: 8
- Shots on Target: 3
- Ball Possession: 43%
- Goals Conceded: 1
- Goals Scored: 1
Serbia
- Yellow Cards: 4
- Total Shots: 16
- Shots on Target: 4
- Ball Possession: 57%
- Goals Conceded: 1
- Goals Scored: 1
Head-to-Head Record
- Jun 12, 2022: Slovenia 2 – 2 Serbia (UEFA Nations League)
- Jun 5, 2022: Serbia 4 – 1 Slovenia (UEFA Nations League)
- Oct 11, 2011: Slovenia 1 – 0 Serbia (UEFA European Championship Qualifying)
- Sep 7, 2010: Serbia 1 – 1 Slovenia (UEFA European Championship Qualifying)
Match in Brief: Joviฤ Cancels Out Karniฤnik Opener
The Slovenia vs Serbia match started with Slovenia, unchanged from their 1-1 draw with Denmark on Matchday 1, taking the initiative. Slovenia registered the game’s first chance when Adam Gnezda ฤerin shot straight at Predrag Rajkoviฤ from just outside the area. The Serbia goalkeeper was soon called into action again, blocking Jan Mlakar’s low effort after the Slovenia wide man had broken clear inside the box.
As the first half progressed, Dragan Stojkoviฤ’s Serbia began to find their rhythm. Duลกan Vlahoviฤ flicked a header straight at keeper Jan Oblak, and Aleksandar Mitroviฤ failed to make proper contact with a teasing ball towards the far post. Serbia were fortunate not to fall behind late in the half when Timi Elลกnik sent a fierce strike against the post, with Benjamin ล eลกko directing the rebound high over the bar. Oblak produced a fine save at the feet of Mitroviฤ moments later, ensuring the teams went into half-time on level terms.
Mitroviฤ was denied by another superb Oblak stop within minutes of the restart, as Serbia began the second period on the front foot. Despite Serbia’s pressure, Slovenia remained a threat on the counterattack. Rajkoviฤ, following Oblakโs example, made a diving save to tip a curling ล eลกko drive over the woodwork.
The deadlock was finally broken after the hour-mark. ลฝan Karniฤnik regained possession deep inside his own half before laying the ball off to Elลกnik, whose low cross was slotted home at the far post by the Slovenia right-back. The 29-year-old Karniฤnik was also in the right place at the right time moments later to deflect Mitroviฤ’s shot onto the bar.
However, Serbia was not to be denied. In the dying moments of the match, a last-gasp corner from Ivan Iliฤ found Luka Joviฤ, who thumped a header past Oblak, securing a dramatic equalizer and salvaging a point for Serbia.
Vivo Player of the Match: ลฝan Karniฤnik (Slovenia)
“Won the ball deep in the Slovenia half and started the move that led to his goal. Slovenia were tactically compact and difficult to play against โ Karniฤnik’s confidence was the key.”
Key Stats
- Slovenia have lost only two of their last 16 competitive matches (W8 D6).
- A 2-1 away defeat against Denmark in EURO 2024 qualifying is Slovenia’s only defeat in their last 14 matches (W8 D5).
- Slovenia have only failed to score in one of their last 22 international matches.
- Slovenia are one of just two sides to hit the woodwork more than once at EURO 2024, along with Georgia (both 2).
- Aged 35 years and 213 days, Tadiฤ is the oldest player to start for Serbia at a EURO finals. His current head coach, Dragan Stojkoviฤ, was 99 days younger when he took the record at UEFA EURO 2000.
- Serbia have kept only two clean sheets in their last 16 EURO games.
Line-ups | Slovenia vs Serbia
Slovenia:
- Oblak
- Karniฤnik
- Drkuลกiฤ
- Bijol
- Janลพa
- Stojanoviฤ (Verbiฤ 76)
- G ฤerin
- Elลกnik (Brekalo 90+1)
- Mlakar (Gorenc Stankoviฤ 64)
- ล porar
- ล eลกko (Vipotnik 76)
Serbia:
- Rajkoviฤ
- Veljkoviฤ
- Milenkoviฤ
- Pavloviฤ
- A ลฝivkoviฤ (Birmanฤeviฤ 82)
- Iliฤ
- Lukiฤ (S Milinkoviฤ-Saviฤ 64)
- Mladenoviฤ (Gaฤinoviฤ 46)
- Tadiฤ (Samardลพiฤ 82)
- Vlahoviฤ (Joviฤ 64)
- Mitroviฤ
In-Depth Analysis of Slovenia vs Serbia
The Slovenia vs Serbia match showcased a clash of tactical prowess and individual brilliance, epitomized by the dramatic late equalizer from Luka Joviฤ. Slovenia, known for their disciplined and compact defense, managed to contain Serbia’s potent attacking force for most of the game. However, the persistent pressure from Serbia eventually paid off in the final moments.
First Half: Slovenia’s Strong Start
Slovenia came out with an attacking mindset, pressing high and creating early chances. Adam Gnezda ฤerin’s effort in the opening minutes set the tone for Slovenia’s approach. Jan Mlakar’s opportunity shortly after highlighted Slovenia’s intent to break through Serbia’s defense.
Despite Slovenia’s early dominance, Serbia began to find their footing as the half progressed. Duลกan Vlahoviฤ and Aleksandar Mitroviฤ started to test Jan Oblak, showcasing Serbia’s attacking threat. The Slovenian defense, led by Karniฤnik and Drkuลกiฤ, held firm, with Oblak making crucial saves to keep the score level.
Timi Elลกnik’s powerful strike against the post in the 38th minute was a warning sign for Serbia. The rebound, unfortunately for Slovenia, was sent over by Benjamin ล eลกko, missing a golden opportunity to take the lead. Oblak’s save against Mitroviฤ just before half-time ensured the teams went into the break without a goal.
Second Half: Tactical Shifts and Breakthroughs
The second half saw Serbia coming out with renewed vigor. Mitroviฤ, again, was denied by Oblak’s brilliance, but Serbia’s persistent pressure hinted at an imminent breakthrough. Slovenia, however, remained dangerous on the counterattack, with Rajkoviฤ having to make a spectacular save to keep out ล eลกko’s curling effort.
The breakthrough finally came in the 69th minute. ลฝan Karniฤnik, playing a crucial role, regained possession deep in Slovenia’s half. His quick pass to Elลกnik, followed by a precise low cross, allowed Karniฤnik to slot home at the far post, giving Slovenia the lead. The goal was a testament to Slovenia’s disciplined play and quick transitions.
Serbia’s response was immediate. Mitroviฤ’s shot, deflected onto the crossbar by Karniฤnik, demonstrated Serbia’s desperation to equalize. As the clock ticked down, Serbia threw everything forward, seeking that elusive goal.
Final Moments: Joviฤ’s Heroics
The Slovenia vs Serbia match reached its climax in stoppage time. With seconds remaining, Serbia won a corner. Ivan Iliฤ delivered a perfect cross, finding Luka Joviฤ, who rose above the Slovenian defenders to head the ball past Oblak. The equalizer sparked wild celebrations among the Serbian players and fans, highlighting the dramatic nature of football.
Post-Match Reactions | Slovenia vs Serbia
Slovenia
Matjaลพ Kek, the Slovenian coach, expressed mixed feelings after the match. “We played well and created several chances. The team showed great character and discipline. It’s disappointing to concede so late, but I’m proud of the effort and performance,” he said.
ลฝan Karniฤnik, the player of the match, also shared his thoughts. “Scoring the goal was a fantastic moment, but it’s bittersweet because we didn’t get the win. We will learn from this and come back stronger.”
Serbia
Dragan Stojkoviฤ, Serbia’s coach, praised his team’s resilience. “The Slovenia vs Serbia match was a tough contest. Slovenia defended well, but we never gave up. Luka’s goal was a reward for our persistence. We need to build on this and improve in our next matches,” he stated.
Luka Joviฤ, the hero of the match, reflected on his dramatic equalizer. “It’s an incredible feeling to score in such a crucial moment. We fought hard, and I’m glad I could help the team. Now, we focus on our upcoming games.”
Tactical Analysis | Slovenia vs Serbia
Slovenia’s Strategy
Slovenia’s approach in the Slovenia vs Serbia match was characterized by disciplined defending and quick counterattacks. Matjaลพ Kek set up his team to absorb pressure and exploit spaces left by Serbia. The backline, marshaled by Karniฤnik, remained compact and organized, limiting Serbia’s clear-cut chances.
In midfield, Gnezda ฤerin and Elลกnik provided the necessary support to break up Serbia’s play and transition quickly. The wide players, particularly Jan Mlakar, added pace and width to Slovenia’s attacks, stretching Serbia’s defense.
Serbia’s Approach
Serbia, under Dragan Stojkoviฤ, adopted an attacking mindset, looking to dominate possession and create scoring opportunities. The forward trio of Vlahoviฤ, Mitroviฤ, and Tadiฤ constantly tested Slovenia’s defense. Serbia
‘s midfield, led by Iliฤ and Lukiฤ, worked hard to control the tempo and feed the attackers.
Despite falling behind, Serbia’s relentless pressure and tactical adjustments paid off. Introducing Luka Joviฤ and making attacking substitutions showed Stojkoviฤ’s intent to salvage a result, which ultimately succeeded.
Standings (Group C)
- England: 3 points
- Denmark: 1 point
- Slovenia: 1 point
- Serbia: 0 points
Conclusion | Slovenia vs Serbia
The Slovenia vs Serbia match was a captivating contest that ended in a dramatic 1-1 draw. Slovenia’s disciplined approach and Serbia’s relentless pursuit of an equalizer provided an entertaining spectacle for fans. Luka Joviฤ’s last-gasp goal salvaged a point for Serbia, leaving both teams with mixed feelings but valuable lessons as they progress in UEFA Euro 2024.
As the tournament continues, both Slovenia and Serbia will look to build on this result and aim for a place in the knockout stages. The Slovenia vs Serbia match showcased the unpredictable and thrilling nature of football, reminding us why the beautiful game captivates millions around the world.
