NARROW results in Group C’s opening games have set up a group that could go in any direction.
Every game is pivotal in three-match group stages, but the result of the Slovenia and Serbia match could end up sending one of the sides home.
Slovenia, competing in their first Euros since 2000, fought tooth and nail and Denmark to earn a 1-1 draw in their opening game.
Christian Eriksen’s stunning goal was equalled by a powerful strike from Erik Janža as the ball fell to him outside the box from a corner.
Benjamin Sesko also hit the post before that, and Slovenia – ranked 57th in the world by Fifa – appeared to be good value for a win.
Slovenian newspaper Delo said the national side had taken their “first step toward fulfilling their dream in Germany”, and their second mighty step will need to be to pick up a result against Serbia.
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Meanwhile, Serbia were defeated 1-0 in a slugfest of a match against England as Jude Bellingham’s late run into the area proved the difference following a deflected Bukayo Saka cross.
After a slow start Serbia – ranked 33rd in Fifa’s rankings – grew into the game and bombarded the box, almost finding reward as Jordan Pickford was forced into action.
The likes of Dusan Vlahovic proved to be a handful, and on another day they may have scored.
Serbia are a physically imposing team with the hard graft to match, and they should be able to use that to their advantage to get some goals and, crucially, points on the board at Euro 2024.
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Slovenia Euro 2024 guide
THE SCOTLAND of the Balkans – Slovenia have qualified for three tournaments since independence in 1990 but never reached the knockout stages.
However, striker Benjamin Sesko is touted as the next Erling Haaland and gives the Slovenes reason to be more optimistic this time.
MANAGER: Matjaz Kek
In his second spell as boss and has been in charge since 2018 – lost just two qualifying games despite having to overcome the death of his father.
STAR MAN: Jan Oblak
The Slovenes will hope that Sesko can provide the goals at one end while Oblak, one of the best goalkeepers in the world, can keep them out at the other.
How Slovenia attack
Slovenia will be one of few teams at the Euros to play a 4-4-2, with Sesko partnering former Middlesbrough striker Andraz Sporar up front.
When Slovenia attack, the two wingers will come inside to play as makeshift attacking midfielders in a front four. They are also dangerous on the counter-attack.
How Slovenia defend
Slovenia will play in two banks of four and drop deep to deny the opposition space.
They will not break out of their shape to press under almost any circumstances.
Read the full Slovenia Euro 2024 guide, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags
Serbia Euro 2024 guide
SERBIA have qualified for three of the last four World Cups but been non-existent on the European front in the past 24 years.
When they last appeared at the Euros, back in 2000, they were still called Yugoslavia and played in blue, as opposed to the red they wear today.
MANAGER: Dragan Stojkovic
Captain, leader, legend of the old Yugoslavia. Was named in the team of the tournament at Italia 90.
STAR MAN: Dusan Tadic
His best years may be behind him, but the 35-year-old is still capable of controlling games in midfield with a creative spark that cannot be ignored.
How Serbia attack
Serbia have a slow and patient build-up as they look to work the ball into the middle of the pitch.
But when they reach those areas they will rapidly change the pace and look to find foxes in the box, Aleksandar Mitrovic and/or Dusan Vlahovic.
How Serbia defend
Serbia’s striker tends to press high while the rest of the team sit deeper.
But their press can be inconsistent, leaving them easy to pass through or beat with a ball over the top.
Read the full Serbia Euro 2024 guide, including predicted line-up, odds and Wags
What does their form look like?
Slovenia, nicknamed The Dragons, are unbeaten in any of their last seven games, with four wins and three draws.
Their last defeat ironically came against the Danes last November in Euro 2024 qualifying.
Serbia’s form is less impressive, with only four wins, five losses and one draw in their last ten games.
Their warm-up games saw the White Eagles beat Sweden 3-0 and lose 1-0 to Austria, so their form is volatile.
The two nations have only ever met each other four times, all of which have been competitive fixtures.
The record stands at two draws and one win each, so game five could tip the win column in one team’s favour.
What is the team news and any injuries to worry about?
Slovenia have no fresh injuries to worry about so will likely play a similar team to the one in their opening match.
Meanwhile, Serbia will be without the services of Juventus winger Filip Kostic after he suffered a knee ligament injury.
Filip Mladenovic came on for him that game so could be in line to start, unless his manager favours the creativity of Dusan Tadic more in a game suhch as this.
Who will be the star men?
Jan Oblak
His country’s most experienced player and a genuine world class talent, Atletico Madrid stopper Jan Oblak will be called into action against Serbia.
His saves will prove vital in thwarting Serbia’s attackers, who will be up for this game after being locked out by England.
Dusan Vlahovic
Vlahovic didn’t have his finest game against England but still proved a handful.
Should have more joy against Slovenia this time around where he can use his strength, speed and remarkable technical quality to punish his markers.
What have the managers said?
Slovenia coach Matjaž Kek, rued his side’s lack of tournament experience, but said they grew in confidence and will use that against Serbia.
He said: “Many of my players have never played in such a big competition. When we saw something was possible [in the opener against Denmark], they started playing.
“I think we will learn from this. When this team play their second or third big tournament, they will be much stronger from the outset.”
Serbia boss Dragan Stojkovic said his team would do everything to try and win this game after their “frustrating” result.
He said: “We’re going to do whatever we can against Slovenia – we have to win that.
“I congratulate all the players [after the match against England] – there are no frustrations apart from the result. I don’t like losing but it’s part of the job.”
SunSport prediction
Slovenia will come out of the blocks firing after their learning curve against Denmark, however, Serbia’s quality should prove too much and tournament experience will play a huge role.
Slovenia 1-2 Serbia
When is Slovenia vs Serbia?
- Slovenia’s clash against Serbia will take place on Thursday, June 20.
- The game will kick off at 2pm BST.
- The Allianz Arena, home of Bayern Munich, will play host to the fixture.
What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
- Slovenia vs Serbia will be shown live on ITV1 and ITV1 HD in the UK.
- You can live stream the action from the ITV X app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
Can I watch for FREE?
- Yes, the game is available to watch for FREE on ITV X, so long as you have a valid TV licence.
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Odds
- Slovenia – 29/10
- Draw – 13/5
- Serbia – 19/20
*Odds courtesy of William Hill and correct at time of publication.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
