Two Group C teams playing catch-up in the race to qualify for the last 16 of Euro 2024 square off at the Allianz Arena in Munich on Thursday afternoon, as Slovenia take on Serbia.
Both nations, who failed to win their opening group matches, are separated by just one point in the current standings and know that victory here would significantly boost their chances of reaching the knockout rounds.
Ranked 57th in the world by FIFA, Slovenia are still awaiting their first-ever victory at the European Championship as an independent nation after failing to come out on top in any of their previous three matches at Euro 2000, although one of two draws during that tournament was against Serbia (then playing as Yugoslavia).
Slovenia are unbeaten in their last seven international matches in all competitions, but they have only won one of their last four meetings with Serbia.
Serbia are competing at the European Championship for the first time as an independent nation this summer, but they were unable to claim any points from their opening Group C fixture as they were beaten 1-0 by tournament favourites England last Sunday.
Including matches as Yugoslavia/Serbia and Montenegro, Serbia have now won just one of their last 12 European Championship fixtures (D2 L9) and defeat on matchday one leaves them rooted to the foot of Group C, needing at least one victory from their final two group games to realistically give themselves any hope of reaching the knockout rounds.
Serbia’s four points accumulated from two Nations League encounters with Slovenia in 2022 should provide Stojkovic’s men with an element of confidence heading into Thursday’s contest, and they are sure to view this fixture as a must-win match before facing Denmark in their final Group C game on June 25.
Credit: sportsmole.co.uk
