Just over seven weeks on from their Euro 2024 triumph, Spain travel to the Rajko Mitic Stadium in Belgrade to face Serbia in their opening match of the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League on Thursday night.
Spain:
Spain will start their UEFA Nations League campaign with an away match against Serbia at the Rajko Mitic Stadium on Thursday. Just over seven weeks after their Euro 2024 victory, where they defeated England 2-1 in the final to claim their fourth European Championship title, La Roja are aiming to build on their recent success. Spain were dominant in the Euros, becoming the first team to win all seven matches in a major tournament and scoring a record 15 goals. Under the guidance of Luis de la Fuente, who has led Spain to triumph in both the Nations League and Euro 2024, the team is currently ranked third in the world by FIFA. Spain's previous encounter with Serbia was a 2-0 friendly win in May 2012. As the reigning Nations League champions and top contenders in League A Group 4, which also includes Denmark and Switzerland, Spain will be looking to continue their impressive form. They have lost only two of their last 21 international matches since the start of 2023.
Serbia:
Serbia will face a tough test in their Nations League opener against Spain on Thursday. The Eagles, who participated in Euro 2024 as an independent nation for the first time since 2000, fell short of expectations by finishing bottom of Group C with just two points. Coach Dragan Stojkovic has yet to secure a win in any of his six major tournament matches with Serbia. However, Serbia had a strong showing in their previous Nations League campaign, earning promotion to League A by finishing top of League B Group 4, ahead of Norway, Slovenia, and Sweden. Ranked 32nd in the world by FIFA, Serbia has moved up from League C to League A over the last three Nations League tournaments, with a record of nine wins, six draws, and only three defeats. Despite their recent progress, Serbia will face a formidable challenge against Spain and will need to perform at their best to make an impact in this competitive group.
Prediction: 0-2
Serbia vs Spain stream and TV listing
Brazil:Disney+ Brazil
Denmark:TV2 Play Denmark
International:Score808 808ball