Our prediction for this Nations League match:
Spain will be looking to kickstart their UEFA Nations League campaign in style when they take on Serbia at Stadion Rajko Mitic on Thursday. La Roja did well to win the European Championship finals, but they have big ambitions for the Nations League as well. Both Alvaro Morata and Rodri are banned for the match, while Sevilla right-back Jesus Navas has retired from the national team.
A man to keep an eye on in the away team will be Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal, who is likely to prove a handful for the opposition back-line. The Serbs, on the other hand, failed to record a win at the EURO 2024. As all Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Dusan Vlahovic, and Aleksandar Mitrovic are out of contention, away win should be considered. Fenerbahce ace Dusan Tadic has announced his retirement from the Serbia national football team. Milan striker Luka Jovic is widely expected to lead the line for the hosts.
Highlighted Player (Dani Olmo):
After starting his youth career at Espanyol, Dani Olmo moved to fellow Catalan side Barcelona in 2007 at the age of nine. The Spanish player born in Terrasa on May 7, 1998 then moved to Dinamo Zagreb, where he established himself as a first-team regular.
Dani Olmo was on the verge of leaving the Croatian club in the summer of 2019, but he eventually stayed at Stadion Maksimir. Olmo is one of the most talented footballers in Spain and he helped the U21 team clinch the Euro 2019 trophy. La Furia Roja defeated Germany in the final of the tournament, with Olmo being named Man of the match.
The Spanish attacking midfielder, who is used as a winger as well, was named the Croatian First Football League player of the year for 2018. His preferred foot is right and he has a contract with Dinamo Zagreb until June 30, 2021.
Highlighted Team (Serbia):
Serbia have been playing as an independent nation since 2006. The Serbs made it to the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals and despite defeating star-studded Germany in the group stages of the showpiece tournament in South Africa, they eventually failed to book their place in the last 16. The Eagles, though, failed to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil as they experienced all sorts of problems in their qualifying group.
A number of top-class footballers played for Serbia and former Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic is regarded as one of the best players in the history of the Serbian national team. Vidic scored two goals in 56 appearances for Serbia and he announced his retirement from the national team on 24 October, 2011.
The Eagles play their home game at Stadion Rajko Mitic and it has to be noted that they defeated Czech Republic 3-1 in their first international game under the name of Serbia. Serbia play their home games in red shirts and red shorts, while the colour of their away kit is white.