Serbia vs Switzerland

Stadion Rajko Mitic forms the backdrop for the first clash between Serbia and Spain since 2012 as the two nations meet in their curtain-raising UEFA Nations League Group A/4 fixture.

Serbia embarrassed themselves at Euro 2024, going winless in all three group-stage outings (D2, L1) while only netting one goal. Another disappointing appearance at a major international tournament following an underwhelming 2022 World Cup in Qatar (D1, L2) cast further doubt on Dragan Stojkovic’s managerial credentials. Keen to turn his side’s fortunes around, Stojkovic has called up five uncapped players for the beginning of their Nations League campaign. The Eagles have traditionally impressed in this competition, soaring from League C to A (W9, D6, L3), largely thanks to their outstanding home form. The Serbians have bagged 4+ goals in four of their nine Nations League matches on home soil (W5, D2, L2), highlighting the potential for an action-packed contest at the Stadion Rajko Mitic.

In contrast to Serbia’s forgettable Euros campaign, Spain went from strength to strength in Germany to lift their fourth European Championships title. Luis de la Fuente’s team achieved that feat with all seven victories, six of which came in regulation, including a 2-1 triumph against fierce rivals England in the grand final. Moreover, the Iberian giants won the last edition of the Nations League, beating Croatia on penalties to go one better than their runner-up finish in 2021. Despite lacking several first-team stars for this trip, including Manchester City midfield stalwart Rodri, Spain can draw heart from suffering just one defeat on their last 12 international travels (W10, D1). Notably, all those ten wins saw them break the deadlock.