Germany's Nations League opponent Serbia lethargic, but hopeful

The Serbian football national team is in a difficult phase, but coach Veljko Paunovic is counting on a generational change to create new impetus. In the Nations League duel on Friday at 20:45, the team in Belgrade will face the German eleven. Despite an expected crowd of only around 5,000 at the Marakana, hope for young talents remains.

Lethargy and low attendance

The match will be broadcast live on Friday at 20:45 via the Sportschau audio stream. Due to a UEFA sanction, only children accompanied by teachers, coaching staff and selected guests are allowed in the Rajko-Mitić Stadium, which limits the expected attendance to about 5,000.

The stadium, better known as the Marakana of Serbia, was the venue of the 1976 European Championship semi‑final, in which Germany defeated Yugoslavia 4‑2 after extra time. At that time more than 50,000 fans filled the stadium, whereas the Nations League home matches against Greece and the Netherlands at the end of September attracted only 6,000 and 15,000 spectators respectively.

After two consecutive World Cup appearances, Serbia missed qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Under coach Veljko Paunovic the team lost seven of eight internationals this year, winning only a friendly against Saudi Arabia. In the Nations League table Serbia is at the bottom, although survival in League A is still possible and the mood in the country remains moderate.

Paunovic said at the press conference before the match against the DFB eleven: “I am convinced that there is a solution for everything and that the situation will improve again in the coming period.” He added: “I will try in the coming period to awaken this – in a positive sense – football monster within us and to pull it out of its lethargy.”

Generational change and young talents

The 49‑year‑old coach wants to initiate a generational shift, but does not rule out veterans such as captain Dusan Tadic (37), Filip Kostic (34), Aleksandar Mitrovic (32) and Sergej Milinkovic‑Savic (31). Already nine squad members are 21 years old or younger, including midfield strategist Aleksandar Stankovic (21, Inter Milan), top talent Vasilije Kostov (18, Red Star) and striker Mihajlo Cvetkovic (19, RSC Anderlecht). Paunovic emphasizes that young players need support from experienced players in order to develop.

Star player Dusan Vlahovic of Besiktas Istanbul was originally supposed to be the attacking engine, but withdrew unexpectedly for personal reasons. Central defender Strahinja Pavlovic, currently at AC Milan, is expected to miss the match against Germany due to injury. In addition, Sasa Lukic and Nemanja Maksimovic will have to sit out because of yellow‑card suspensions.