the Oranje must face Serbia on Sunday amid internal crisis
On Sunday, the Netherlands will meet a Serbia in Belgrade that is plagued by an internal crisis. Journalist Vujadin Tomkovic, who reports for Mozzart Sport, warns that the Serbian team, under national coach Veljko Paunović, recently lost 1‑2 to Greece and is struggling with a weak squad.
Preview of the clash
Karel Osthoff reports that the Netherlands will face Serbia on Sunday, a team that he considers uncertain. The match takes place in Belgrade and is seen as a crucial test for both squads.
The Serbian squad returned on Thursday with a 1‑2 defeat to Greece, increasing the pressure on national coach Veljko Paunović. This loss confirms concerns about the team's form.
Internal crisis around the national coach
According to journalist Vujadin Tomkovic, who reports for Mozzart Sport, the atmosphere around the Serbian national team has been poor for a long time. He points to the low point after the failed World Cup qualification, including a home loss to Albania that eliminated the play‑off chances. National coach Veljko Paunović, who has been in charge for almost a year, has not been able to deliver the desired improvement.
In June, the atmosphere reached a boiling point: key internationals missed the friendlies against Cape Verde and Mexico, a blow for Paunović. A few days ago, just before a national gathering, he confirmed, after a direct question, that he had offered his resignation, but ultimately remained in post.
Upcoming meetings and tactical dilemmas
This week, Dusan Tadić, the 37‑year‑old NEC striker, returned to the squad for the first time since 2024 and wore the captain's armband against Greece, providing an assist. His return is seen as an attempt to fill the leadership vacuum that emerged when he stepped down two years ago.
The Netherlands will meet Serbia twice: on 27 September in Belgrade and on 4 October at the Philips Stadium. In addition, Serbia still has a confrontation with Germany scheduled in the current international window.
Tomkovic expects Paunović to choose a more defensive lineup, partly due to the modest defensive staffing and the absence of a regular centre‑back Nikola Milenković. The wide players also lack experience, which he says could become Serbia's biggest problem.
Nevertheless, Tomkovic hopes for two points against the Netherlands; such a result would, in his view, be a great achievement. Anything Serbia secures in the remaining three matchdays is considered by him as a bonus.