Serbia avoided a shocking early exit from Euro 2024 with a dramatic 95th-minute equalizer from Luka Jovic against Slovenia in Munich.
Slovenia, the smallest nation in the tournament with just over 2 million people, looked on course for a historic first Euros win after Zan Karnicnik converted a close-range finish with 20 minutes to play. This would have sent Serbia crashing out.
However, former Real Madrid striker Jovic had other ideas. He flicked a header into the net from a corner in the dying seconds of the game to send the Serbian fans into a frenzy.
Serbia’s Slow Start Almost Proves Costly
This wasn’t the first time Serbia started a Euro 2024 game slowly. Manager Dragan Stojkovic previously criticized his team for showing England “too much respect” in their opening match, and a similar sluggishness plagued them against Slovenia.
In fact, Slovenia had the better chances in the first half. They matched their entire shot total from their draw with Denmark in the opening 12 minutes, with Benjamin Sesko forcing a good save from Serbia’s goalkeeper, Predrag Rajkovic. At the other end, Slovenia’s Jan Oblak twice denied Serbia’s talisman, Aleksandar Mitrovic, in one-on-one situations.
Slovenia Close to Upset, Jovic Denies Fairytale Ending
The second half continued in the same vein. Slovenia pushed for the winner, with Sesko again forcing a save from Rajkovic. They thought they had secured the victory when Karnicnik converted from close range, sending their white-shirted fans into a frenzy.
The drama didn’t stop there. Karnicnik, who had just scored the potential winner, then turned into a hero at the other end by deflecting Mitrovic’s close-range volley onto the bar.
With the clock ticking down and Slovenia dreaming of a historic upset, Jovic rose to the occasion with his late header. This dramatic equalizer keeps Serbia’s tournament alive and sends Slovenia home heartbroken.
What’s Next?
The draw means both sides still have a chance to reach the knockout stages. Slovenia will face England in their final group game on Tuesday, while Serbia take on Denmark. Meanwhile, this result guarantees England a spot in the next round as group winners if they can beat Denmark later on Thursday.
