Spain's Nations League Title Defense Begins with a Serbia Test

Fresh off their triumphant Euro 2024 victory, Spain embarks on their 2024-25 UEFA Nations League A campaign with a challenging encounter against Serbia at the Rajko Mitic Stadium in Belgrade on Thursday. The match marks Spain’s first outing since their 2-1 victory over England in the Euro 2024 final, solidifying their place as the first nation to claim four European Championship titles.

Spain emerged as the dominant force at the Euros, etching their name in history as the first European team to achieve a perfect record in a major tournament – a feat that encompasses both the Euros and the World Cup. They also set a new record for most goals scored (15) in a single Euros tournament.

Meanwhile, Serbia, making their debut as an independent nation at the European Championship for the first time since 2000, harbored aspirations of progressing beyond the group stage. However, their ambitions were dashed as they ended up at the bottom of Group C, managing only two points from their matches against England, Denmark, and Slovenia.

Where to Watch the Serbia vs Spain Match

Fans in the United States (US) can catch the live action on Fubo, DirecTV Stream, FS2, and ViX. Globally, fans can stream the match on GOAL. Those outside their usual streaming region may need to utilize a VPN, such as NordVPN, to access the games.

Match Details and Kick-Off Time

The UEFA Nations League A 2024 opening game between Serbia and Spain will be held at Stadium Rajko Mitić in Belgrade, Serbia. Kick-off is scheduled for 2:45 pm ET/ 11:45 am PT on Thursday, September 5, 2024, in the United States (US).

Team News and Key Players

Serbia will be missing key players like Aleksandar Mitrovic and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic due to injuries, while Dusan Tadic has retired from international duty. The absence of striker Dusan Vlahovic and winger Filip Kostic adds to the roster concerns for Stojkovic.

Stojkovic has called up five new faces, including Aston Villa right-back Kosta Nedeljkovic, Sunderland midfielder Milan Aleksic, and Millwall forward Mihailo Ivanovic, all hoping to make their mark on Thursday’s match. With Mitrovic unavailable, Luka Jovic is poised to lead the attack. In midfield, Sasa Lukic is likely to partner with either Marko Grujic or Ivan Ilic.

Serbia possible XI: Rajkovic; Veljkovic, Milenkovic, Pavlovic; Nedeljkovic, Lukic, Ilic, Zivkovic; Samardzic, S. Mitrovic; Jovic

Spain faces its own injury concerns with Unai Simon (wrist), Mikel Merino (shoulder), Alvaro Morata (thigh), and Fermin Lopez (muscle) all ruled out. Additionally, veteran Jesus Navas has retired from international duty.

Midfielder Rodri, who is yet to feature for Manchester City this season, is fit and ready to play. Valencia’s 26-year-old Pepelu has earned his first call-up to the senior squad and could make his debut. With Simon sidelined, Arsenal's David Raya might be the starting goalkeeper. In the attack, Mikel Oyarzabal is expected to lead the line in Morata’s absence, supported by wingers Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams.

Spain possible XI: Raya; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Fabian; Yamal, Olmo, Williams; Oyarzabal

Spain's Unsatiable Hunger for Victory

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente emphasized his team’s eagerness to return to the pitch after their Euro 2024 triumph. He highlighted the players’ relentless pursuit of improvement, ensuring there will be no let-up in intensity. "This group is insatiable, competitive, relentless. They are very motivated to keep winning. The best is yet to come,” De la Fuente said at a press conference ahead of the Serbia match.

He attributed Spain’s Euro 2024 success to their shared ambition, where winning has become an obsession. “We want, within an idea, to grow as a team and enjoy ourselves on the pitch. But we only know one way to enjoy what we do: trying to win,” De la Fuente said.

Spain’s quest for further success begins in Belgrade against a Serbian side eager to prove their worth on the international stage. The match promises to be a captivating encounter, with Spain aiming to maintain their winning momentum and Serbia seeking to disrupt the reigning champions’ dominance.