The football national team of Serbia suffered one of its heaviest defeats in recent times, after losing to Cape Verde in a friendly match with a score of 3:0.
Although head coach Veljko Paunović had a significantly weakened squad at his disposal due to a large number of withdrawals of regular national team players, few could have expected such a pale performance from the Eagles. From the first minute, the guests looked more organized, concrete, and dangerous, and they easily turned the advantage they gained into a convincing victory.
This match was supposed to serve as an opportunity for younger players to impose themselves and show that they can be part of the future of the Serbian national team. However, the impression is that most failed to take advantage of the opportunity provided.
Cape Verde took the lead already in the first half. Cabral broke through Serbia’s defense and found Lenini, who managed to overcome Filip Stanković for 1:0. In the continuation of the first part of the game, there was not much excitement, except for a brief tension on the pitch after a harsh tackle on Njegoš Petrović, when Andrija Živković and Strahinja Pavlović entered into an argument.
Serbia created its first serious opportunity in the 24th minute. Živković sent an excellent cross, and Jovan Milošević attempted an attractive bicycle kick, but without success. On the other side, Cabral threatened Serbia’s goal on several occasions, while Stanković had to intervene to prevent another goal.
At halftime, Paunović tried to change the course of the match with substitutions. Vladimir Lučić brought liveliness into the game, and in the 53th minute, he hit the post after one of Serbia’s most beautiful actions of the match. Shortly after, Štulić also threatened with a powerful shot from distance, but goalkeeper dos Santos was up to the task.
When it seemed that Serbia was taking the initiative, a complete collapse followed. In the 59th minute, Duarte crowned a quick counterattack for 2:0, only for Tavares to set the final 3:0 just four minutes later and practically resolve the question of the winner.
By the end of the encounter, Serbia failed to find an answer. There was a lack of ideas in the attack, energy in the midfield, and certainty in the defense, while Cape Verde routinely preserved the large advantage and deservedly reached a convincing triumph.
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Source: Telegraf.rs Photo: Tobjorn Tande/ Profimedia