Luka Jovic Secures Crucial Point for Serbia Against Slovenia

Luka Jovic salvaged a dramatic draw for Serbia with a 95th-minute equalizer against Slovenia at Euro 2024. Slovenia had appeared on course for a historic victory when full-back Zan Karnicnik netted from close range with 20 minutes remaining, potentially sending Serbia towards elimination. However, Luka Jovic the former Real Madrid striker rescued his side with a deft near-post header from a corner, sparking jubilation among the Serbian contingent in Munich.

The draw had significant implications for Group C, benefitting England who are now assured of progressing as group winners if they defeat Denmark later in the day. Serbia’s manager, Dragan Stojkovic, criticized his team for showing too much respect to England in their tournament opener and lamented another slow start against Slovenia, failing to improve notably even after halftime.

Slovenia, aiming for only their second win at a major tournament and a historic qualification to the knockout stages, looked set to achieve their goal after Karnicnik’s goal.  They had started brightly with two early shots on target and missed opportunities including Elsnik hitting the near post and Sesko skewing a shot wide. Despite Slovenia’s dominance, Serbia’s Aleksandar Mitrovic was a constant threat, denied twice by Slovenia goalkeeper Jan Oblak in one-on-one situations.

Slovenia continued pressing in the second half with Predrag Rajkovic making a crucial save to tip Sesko’s drive over the bar, but Karnicnik’s goal seemed decisive until Jovic’s late intervention. The result sets up a thrilling final group matchday with Slovenia facing England and Serbia taking on Denmark both matches promising decisive outcomes in the race for the knockout stages.