Serbia's Late Equalizer Thwarts Slovenia's Historic Euro Win
Serbia denied Slovenia their first-ever victory in a European Championship with a late equalizer, securing a 1-1 draw on Thursday.
Zan Karnicnik's goal in the 69th minute had put Slovenia in sight of a landmark triumph, only for substitute Luka Jovic to level deep into stoppage time, keeping Serbia's hopes alive for advancing to the knockout stage.
The equalizer sparked jubilation among Serbian fans, though it also led to incidents of throwing flares and objects onto the field. Plastic cups littered the ground around both goals in the final 10 minutes, prompting stadium announcements urging fans to desist.
Referee blew the whistle immediately after play resumed following Jovic's goal, leaving Slovenia players crestfallen on the pitch.
"Serbs do not die so easily," remarked Serbia coach Dragan Stojkovic. "We believe all the way to the end and the reward came for believing."
It would have marked Slovenia's second win in a major tournament, their first since defeating Algeria in the 2010 World Cup.
"Slovenia has shown it belongs at the European Championships," said Slovenia coach Matjaz Kek. "Sports can be cruel, but karma will play its part."
Slovenia, who drew against Denmark earlier, faces England in their final group match, while Serbia meets Denmark after losing to England in their opener.
Serbia soccer officials had earlier threatened to withdraw from the competition due to offensive fan chants reportedly heard during a prior match.
"With both teams needing a win on Thursday to boost their chances of progressing, the match started at a fast pace," the article noted.
The game featured early saves from Serbia goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic and a thunderous effort from Timi Elsnik that struck the post.
Karnicnik's goal, started and finished by the defender, broke the deadlock for Slovenia, but Serbia's Aleksandar Mitrovic hit the crossbar soon after.
Serbia intensified pressure in the final minutes, with goalkeeper Rajkovic even joining the attack, culminating in Jovic's crucial header deep into stoppage time.
