Serbia’s Late Equalizer Thwarts Slovenia’s Historic Euros Win
Serbia denied Slovenia their first-ever victory at 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 on the verge of a landmark win until substitute Luka Jovic leveled in stoppage time, keeping Serbia’s hopes alive for advancing to the knockout stage.
The Serbian fans celebrated wildly, though their jubilation led to disturbances with flares and objects thrown onto the field. Plastic cups littered the ground around both goals in the final minutes, prompting stadium announcements urging restraint.
The equalizer came in virtually the final action of the game, with the referee blowing the full-time whistle immediately after the restart, leaving Slovenia’s players crestfallen on the pitch.
“Serbs do not die so easily,” said Serbia coach Dragan Stojkovic. “We believe until the end and tonight’s reward came because of that belief. We refused to accept defeat against Slovenia.”
Slovenia, aiming for only their second win in a major tournament and first since the 2010 World Cup victory over Algeria, showed resilience despite the late setback.
“Slovenia has proven its place in the European Championships,” said coach Matjaz Kek. “Football can be cruel, but I believe in karma for this team. We played fairly in an unforgettable atmosphere.”
Slovenia, having drawn their opener against Denmark, faces England in their final group match, while Serbia takes on Denmark after losing to England in their opening match.
Serbia had earlier threatened to withdraw from the competition due to reported offensive fan chants during previous matches.
The match began with both teams needing a win to bolster their chances of progression. Slovenia had early chances saved by Serbia goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic, matching their total shots on target from their entire previous match against Denmark.
Slovenia’s best opportunity came through Timi Elsnik’s thunderous effort off the post, with Benjamin Sesko missing the rebound chance.
Karnicnik eventually broke the deadlock with a solo effort, starting deep in his own half before finishing off a move involving Elsnik.
Serbia responded immediately with Aleksandar Mitrovic hitting the crossbar, before mounting intense pressure in the closing stages. Goalkeeper Rajkovic even joined the attack for the final corner, which saw Jovic rise highest to head home the crucial equalizer past Jan Oblak in added time.
“I love him very much,” Stojkovic remarked of Jovic after the match.
Both teams will now await their final group stage matches to determine their fate in the tournament.
