MUNICH – A heart-stopping header from Luka Jović in the fifth minute of added time snatched a priceless point for Serbia, breaking Slovenian hearts in a dramatic 1-1 draw in their Euro 2024 Group C clash on Thursday.
Just as it seemed Zan Karničnik’s second-half goal would secure a historic win for Slovenia, Serbia’s last-gasp set-piece prowess delivered a breathtaking finale, leaving the group wide open heading into the final round of matches.
A Tale of Two Halves and a Grandstand Finish
The match at the Allianz Arena was a tense, regional derby where clear chances were at a premium for long periods. Slovenia started brighter, with Adam Gnezda Čerin and Jan Mlakar testing Serbian goalkeeper Predrag Rajković early on.
The best chance of the first half fell to Slovenia’s Timi Elšnik, who weaved through the defense in the 38th minute only to see his powerful shot cannon back off the post, leaving the scores level at the break.
Serbia, with coach Dragan Stojković having made tactical changes, emerged with more intent after halftime. Their pressure was building, but it was Slovenia who struck decisively against the run of play.
Karničnik’s Breakthrough and Serbian Desperation
In the 69th minute, Slovenia launched a devastating counter-attack. Elšnik found space on the left and delivered a perfect low cross into the path of right-back Zan Karničnik, who arrived at the back post to slide the ball home and send the Slovenian fans into delirium.
The goal forced Serbia to throw everything forward. They laid siege to the Slovenian penalty area, with veteran captain Dušan Tadić pulling the strings. However, a combination of last-ditch defending and the formidable presence of goalkeeper Jan Oblak seemed destined to secure the three points for Slovenia.
The 95th-Minute Miracle
As the clock ticked into the fifth minute of stoppage time, Serbia won a final, desperate corner. With goalkeeper Rajković joining the attack, Ivan Ilić whipped a dangerous ball into the box.
Rising highest amidst a crowd of players was substitute striker Luka Jović, who connected perfectly with a powerful header that flew into the net, sparking wild celebrations on the Serbian bench and in the stands. The goal was a crushing blow for a resilient Slovenian side that had come within seconds of a famous victory.
What This Result Means
The draw leaves both teams’ qualification hopes hanging in the balance. Slovenia, with two points, will need a result against group leaders England in their final game. Serbia, with one point, faces a must-win encounter against Denmark to have any chance of progressing to the knockout stages.
Scorers:
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0-1: Zan Karničnik (69′)
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1-1: Luka Jović (90+5′)
Key Moments:
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38′ – Elšnik hits the post for Slovenia.
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69′ – Karničnik finishes a swift counter to put Slovenia ahead.
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90+5′ – Jović scores a dramatic equalizer with a header from a corner.
Teams:
Slovenia: Oblak; Karničnik, Drkušić, Bijol, Janža; Stojanović (Verbič 76′), Gnezda Čerin, Elšnik (Brekalo 90′), Mlakar (Stanković 63′); Šporar, Šeško (Vipotnik 76′)
Serbia: Rajković; Veljković, Milenković, Pavlović; Živković (Birmancević 81′), Ilić, Lukić (Milinković-Savić 64′), Mladenović (Gaćinović 46′); Tadić (Samardžić 82′); Vlahović (Jović 64′), Mitrović
Bookings: Janža, Vipotnik (SLO); Mladenović, Lukić, Jović, Gaćinović (SRB)
Referee: Istvan Kovács (Romania)