How Far Can Serbia's National Soccer Team Go in the Next Major Tournament?
As I sit here analyzing Serbia's national soccer prospects, I can't help but draw parallels to coach Alinsunurin's philosophy about preparation and adaptation. When he said "Nung nagsisimula pa lang ako mag-coach, nasanay na rin ako na ginagawa ko na," it perfectly captures the Serbian team's current situation - they've been building toward this moment through years of systematic development. Having followed international football for over fifteen years, I've seen Serbia transform from a team with raw potential into a genuinely formidable squad.
The core of this team has been playing together for what feels like ages now. Players like Dušan Vlahović (23), Sergej Milinković-Savić (28), and Aleksandar Mitrović (29) aren't just talented individuals - they've developed an almost telepathic understanding through 42 international matches together. That chemistry matters tremendously in tournament football, where quick transitions and instinctive movements often decide tight games. I remember watching their qualifying campaign where they averaged 2.3 goals per game, demonstrating an attacking verve that few teams can match. Their midfield combination of Milinković-Savić and Dušan Tadić creates what I consider to be one of the most creative central partnerships in European football right now.
However, let's be realistic about their challenges. The defensive line, while improved, still concerns me when facing Europe's elite attacking units. In their last 12 matches against top-20 ranked teams, they've conceded 1.8 goals per game on average. That's simply not good enough for a deep tournament run. But here's what gives me hope - manager Dragan Stojković has instilled a remarkable resilience in this squad. They've come from behind to win or draw in 6 of their last 10 matches when conceding first. That fighting spirit reminds me of Alinsunurin's adaptation to different competitive environments - Serbia has learned to win in multiple ways.
Looking at their potential path, I genuinely believe this team can reach the quarterfinals, possibly even beyond if the draw favors them. They have the attacking quality to trouble any defense, and in tournament football, having game-changers like Vlahović can be the difference between going home early and making history. The 2022 World Cup showed glimpses of their capability despite the group stage exit - that heartbreaking last-minute loss to Switzerland still stings when I think about it.
What really excites me about this generation is their mental fortitude. Unlike previous Serbian teams that sometimes seemed burdened by expectations, this squad plays with a refreshing freedom. They've won 8 of their last 10 competitive matches, scoring multiple goals in 7 of those victories. That consistency in finding the net gives them a floor that's higher than many people realize. While I don't think they're quite ready to lift the trophy yet, they're absolutely capable of being the tournament's surprise package. The infrastructure and talent pipeline suggest this isn't a flash in the pan either - their U21 team reached the European Championship final last year, indicating the production line remains strong. In my assessment, anything less than the knockout stages would represent underachievement for this gifted group of players.