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Euro 2024: Serbian hero would swap personal glory for three points

Luka Jovic netted in stoppage-time to keep Serbia in with a chance of progressing from Group C

Serbian hero Luka Jovic says he would have swapped his dramatic equalising goal for a win against Slovenia.

The skipper turned home a 95th-minute leveller to break Slovenian hearts and keep alive Serbia’s hopes of qualification for the Round of 16.

Serbia remain bottom with one point, but victory in their final group game against Denmark in Munich on Tuesday (5pm) would likely see them through as either runners-up or one of the four best third-placed finishers.

Jovic told uefa.com: “It is amazing to score like this but I would easily change that for the win.

“I am happy that we secured the first point and kept ourselves in the game. Heads high and full focus on Denmark now.

“Slovenia were really good. It was very hard for us to handle them but (a draw) is the fairest result.”

Aleksandar Mitrović, Serbia striker admitted: “It is a massive goal for us, and a massive point for us.”

He told uefa.com: “We made a comeback in the last seconds, but in the end I think we deserved it. They were the better team in the first half, but we prevailed in the second.

“We created a lot of chances, I was especially unlucky (to hit the woodwork), but we were fighting until the end.”

Slovenia coach Matjaz Kek said his players showed that they deserved to be on this stage.

“Football can be cruel,” he said, “but I am sure that this team will get its redemption. We knew Serbia were dangerous from set pieces. We perhaps lapsed in concentration, but I am nevertheless proud of the players for their incredible heart.

“We played a brave and honest game against a magnificent backdrop, which will go into the legend of Slovenian sport.”

He turned his attentions to Tuesday night’s clash with England in Cologne and said: “We are now facing the last group game. We turn our thought toward England.

“They are clear favourites, but so were the Danes and the Serbs. So we need to lift our heads and prepare for England.”

Picture of Alex Hoad

Alex Hoad

Alex has more than 15 years' experience in sports journalism and has reported on multiple Olympics, World Cups and European Championships in additional to Champions League, Europa League and domestic football.

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