Sports editorial, Nov 18 (EFE).- Clinging to the good performance of its goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, Denmark stayed on its feet to score a draw (0-0) that classifies its team as second in the group for the quarterfinals of the League of Nations and eliminates a combative Serbia.
The Serbians had enough chances to have scored at least the goal that would have allowed them to overtake Denmark in the standings, but the Celtic goalkeeper had a remarkable night to guarantee the result that his team, which was too contemplative at times, needed.
Serbia deserved to be ahead at half-time. Forced to win, Stokjkovic’s team put in more effort and looked harder for the rival goal. Vlahovic and Mitrovic came close on several occasions, but ran into Schmeichel, as did Zivkovic.
With a direct style, running when possible and otherwise putting a lot of ball in the area, Serbia at times trapped Denmark, which had some difficulties in defense and of which there was hardly any news in attack.
Riemer made six changes from the team that had lost against Spain. Three of them, forced. The side Bah, due to injury. The captain and anchor, Højbjerg, and the center Andersen, both due to suspension.
The Danish bet was to come out with a midfield with a more physical touch, seeking to control the game. But without too much depth.
Petrovic only intervened twice in the first half, but in dangerous actions. The first, a shot by Damsgaard that Mitrovic then took over the line; the second, to deflect a shot from Poulsen on a counterattack.
The game took a turn after the restart. Serbia lost steam, Denmark began to handle the ball with more sense. Poulsen’s injury benefited him. Riemer brought on Nørgaard, a midfielder, and moved Damsgaard to the wing.
The “red” Dynamite seemed to be in control. But Vlahovic, tireless all night, took a left-footed shot from distance that again demanded Schmeichel, and the subsequent shot went just wide.
Eriksen responded with a left-footed shot that came off the post, like a subsequent header from Mitrovic,
The Serbs, who were already acting on impulse, arrived less and less. The injury to an exhausted Vlahovic was the finishing touch and confirmation of their disastrous streak against the Danes, whom they have not yet managed to defeat in six matches.
. Technical sheet:
0 – Serbia: Petrovic; Veljkovic, Milenkovic, Pavlovic; Gudelj, N. Maksimovic; Zivkovic, Samardzic (A. Maksimovic, m.72), Terzic (Ivanovic, m.83); Vlahovic (Nedeljkovic, m.88), Mitrovic.
0 – Denmark: Schmeichel; Roerslev, Nelsson, Vestergaard, Kristiansen; Damsgaard (Grønbæk, m.70), Hjulmand, Eriksen; Isaksen (Skov Olsen, m.87), Dolberg (Højlund, m.70), Poulsen (Nørgaard, m.53).
Referee: Felix Zwayer (Germany). He showed a yellow card, for Serbia, to Terzic (m.26), Milenkovic (m.41), Zivkovic (m.80). Pavlovic was sent off for a double yellow (m.89, 90).
Incidents: match corresponding to the sixth day of the Nations League played at the Gradski stadium (Leskovac).
(c) EFE Agency
