Germany beat Serbia to set up clash with Netherlands in Nations League
Germany secured a 3-1 victory over Serbia in Belgrade on Friday under teeming rain in an almost empty stadium, putting themselves in position to battle for top spot in Nations League Group A2. The visitors took the lead early when Serbian defender Srdan Babic inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, before Florian Wirtz and debutant Brajan Gruda extended Germany’s advantage. Babic managed to atone slightly for his mistake by scoring a consolation goal in the second half, but Serbia's hopes deteriorated further in the closing stages as late substitutes Vanja Dragojevic and Andrija Zivkovic were both sent off, leaving the hosts to finish the match with nine men.
The triumph marks two wins, two draws, and one defeat in five matches under German coach Jürgen Klopp, who praised his squad’s superb counter-pressing and high intensity. The result sets up a crucial showdown against the Netherlands in Berlin on Monday to determine who wins the group and advances to the quarter-finals. The Dutch side demolished Greece 7-0 in Amsterdam on the same evening—powered by an opening strike from Crysencio Summerville, a first-half hat-trick from Tijjani Reijnders, a brace by Jurriën Timber, and a goal from Donyell Malen. Due to that heavy scoreline, Germany will likely require a win in Berlin to progress, unless Serbia defeat Greece away from home.
Continue in the app — vote & join in ➔