Although the football rivalry between Belgium and Serbia is not as big as other European encounters, it has developed a history of its own over the course of the few encounters. So without further ado, here is the timeline of the Belgium national football team vs Serbia national football team.
The teams first met in 1932 in a friendly match that ended in a 1-1 draw and laid the foundation for the hard-fought games that followed. Belgium leads with one win in its five meetings, the remaining games ended in a draw, including the last friendly match in 2018, which ended 1-1. This duel may not have the deep-rooted political undertones of games between Serbia and its neighbors, but it has gradually developed into a competitive sporting rivalry that attracts attention every time they meet on the pitch.
UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying campaigns
Both countries should be happy with their performances in the recent UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying campaign. Belgium demonstrated their attacking prowess in Group F, winning the group with 20 points and securing a direct ticket to the finals in Germany. The outstanding player was Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku, who scored 14 goals in the season and underlined Belgium’s offensive strength.
Yannick Carrasco’s goal against Serbia on Wednesday is Belgium’s fastest goal (after 1 minute and 1 second) since Christian Benteke on October 10, 2016 (after 7 seconds against Gibraltar).
Carrasco started the game as Red Devils captain.#BELSRB🇧🇪🇷🇸 #NICOSTUDIOCHECK pic.twitter.com/Tj99SU8X6g
— Nicowizzy Ikenna (@nicowizzyikerna) November 16, 2023
Serbia, on the other hand, put in an impressive performance in Group G and finished second with 14 points. Their balanced approach resulted in an average of 1.88 goals per game while maintaining strong defensive prowess. Their qualification was sealed with a thrilling draw against Bulgaria, which showcased their resilience and strategic play.
Key figures
Both teams’ qualifying success is due in large part to their key players. Belgium’s squad includes the record-breaking Lukaku, but injuries to key players such as Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois have affected the team. Nonetheless, players like Dries Mertens continued to step up and ensure that Belgium’s attacking threat remained strong.
International friendlies: Today
“Belgium 🇧🇪 vs Serbia 🇷🇸”Belgium have won 3 of the last 4 meetings against Serbia, with Romelu Lukaku already having 10 ⚽ in 7 international matches in 2023.🔥#Belgium #Serbia pic.twitter.com/0KmxKy7Vxh
— The CR7 Verse (@TheCR7Verse) November 15, 2023
Serbia’s squad is made up of both rising stars and seasoned veterans. Serbia’s best European club strikers Dušan Vlahović and Luka Jović are expected to play a crucial role in the Euro 2024 season. Serbia’s squad is strengthened by the experience of Dušan Tadić and the defensive skills of Nemanja Matić, resulting in a well-rounded team dynamic.
Expectations for Euro 2024
As both teams prepare for UEFA Euro 2024, expectations are high. Despite their injury problems, Belgium will try to capitalize on their qualifying momentum and aim for a good place in the tournament. On the other hand, Serbia will be keen to showcase their skills on the big stage, supported by a mix of youth and experience.
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The potential for these teams to compete against each other in the tournament could add another exciting chapter to their budding rivalry. With both teams displaying solid form and strategic depth, any clash between Belgium and Serbia at Euro 2024 will undoubtedly be a must-see, potentially setting new precedents for their footballing history. While this upcoming match is causing excitement, the schedule of Belgium national football team vs Serbia national football team has given us some exciting and thrilling matches.