Football

Novak Djokovic, Serbia's most celebrated athlete, has been an ardent supporter of his national soccer team throughout the 2024 UEFA European Championship. Despite his rigorous Wimbledon preparations, Djokovic made time to attend Serbia's crucial group match against Denmark in Munich.Before the match, Djokovic greeted the Serbian players with warm embraces and well wishes. However, Serbia's hopes of advancing were dashed as they were eliminated from the tournament after a goalless draw. Despite the disappointing result, Djokovic's presence and support were a source of inspiration for the team.Djokovic's appearance at the match sparked a frenzy on social media, with fans expressing their admiration for his unwavering support. His gesture was hailed as a testament to his deep connection with his country and its athletes.Meanwhile, Djokovic continues to prepare for Wimbledon, which begins on July 1. Despite undergoing surgery for a meniscus tear in June, he remains determined to participate in the tournament. Djokovic has been gradually increasing his training intensity and is optimistic about his chances of being ready for the Grand Slam."I'm taking things gradually," Djokovic said. "I'm not pushing myself yet 100 percent, but I'm hoping that's going to come within the next few days."Djokovic's return to fitness will be closely monitored as he aims to add to his record-breaking 24 Grand Slam titles. His presence at Wimbledon will undoubtedly generate significant excitement and anticipation among tennis fans worldwide.

Denmark and Serbia Clash in Crucial Euro 2024 Group C EncounterDenmark and Serbia will face off in a pivotal Euro 2024 Group C match on Wednesday, June 26th. The match will be held at the Munich Football Arena in Munich, Germany, and will kick off at 12:30 AM IST.Denmark has drawn both of their matches in the group so far, earning a 1-1 draw against England and a 1-1 draw against Slovenia. They currently sit second in the group standings behind England, and a win against Serbia would virtually guarantee their spot in the Round of 16.Serbia, on the other hand, has lost one match and drawn one match in the group. They lost their opening match against England but managed to hold Slovenia to a draw in their second match. While they are currently at the bottom of the group standings, their qualification hopes are still alive.Both teams will be eager to secure a victory in this match. Denmark will be looking to maintain their unbeaten record and secure their place in the knockout stages, while Serbia will be desperate to get their first win of the tournament and keep their qualification hopes alive.The match is expected to be a close and competitive affair. Denmark has a slight edge in terms of form and experience, but Serbia has shown that they are capable of causing an upset. The outcome of the match could have a significant impact on the qualification race in Group C.

Albania's Mirlind Daku has been suspended for two matches after leading fans in nationalist chants at the European Championship, which UEFA deemed as bringing soccer into disrepute.Daku took a megaphone after Albania's 2-2 draw with Croatia in Hamburg and joined in chanting slogans against Serbia and North Macedonia. The incidents and fallout from the game in Hamburg have been the most serious involving Balkan politics at a Euros with the most-ever teams from the region playing — and offering a stage for some fans to air its issues.UEFA's disciplinary judges found Daku guilty of "failing to comply with the general principles of conduct, for violating the basic rules of decent conduct, for using sports events for manifestations of a non-sporting nature and for bringing the sport of football into disrepute."UEFA also ordered the Albanian soccer federation to pay fines totaling 47,250 euros ($50,500) for incidents at the game where its fans chanted an anti-Serb slogan, reportedly "Kill the Serbs."The Serbian soccer federation had threatened to quit the tournament if UEFA did not punish the incidents.On the field, Albania plays a decisive group-stage game on Monday against Spain. If Albania advances, Daku also would sit out the round of 16 game.Daku later apologized for his actions in a social media posting, as UEFA appointed an in-house investigator to study his "alleged inappropriate behavior."The 26-year-old forward began playing for Albania last year having used his right under FIFA rules to change his eligibility from Kosovo, the ethnic-Albanian former province of Serbia that declared independence 16 years ago.UEFA had also announced charges against its member federations of both Albania and Croatia over "potential racist and/or discriminatory conduct" by fans on Wednesday.However, only Albania was fined for "transmitting provocative messages not fit for a sports event." The Croatia federation was fined just 27,500 euros ($29,400) for fans lighting and throwing fireworks at the stadium.The Albanian soccer Federation, or FSHF, called on the fans to be "accountable and avoid incidents and riots.""The FSHF invites fans and football lovers to support to the end the Albanian national team in this magical and historic path in Euro 2024 by showing citizenry and accountability through correct behavior and by respecting the rules and the opponents," said a statement.Albania has impressed at Euro 2024 in an opening 2-1 loss against Italy and then the 2-2 draw with Croatia. With three national teams at Euro 2024 from the former Yugoslavia — Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia — plus Kosovo's neighbor Albania, fans have shown that their shared history in the brutal Balkans war of the 1990s and diplomatic issues since cannot easily be forgotten.Nationalist chants raised the hostility levels at Euro 2024 where provocative banners, such as flags with maps, were expected to bring politics into the 10 stadiums in Germany.Serbia and Albania each were fined by UEFA after their opening games for fans "transmitting a provocative message." It cost them 10,000 euros ($10,700) each for a first offense.The Serbian fans' banner about Kosovo had also led to a FIFA prosecution involving players at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Serbia considers Kosovo the cradle of its statehood and Christian Orthodox religion, and is among several European countries that do not recognize its independence.In Germany last week, a television journalist from Kosovo had his credential canceled by UEFA after making the two-handed Albanian eagle gesture while broadcasting pitch-side in front of Serbia fans.The Balkan entries at Euro 2024 could have been five had Bosnia-Herzegovina come through a qualifying playoff bracket in March won by Ukraine.UEFA's president Aleksander Čeferin, a lawyer from Slovenia who grew up in the former Yugoslavia, had said while attending Serbia's decisive qualifying game in November that he would "certainly like" as many teams from the region to qualify as possible.UEFA has a decision to make this year that could be very symbolic about the sport's ability to unite, at a time when it blocks in its competition draw ceremonies any pairings of teams from Kosovo against Serbian or Bosnian opponents for security reasons.The Albanian and Serbian soccer federations have teamed up, despite opposition from many fans, in a bid to co-host the Under-21 Euros in 2027. The other candidates are Belgium and Turkey.UEFA's executive committee — which includes a vice president from Albania, Armand Duka — is scheduled to vote on the 2027 host in December.

In a thrilling encounter at Euro 2024, Luka Jovic's last-gasp header rescued a 1-1 draw for Serbia against Slovenia, keeping both teams in contention for a place in the knockout stages.Slovenia, seeking their first-ever tournament victory, took the lead through Zan Karnicnik in the second half. However, Serbia refused to be denied, with Jovic nodding in a corner in the dying moments to snatch a vital point.Serbia coach Dragan Stojkovic made three changes to his team, recalling captain Dusan Tadic after their opening defeat to England. Slovenia, buoyed by their draw with Denmark, started brightly and created early chances.Despite Serbia's attacking duo of Dusan Vlahovic and Aleksandar Mitrovic threatening, it was Slovenia who broke the deadlock. Karnicnik initiated and finished the move, stabbing home Timi Max Elsnik's cross.Mitrovic continued to be denied by Slovenia goalkeeper Jan Oblak, while Benjamin Sesko kept Serbia's defense on their toes. As the game entered its final stages, Serbia's desperation grew.With time running out, Jovic rose highest to meet a corner and secure a dramatic equalizer. The result leaves Slovenia with two points from two games, while Serbia has one point ahead of their clash with Denmark.Both teams will be looking to secure a place in the last 16 when they face England and Denmark, respectively, in their final group matches.

England kicked off their Euro 2024 campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Serbia on Sunday, thanks to a first-half header from Jude Bellingham.The Real Madrid star put Gareth Southgate's team ahead in the 13th minute at the Veltins Arena, stooping to meet Bukayo Saka's cross and guiding it past Serbia goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic.The buildup to the game had been overshadowed by concerns about violence between rival supporters, and those fears were realized when police rushed to separate brawling fans in Gelsenkirchen earlier in the day. Social media footage showed men throwing chairs at each other outside a restaurant festooned with Serbian flags in the city.Once the game got underway, however, England fans were soon celebrating after Bellingham's early goal."It's a great start for me personally to get my confidence up and to help the lads get the win is the most important thing," Bellingham said.Harry Kane so nearly extended the lead in the second half when Rajkovic pushed his far post header onto the underside of the bar. Kane set a record for his country by making his 23rd appearance at a major tournament."It's a tough game. They are a tough team and have good players," the England captain said. "We stood up to it well and it is good to get the three points and (for us) to progress. It's good that we got the win today."Victory sent England to the top of Group C after Denmark drew 1-1 with Slovenia in an earlier game, with Christian Eriksen scoring three years after suffering a cardiac arrest on the field at the last Euros. England plays Denmark in Frankfurt on Thursday.England was a beaten finalist at the last Euros, losing on penalties to Italy in the final three years ago. It is one of the favorites this time around. Serbia is playing in the Euros for the first time since 2000.

Jude Bellingham, the 20-year-old midfield maestro, showcased his exceptional talent in England's 1-0 victory over Serbia in their Euro 2024 opener. Having been hailed as the key to England's title aspirations, Bellingham delivered a masterful performance, capped by the winning goal.Bellingham's rise to prominence has been meteoric. From his breakout at Birmingham at just 16 to his Player of the Year award in La Liga with Real Madrid, he has consistently exceeded expectations. His versatility and impact on the pitch are remarkable.In the Group C opener against Serbia, Bellingham's influence was evident from the outset. He initiated the move that led to his goal, demonstrating his vision and passing ability. His diving header from Bukayo Saka's cross was a testament to his aerial prowess and attacking instincts.Bellingham's leadership qualities were also on display. Despite his young age, he is a key figure in Gareth Southgate's squad and was part of the four-man leadership group. His fearless attitude and refusal to be intimidated were evident in his confrontations with Serbian players.With 56 touches in the first half, Bellingham was the driving force behind England's dominance. His relentless energy and intelligent movement kept Serbia at bay throughout the match. His substitution in the closing stages was met with a standing ovation, a fitting tribute to his outstanding performance.Bellingham's goal was not only the first for England in Euro 2024 but also a historic milestone. He became the first European player to feature in three major tournaments before turning 21 and the second Englishman after Michael Owen to score at both the World Cup and European Championship before that age.As England embark on their quest for a first major trophy in 58 years, Bellingham's role is crucial. His exceptional talent, leadership qualities, and unwavering determination make him a key asset for the Three Lions. If England are to lift the trophy in Berlin on July 14, Bellingham will undoubtedly play a pivotal role.

England, a perennial favorite in international football, embarks on its quest for a maiden European Championship title on Sunday when it faces Serbia in Group C. The Three Lions, who reached the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup and the final of Euro 2020, are eager to end their long wait for a major trophy.Gareth Southgate's team boasts a formidable record in the European Championship, having lost only one of its last 18 games excluding penalty shootouts. However, concerns linger over potential fan violence, with the match deemed "high risk" by police. Beer sales at the stadium will be limited to low-alcohol options.England's hopes rest heavily on the shoulders of Jude Bellingham, who has enjoyed a stellar debut season at Real Madrid. The 19-year-old midfielder has already won the Spanish title and Champions League, showcasing his immense talent.Serbia, on the other hand, will be led by striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, who has been in prolific form for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia. The 28-year-old scored 28 goals in all competitions last season, finishing behind only Cristiano Ronaldo in the league's scoring charts.Southgate's future as England manager could hinge on the team's performance at the Euros. His contract expires after the tournament, and failure to win a trophy could spell the end of his reign.The fitness of John Stones remains a concern for England, especially given the absence of defensive stalwart Harry Maguire due to injury. Stones missed training earlier in the week due to illness but returned on Thursday. Southgate may consider playing Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold as a holding midfielder alongside Declan Rice.Serbia has reported no injury concerns ahead of the match.England's squad includes several experienced players, with Harry Kane, John Stones, and Kyle Walker making their fifth major tournament appearances for the Three Lions. Serbia, meanwhile, has scored 15 goals in qualifying for the Euros, with five of them coming from headers.Kane, England's all-time leading scorer with 63 goals, is still searching for his first trophy at club or international level. Mitrovic, on the other hand, has scored 28 goals in all competitions for Al-Hilal, behind only Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League.Eleven members of Southgate's squad, including Chelsea forward Cole Palmer, are making their major tournament debuts.The match between England and Serbia is expected to draw a large crowd, with 80,000 liters of beer available to fans in Gelsenkirchen.