Serbia traveled to face Slovenia in their final Group C qualifier knowing a win would be enough to guide them into a EURO 2012 qualifying playoff.
Serbia entered this game unbeaten in their previous five qualifying games, and had drawn 1-1 with group leaders Italy over the weekend.
Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic had played in eight of Serbia’s qualifying games, and scored the goal for his country during the draw with Italy.
In Slovenia, Ivanovic played his role during an opening half hour when both defenses were on top, and very few clear goal scoring chances were created.
Serbia conceded a free kick during injury time at the end of the first half, and would go on to pay a hefty price. Dare Vrsic stepped up for Slovenia, and fired a fantastic effort into the top corner beyond the despairing dive of Bojan Jorgacevic.
The Serbians knew they needed to win to keep their EURO 2012 hopes alive, and poured forward with intent after the break. Tim Matavz served notice of Slovenia’s threat on the break when he fired just wide of the goalpost.
Milos Krasic went close to equalizing for the Serbs on the hour mark, but his shot was saved well by Samir Handanovic.
Four minutes later the Serbians were awarded a gilt edged chance to equalize when Krasic was hauled down by Marko Suler and a penalty kick was awarded. Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic stepped up to take the spot kick, but his effort was saved by the impressive Handanovic.
The penalty miss seemed to suck all life from the Serbians, and Slovenia held on a for a 1-0 victory.
After the high of scoring against Italy, it was a hammer blow for Ivanovic to have his dreams of playing in EURO 2012 yanked away.
Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas may be pleased to see his player receive a summer of rest, but it is likely Ivanovic is far less pleased.
Players thrive on major tournaments, and representing Serbia in Poland/Ukraine would have been a significant achievement for the defender. Ivanovic must now wait at least two years to represent his home nation at a major tournament. That said, a World Cup in Brazil may not be a bad consolation.
Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic had played in eight of Serbia’s qualifying games, and scored the goal for his country during the draw with Italy.
In Slovenia, Ivanovic played his role during an opening half hour when both defenses were on top, and very few clear goal scoring chances were created.
Serbia conceded a free kick during injury time at the end of the first half, and would go on to pay a hefty price. Dare Vrsic stepped up for Slovenia, and fired a fantastic effort into the top corner beyond the despairing dive of Bojan Jorgacevic.
The Serbians knew they needed to win to keep their EURO 2012 hopes alive, and poured forward with intent after the break. Tim Matavz served notice of Slovenia’s threat on the break when he fired just wide of the goalpost.
Milos Krasic went close to equalizing for the Serbs on the hour mark, but his shot was saved well by Samir Handanovic.
Four minutes later the Serbians were awarded a gilt edged chance to equalize when Krasic was hauled down by Marko Suler and a penalty kick was awarded. Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic stepped up to take the spot kick, but his effort was saved by the impressive Handanovic.
The penalty miss seemed to suck all life from the Serbians, and Slovenia held on a for a 1-0 victory.
After the high of scoring against Italy, it was a hammer blow for Ivanovic to have his dreams of playing in EURO 2012 yanked away.
Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas may be pleased to see his player receive a summer of rest, but it is likely Ivanovic is far less pleased.
Players thrive on major tournaments, and representing Serbia in Poland/Ukraine would have been a significant achievement for the defender. Ivanovic must now wait at least two years to represent his home nation at a major tournament. That said, a World Cup in Brazil may not be a bad consolation.
