The Serbian national football team suffered a serious blow before the match against Albania, which is considered crucial for second place in Group K of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
On Tuesday night at the Rajko Mitic Stadium in Belgrade, Serbia was badly beaten, 5:0, by England. The 39 spectators in the stands did not help. There were insults towards Kosovo and Albanians, there were attacks on Serbian fans by Serbian hooligans, politically motivated, but there was also humiliation for Serbia on the field of play.
"This is the fourth jersey - Serbia is blushing because of you," is the title of one of the articles in the media outlet "b92". "A debacle that our country's football team, no matter what it is called, does not remember in its hundred-year history."
This best represents Serbia's situation before the match with Albania, which will take place on October 11 at the "Rajko Mitic" stadium in Belgrade.
Albania on Tuesday won 1-0 against Latvia and overtook Serbia in the table. Albania has eight points from five matches, while Serbia has seven points from four matches. England is marching towards the World Cup. They have won five matches so far and lead the group with 15 points.
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The team that finishes first qualifies for the World Cup, while the team that finishes second goes to the playoffs. Aware of England's strength, which was also demonstrated on Tuesday night in Belgrade, both Albania and Serbia are looking for second place in the group.
Against Albania, Serbia will be without two key players. Nikola Milenkovic was sent off in the match against England and is suspended for the match against the Rossoneri. Sasha Lukic will also be absent due to bookings.
"We have experienced this loss hard, especially me. Criticize me, don't touch the players. They have given everything possible. Hold their heads high. I believe that in October there will be a new Serbia. Criticize me, no problem. Of course, I also accept the people's dissatisfaction," said Serbia coach Dragan Stojkovic.
The voices for his dismissal are increasingly numerous. But a lot will depend on the match with Albania. There were also calls for Stojkovic's departure from the fans during the match with England. He was also booed.
Stojkovic said that they had no chance against England.
"We didn't lose to Latvia, but to a football superpower. We didn't lose to a team that is in our league or below and call it a disaster," Stojkovic stressed.
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The defeat to England is the heaviest Serbia has ever suffered at home. The pressure on Stojkovic and the players has increased to the maximum. Due to developments off the field and political tensions in Serbia, the atmosphere is gloomy before the "final" with Albania.
It is hoped that Sylvinho and his team will seize this moment. With a victory in Belgrade, Albania would take a big step towards second place in the group.
