Pavlovic ‘very proud’ of Serbia after Spain draw and defends Jovic after miss | OneFootball

Strahinja Pavlovic defended team-mate Luka Jovic as he reflected on what was a very positive night for Serbia as they got a 0-0 draw against the European champions Spain.

Serbia managed to get a point against a heavily-fancied Spain team and it could have been even better as they missed chances to win the game, but nonetheless the result is a big positive after they crashed out bottom of their group at Euro 2024.

What stood out was the excellent performance by the Rossoneri’s summer signing Pavlovic, who started the game playing on the left of a three-man defence and thus came up against Lamine Yamal, neutralising the Barcelona sensation.

The defender commented on the game during an interview with Sportal, and he responded to the first question about it seeming like there were ‘more Pavlovics’ out on the field given the fight shown.

“Tonight I was not the most combative, many of my teammates fought at an incredible level and I am very proud of this, it satisfies me even more,” he said (via Radio Rossonera).

“At this moment things are different compared to the European Championship, there are many new arrivals, players who are debuting and who are eager to test themselves. Fresh forces, new energy: we must continue like this.

“We have shown that we can do it even against the strongest. They are European Champions, all incredible players… but this is football, with the right approach you can play and get satisfaction against anyone.”

Jovic could have been the hero for Serbia against Spain last night and could have climbed out of a difficult moment in the process, but he missed a glorious chance and instead his dark week continued.

“Yes, he should have scored. He is a bit out of shape now, we have to understand that he hasn’t been a starter for a long time. He will be in shape very soon, he is a player with incredible quality,” Pavlovic said.