Germany secure away victory over Serbia in Belgrade

Germany maintained their position in the upper half of the UEFA Nations League group following a 3-1 victory against Serbia at the Stadium Rajko Mitic. The match was defined by Germany's control of the tempo and Serbia's struggles to contain the visitors' attacking movements, compounded by late disciplinary trouble for the hosts.

The scoring opened in the third minute when Srdjan Babic inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, giving Germany an early 1-0 advantage. The visitors doubled their lead in the 14th minute through Florian Wirtz, leaving Serbia trailing 0-2. Before the interval, Brajan Gruda received a yellow card, and Serbia utilised two substitutions at the half-time whistle, bringing on Lazar Samardzic and Stefan Džodić.

Germany extended their cushion in the 50th minute when Gruda found the net, assisted by Joshua Kimmich, to make the score 0-3. Serbia responded in the 56th minute when Babic scored to reduce the deficit to 1-3. However, the hosts' comeback attempt was hampered by disciplinary actions. Vanja Dragojević was shown a red card in the 76th minute, and later, Andrija Živković received a red card in the 89th minute following a yellow card.

Statistically, Germany controlled the majority of the contest, recording 79% possession and completing 786 passes, including 496 in the opposition half. They created four big chances and registered six shots on target. Serbia struggled to find rhythm, managing only 21% possession and 142 successful passes. While Serbia created four big chances and recorded an expected goals (xG) of 1.28, they were unable to overcome the deficit, finishing the match with three shots on target.

The result leaves Germany in third place in League A, Group 5, with eight points from five matches. Serbia remains at the bottom of the group with zero points from five matches played.