Another lost final for Serbia, which has always had to settle for silver since it was no longer Yugoslavia. The Balkan country thus lost in the final of Euro 2009 and Euro 2017, but also in the final of the 2016 Olympics and therefore the 2014 and 2023 World Cups…
“Congratulations to the German team” Svetislav Pesic, the Serbian coach, soberly commented. “She deserved this victory. They played at a high level for 40 minutes, they were very physical and if a team wins all their matches, like Germany did, we have to say well done.”
After the game, the coach still revealed that Serbia was diminished for this final. To the absence of Borisa Simanic, we had to add the sprain of Ognjen Dobric, plus the concerns of Nikola Milutinov and Bogdan Bogdanovic.
“We needed a better rotation. For Milutinov, we didn’t know if he was going to be able to play due to a muscular problem. The medical team did their best so that he could play. Dobric was injured and Bogdanovic was not feeling well before the match. I have to say it because it’s true, these are not excuses. I’m happy for the coach and for the German federation, they deserved this title and I’m proud of my players. Who couldn’t be proud of this team? »
Enough (a little) to explain the disappearance of Bogdan Bogdanovic in the second half, the Serbian leader having only attempted two shots after the break. As for Nikola Milutinov, so valuable for Serbia since the start of the competition, his 0/4 shooting (2 points) was not like him either.
“It’s huge to be the second team in the world, especially with the team that came here. But it’s difficult to lose in the final. I had to play better. I take full responsibility for it”simply let go of the inside. “I wasn’t at the level I was playing at in this tournament. I feel really bad right now, but I’m proud of my guys, who were able to win the silver medal. This is really something important. »
