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Aleksandar Mitrovic did not regret Serbia’s performance after Thursday’s 1-0 defeat at home to Norway, but the relative lack of home support.
Orlovi opened their Nations League campaign with a lone goal at Stadium Rajko Mitic after Erling Haaland’s attack up close in the 26th minute.
Serbia were unable to equalize despite a positive second half, but in a growing trend for Dragan Stojkovic’s team they had to do so without much in terms of support from the home crowd in Belgrade.
After qualifying directly for the World Cup over Portugal, a visibly frustrated Mitrovic was honest in his assessment of his team’s dwindling reception.
“I do not expect the stands to be full at our matches,” Mitrovic told RTS after the match. “If we are going to the World Cup or in another situation, the stands are never full.
“Maybe it’s better that we have 10,000 fans or so who actually cheer on us instead of a packed stadium that starts whistling after 15 minutes.”
“I think we gave our all and would like to thank those who came out and supported us. There were not many, but thanks to them. We play for them and they are our strength. We could have expected more fans “But no matter how we play, and no matter what results we manage, there are some who just do not value or respect it.”
0-1 | #SRBNOR
At least Serbia’s star will be found later. #SrcemSvim #Orlovi #Srbija#ONE #NationsLeague #FSS pic.twitter.com/t0P4l7G2NP
– Fudbalski knows Srbije | FA in Serbia (@FSSrbije) June 2, 2022
Since November’s victory over Portugal in Lisbon to secure an automatic berth in Qatar, Serbia has lost two of its last three friends.
Despite the lack of support in Belgrade against Norway, the performance gave rise to Orlov’s record goal scorer remaining flying, heading into Sunday’s match at home against Slovenia.
“It’s the second loss since we qualified, and our first at home,” Mitrovic said. “It was not a sight for sore eyes like a match – it’s the end of the season, we are exhausted. The most logical result would have been a draw, but we were not able to equalize.
“We started the second half stronger, but they closed the game down well. Still, it’s the start of the group stage. The next game is also at home.”
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