Serbia, Romania draw in UEFA Nations League

Serbia and Romania played out a 2-2 draw at the Partizan Stadium here in Group C4 of the UEFA Nations League. Aleksandar Mitrovic and Nicolae Stanciu scored a goal apiece in an even affair.

Serbia started the match here on Monday with a 4-2-3-1 formation with the intention to quickly transition from defence to attack. Despite a good build up play in the midfield, they did not manage to create the chances that might allow them to take the lead.

The first attempt on goal came in the ninth minute after a corner taken by Adem Ljajic. Mitrovic caught the ball with his head, but the shot was denied by the Romanian keeper Ciprian Tatarusanu, reports Xinhua news agency.

In the 26th minute Aleksandar Kolarov made a powerful attempt on goal from close range and Tatarusanu managed to deflect it in the danger zone. Although on the ground, Mitrovic managed to win the loose ball and squeeze it into goal.

Romania made their most dangerous attempt just before halftime when, after a fast counterattack, Nicolae Stanciu passed the ball to Alexandru Chipciu who was denied a goal by the crossbar.

Stanciu levelled the scores after Chipciu was brought down in the area but Mitrovic continued to dominate and in the 63rd minute managed to get Serbia back into the lead with a well taken goal.

The Romanians did not give up. After a corner kick in the 68th minute, Stanciu controlled the ball and beat the Serbian keeper Marko Dmitrovic. Neither team was able to break the deadlock before the end of the game.

Serbia is now second in Group C4 with four points, just behind Montenengro.

Romania is third with two points, while Lithuania is fourth without points so far. Serbia will play the next game in Montenegro in October while Romania team will travel to Lithuania.

--IANS

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