Burkina Faso
Indonesia
Lithuania
Montenegro
Nigeria
North Macedonia

Spain3 - 0Serbia

sportsmole.co.uk, 15 October 2024, 20:55
Reigning UEFA Nations League and European champions Spain have qualified for the quarter-finals after beating Serbia 3-0 at Estadio Nuevo Arcangel on Tuesday night.

After being held to a 0-0 draw in Belgrade in September, La Roja needed just five minutes to open the scoring in Cordoba, with Aymeric Laporte meeting a superb curling cross from Pedro Porro to head home at the back post.

Despite the absence of several key players including Lamine Yamal, Rodri, Dani Carvajal, Robin Le Normand, Dani Olmo and Nico Williams, Spain outplayed Serbia from start to finish and were presented with the opportunity to double their advantage nine minutes after half time, but captain Alvaro Morata blazed a poor penalty high over the crossbar.

However, the AC Milan striker made amends in stylish fashion on the 65-minute mark when he swept home a sweet left-footed strike after a neat La Roja move.

Not long after Aleksandar Mitrovic missed Serbia's best chance of the match from close range, defender Strahinja Pavlovic was sent off following a VAR review for a last-man challenge, and Spain's Alex Baena scored from the resulting free kick, whipping a right-footed shot into the far corner.

La Roja almost scored a fourth goal when substitute Pedri hit their crossbar from inside the penalty area, but Luis de la Fuente's side eventually settled for a comfortable three-goal triumph.

Spain remain top of League A Group 4 after four matches and sit three points clear of second-placed Denmark, who drew 2-2 with Switzerland and sit three points ahead of Serbia in third.

SPAIN VS. SERBIA HIGHLIGHTS

Aymeric Laporte goal vs. Serbia (5th min, Spain 1-0 Serbia)

Spain needed just five minutes to open the scoring in Cordoba, with right-back Pedro Porro whipping a delightful cross towards the back post where Aymeric Laporte headed home his second international goal for La Roja from a tight angle.

Alvaro Morata misses penalty vs. Serbia (54th min, Spain 1-0 Serbia)

Spain were awarded a penalty after Porro's cross from the right was blocked with the arm of Veljko Birmancevic. However, Alvaro Morata stepped up and fired his effort from 12 yards well over the crossbar.

Alvaro Morata goal vs. Serbia (65th min, Spain 2-0 Serbia)

Morata atoned for his poor penalty miss by scoring a delightful goal to double Spain's advantage just after the hour mark, rounding off a slick free-flowing move from the hosts with a superb first-time strike swept into the far corner.

Strahinja Pavlovic sent off vs. Spain (76th min, Spain 2-0 Serbia)

Mikel Oyarzabal was felled on the edge of the penalty area after chasing a through-ball in a central position in behind Serbia's defence. Pavlovic was initially awarded a yellow card but that was upgraded to a red following an on-field review at the VAR pitchside monitor by the referee.

Alex Baena goal vs. Serbia (77th min, Spain 3-0 Serbia)

From the resulting free kick, Villarreal star Alex Baena stepped up a curled a perfect shot with his right foot over the wall and into the far corner - his first goal for Spain since his debut in December 2023.

MAN OF THE MATCH - PEDRO PORRO

Alex Baena deserves a special mention for his all-round display and superb goal, but Pedro Porro was arguably Spain's standout performer on the night, posing a constant threat down the right and curling countless deliveries into the danger zone.

The Tottenham Hotspur right-back set up Laporte for his opener and produced a total of six key passes throughout the 90 minutes, while he also won five ground duels, helped Spain keep a clean sheet and also won the penalty that Morata unfortunately missed early in the second half.

SPAIN VS. SERBIA MATCH STATS

Possession: Spain 67%-33% Serbia

Shots: Spain 30-3 Serbia

Shots on target: Spain 10-1 Serbia

Corners: Spain 6-2 Serbia

Fouls: Spain 12-12 Serbia

BEST STATS

WHAT NEXT?

Both countries will resume their Nations League campaigns in mid-November, with Spain facing Denmark away from home on November 15 in their penultimate fixture, before hosting Switzerland three days later.

As for Serbia, they will conclude their League A campaign with a trip to Switzerland, followed by a home encounter against Denmark.

15 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Scotland0 - 0Portugal
Portugal have missed the opportunity to make absolutely sure of reaching the UEFA Nations League playoffs next year as they drew 0-0 with Scotland in Glasgow tonight.
15 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Galatasarayvs.Roma
Roma Women will travel to Turkey for Thursday's Women's Champions League meeting with Galatasaray Women at the Ataturk Olimpiyat Stadium.
15 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Finland1 - 3England
Roy Keane's criticism of England and Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has been described as "ludicrous" and "parroting old cliches" by Liverpool expert David Lynch.
15 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
England to announce Thomas Tuchel appointment as new manager on Wednesday?
Thomas Tuchel has reportedly reached an agreement with the Football Association to become the new England manager.
15 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Liverpool
Liverpool expert David Lynch has exclusively told Sports Mole that Fenway Sports Group are "comfortably the best owners in the Premier League" as they celebrate 14 years in charge of the club.
15 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Paul Pogba breaks silence on Juventus future, Marseille links
Paul Pogba has refused to rule out a move to Marseille amidst uncertainty over his future at current club Juventus.
15 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Erling Haaland: European giants 'will go all out' to sign Man City striker next summer
La Liga giants Barcelona are determined to sign Manchester City striker Erling Haaland in the near future, according to a report.
15 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Lazio chief labels Mason Greenwood a "mercenary" after failing to sign ex-Man United man
Lazio president Claudio Lotito has insisted that he has 'no regrets' over failing to sign Mason Greenwood from Manchester United in the summer.
15 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Claudio Echeverri: Man City to integrate £12.5m signing into first-team squad in January?
Manchester City will reportedly integrate Claudio Echeverri into their first-team squad in January 2025 when his loan deal at River Plate expires.
15 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Southampton transfer news: Saints striker 'attracting interest from Belgian giants'
Southampton striker Paul Onuachu has reportedly attracted interest from Club Brugge.
15 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Newcastle United 'make £33m Leicester City star a summer priority'
Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing Leicester City Wout Faes next summer.
15 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
FC Twente Womenvs.Chelsea
Chelsea Women will look to maintain their 100% start to the season when they travel to the Netherlands for Thursday's Women's Super League clash.
15 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Shrewsburyvs.Exeter
Aiming to record back-to-backs wins for the first time during the 2024-25 campaign, Shrewsbury Town will welcome an in-form Exeter City to the Croud Meadow on Thursday night for a League One clash.
15 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Thomas Tuchel 'in pole position' to become next England manager after 'holding talks'
The Football Association are reportedly in talks with the representatives of Thomas Tuchel, who is in pole position to become the new England manager.
15 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Chelsea chiefs comment on transfer market, PSR strategy
Chelsea sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley have insisted that the club are not focused on selling homegrown talent.
15 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Pep Guardiola's 'most likely scenario' on Man City future revealed amid England links
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is reportedly leaning towards extending his contract at the Etihad Stadium amidst speculation linking him with the England vacancy.
15 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
France boss Didier Deschamps makes Kylian Mbappe admission amid rape allegations
France head coach Didier Deschamps has admitted that there is a "negative atmosphere" around the national team camp after captain Kylian Mbappe was accused of a rape.
15 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Kylian Mbappe: Real Madrid 'hold crisis meeting' amid rape accusation
Real Madrid have reportedly responded to forward Kylian Mbappe allegedly becoming the centre of a rape investigation in Sweden.
15 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Liverpool transfer news: Caoimhin Kelleher 'decision made' ahead of 2025
Liverpool have reportedly decided how they will handle the future of goalkeeper Caoimhim Kelleher.
15 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Kylian Mbappe: Real Madrid star deemed 'reasonable suspect in Swedish rape investigation'
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has been deemed to be a 'reasonable suspect' in a rape investigation, according to reports in Sweden.
15 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Arsenal, Chelsea stars recalled as England confirm 25-player squad for October friendlies
England Women's head coach Sarina Wiegman has selected a 25-strong squad for this month's October friendlies against Germany and South Africa.
15 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Chelsea transfer news: Christopher Nkunku 'stance taken' amid Paris Saint-Germain links
Chelsea have reportedly decided how they will handle any interest in Christopher Nkunku.
15 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Jonas Eidevall resigns as Arsenal Women's manager as Gunners confirm interim replacement
Arsenal Women's head coach Jonas Eidevall has resigned from his position after three years in charge, the Gunners have confirmed.
15 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Ruben Amorim to Man City: Could Sporting Lisbon boss replace Pep Guardiola after Hugo Viana arrival?
Manchester City expert Steven McInerney from Esteemed Kompany has talked up the success and pragmatism of Sporting Lisbon head coach Ruben Amorim, but he has questioned whether the Portuguese would be the right man to succeed Pep Guardiola should he decide to leave the Etihad Stadium.
15 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Erik ten Hag future: Man United 'to sack' Dutchman if certain number of games are lost
Manchester United reportedly determine how many more defeats it would take to sack head coach Erik ten Hag.
15 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Arsenal transfer news: Barcelona planning midfielder swoop in 2025?
Barcelona are allegedly giving consideration to making a move for an Arsenal midfielder during the summer transfer window.
15 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Manchester City
Manchester City expert Steven McInerney from Esteemed Kompany has lauded Txiki Begiristain as a "phenomenal" director of football and believes that his successor Hugo Viana will bring the required levels of energy and hunger to thrive in his new role at the Etihad Stadium.
15 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Man United transfer news: Bayern Munich trio on radar ahead of January window
Manchester United have reportedly identified as many as three Bayern Munich players as potential transfer targets for 2025.
15 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Flamengovs.Fluminense
The final instalment of the Fla-Flu derby this season takes place on Thursday as Flamengo host Fluminense from the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro.
15 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Corinthiansvs.Athletico PR
Corinthians can temporarily dig themselves out of the relegation zone with a victory on Thursday versus Athletico Paranaense at Corinthians Arena.
15 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Tuesday's Transfer Talk Update: Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, Kai Havertz, Nico Williams
With all eyes fixed on the January transfer market, clubs around the UK and Europe are already lining up potential mid-season moves.
15 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Tuesday's Nations League predictions including Scotland vs. Portugal
Poland vs. Croatia (Tuesday, 7.45pm) Separated by just one place and three points in the League A Group 1 rankings in the UEFA Nations League, Poland and Croatia pit their wits against one another in Warsaw on Tuesday. The hosts were conquered 3-1 by group leaders Portugal on matchday three, while the 2018 World Cup finalists came from behind to sink Scotland 2-1 and remain in control of their knockout destiny.
15 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni makes Lautaro Martinez Ballon d'Or claim
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has claimed that Lautaro Martinez "deserves" to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or.
15 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Harvey Elliott ramps up injury recovery as Liverpool release training photos
Liverpool have been handed a boost by the news that Harvey Elliott has stepped up his recovery from a foot fracture.
14 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Chelsea defender set for Billy Gilmour reunion at Napoli?
Napoli are reportedly interested in signing Chelsea outcast Ben Chilwell in the January transfer window.
14 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Tottenham dealt Lucas Bergvall injury blow as midfielder returns early from international duty
Tottenham Hotspur youngster Lucas Bergvall has returned early from international duty due to an injury issue.
Show more

Top News

5 May 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United are reportedly open to cashing in on one of their attackers should an offer arrive from Chelsea this summer. 5 May 2025 talksport.com Jamie Carragher has warned Trent Alexander-Arnold that he has lost the 'unconditional support' of Liverpool fans. 5 May 2025 talksport.com Liverpool will attack the transfer market this summer in a bid to retain their Premier League title, talkSPORT understands. 5 May 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has reportedly agreed to sign a long-term contract with Real Madrid. 5 May 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal will be just 90 minutes away from a first-ever Champions League title when the final whistle blows in Wednesday's semi-final second leg at the Parc des Princes. 5 May 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United are reportedly prepared to join the race to sign Brentford attacker Bryan Mbeumo this summer. 5 May 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Crystal Palace talisman Eberechi Eze is "tailor-made" to play for Arsenal and should arguably be above Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams on the Gunners' transfer shortlist, journalist Charles Watts has claimed. 5 May 2025 talksport.com Former Barnsley manager Gerhard Struber has sensationally been sacked by Cologne with the side on the brink of Bundesliga promotion. 5 May 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool reportedly tabled a series of contract offers in a bid to keep Trent Alexander-Arnold at Anfield 5 May 2025 talksport.com Trent Alexander-Arnold will be forced to move on from his iconic No.66 after completing his switch to Real Madrid. 5 May 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea have reportedly identified a La Liga defender as a potential target for the summer transfer window. 5 May 2025 talksport.com Harry Kane can be considered on par with Lionel Messi given his scoring success at Bayern Munich. 5 May 2025 talksport.com With the reality setting in over Trent Alexander-Arnold's Liverpool departure, he'd be well advised to not check his phone for a while. 5 May 2025 talksport.com That's it, Trent Alexander-Arnold has confirmed that after 20 years at Liverpool, he's leaving the club. 5 May 2025 sportsmole.co.uk The worst kept secret is out; Trent Alexander-Arnold is leaving Liverpool. 5 May 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Leeds United have reportedly identified an Argentina international as a potential summer transfer target. 5 May 2025 talksport.com Antony has given his clearest signal yet that he would like a lengthier stay at Real Betis. 5 May 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea return to action on Thursday evening when they play host to Djurgardens IF in the second leg of their Conference League semi-final. 5 May 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United are back in action on Thursday night when they play host to Athletic Bilbao in the second leg of their Europa League semi-final. 5 May 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Tottenham Hotspur are back in action on Thursday evening when they square off against Bodo/Glimt in the second leg of their Europa League semi-final. 5 May 2025 talksport.com Trent Alexander-Arnold has announced that he's leaving Liverpool. 5 May 2025 talksport.com A busy Premier League weekend ends tonight before European football takes over, and talkSPORT is here to bring you the latest. 5 May 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Arsenal are reportedly set to face competition from Aston Villa for the signature of Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic. 5 May 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Real Madrid reportedly sent scouts to watch two Bournemouth players over the weekend in the Premier League. 5 May 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United are reportedly set to move for Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo if Champions League football is secured at Old Trafford. 5 May 2025 talksport.com Al Hilal have set their sights on Marco Silva and Nuno Espirito Santo as they look to secure a new manager before the Club World Cup, talkSPORT understands. 5 May 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed concern about Jurrien Timber's availability for Wednesday's Champions League semi-final second leg with Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes. 5 May 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique is waiting to learn whether Ousmane Dembele will be available for Wednesday's Champions League semi-final second leg with Arsenal at the Parc des Princes. 5 May 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Nineteen years on from their first dose of Champions League heartbreak in the French capital, history could repeat itself for Arsenal on Wednesday, when the Gunners reunite with Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of their semi-final. 5 May 2025 sportsmole.co.uk All transfer business is done and dusted for this season, but that doesn't stop clubs from preparing ahead for next season.