Bojan Zajic, a former Serbian professional footballer, believes the chances for victory in the match between Norway and Serbia are 50-50. Why? Clear shortcomings in the Norwegian defense, in his oppinion.
The semi-final in the European Championship rematch is the most important match for Norway in several years.
It could be the first stage of two on the way to the European Championship next year.
The Serbia game should have have been played in March but the coronavirus pandemic interfered.
“Had we played in March, I can almost guarantee that Serbia would have won.
“These extra months and the virus situation have helped Norway, not least because the six month period was an advantage for young players like Haaland, Ødegaard, Hauge, and Berge.
“I say it’s a 50-50 match,” Zajic said.
Mitrovic – key player
He sees Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic as the key player for Serbia.
“This is a match where he can show himself.
“He is a type of leader that can create major problems for Norway’s defense.
“I only see weaknesses in the Norwegian defense,” Zajic said.
He also believes that Austria (won 2-1 in Oslo in September) showed how to handle Norway.
Norway’s backline will in all probability consist of Omar Elabdellaoui, Tore Reginiussen, Kristoffer Ajer, and Haitam Aleesami.
Sluggish
“It’s like Serbia’s squad.
“As I see it, the Norwegian midfielders lack speed, and they are vulnerable in the back room between themselves and the goalkeeper,” Zajic pointed out.
He believes Serbia could choose a 3-5-1-1 formation where the wingers are given a very important task in closing space on the flanks.
The big question for Serbia? How to stop Haaland.
“Haaland is the big threat, and Serbia has quite slow defensive players.
“The defense is, as is the case with Norway’s team, Serbia’s major weakness at the moment,” Zajic emphasized.
Bojan Zajic had a long career in Norwegian football. He played for Vålerenga, Sarpsborg 08, and Sandnes Ulf, where he is now an assistant coach.
Zajic came to Norway and Vålerenga in 2007 after playing in Partizan Belgrade in his home country.
© NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today
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