The European Football Championship will be held in Germany from June 14 to July 14. For the first time in history, the Serbian national team will take part as an independent country. Meanwhile the upcoming Euro will be the third consecutive one for the Swiss team.
In an interview with Telecomasia.net, Darko Jevtić, a Swiss with Serbian roots and a former player of Rubin, shared his expectations for Euro 2024 and revealed the tournament’s main favorite in Germany.
Darko Jevtić. Photo: Rubin
“Switzerland will definitely make it to the playoffs”
– Darko, I know you have dual citizenship.
– Yes, that’s right. I have dual citizenship: Serbian and Swiss. I was born in Switzerland, but my parents are Serbs. They moved when they were young. My mom and dad met in Switzerland. I lived there until I was 20: I went to school there and started playing football.
– This summer, both Serbia and Switzerland will play in Euro 2024. Who will you be rooting for?
– If one team gets eliminated, I’ll root for the other (laughs). But on a serious note, it’s always a good opportunity for me because I can cheer for both teams.
– Let’s imagine the teams face each other.
– To be honest, blood is thicker than water. In that case, I will root for Serbia. I am Serbian, my mom is Serbian, and my dad is Serbian too. Although I also love Switzerland very much.
Xherdan Shaqiri, Switzerland national football team
– What are your expectations from Switzerland’s performance at Euro 2024?
– Switzerland has been showing its level for many years. They aim for big goals in almost every tournament. Just remember Euro 2020, where they advanced past France in the playoffs. This Euro, they have a tough group with Germany, Scotland, and Hungary. But I believe they will definitely secure a spot in the playoffs. Anything can happen in knockout matches.
“I can’t imagine what will happen in Serbia when Euro starts”
– And what do you think about Serbia?
– Unlike Switzerland, Serbia doesn’t seem to have the same reserve of talent. But in terms of the quality and level of players, it is a very strong team. Although they never really show their true level at major tournaments. I wish that at this European Championship, Serbia at least makes it out from the group stage.
– It is Serbia’s debut in the final stage of the European Championship. They have played in the World Cup but repeatedly missed the Euro. Why?
– I don’t even know. They have quality players and an excellent team. Perhaps it’s due to the pressure. Matches of the national team are always a big event in Serbia. I cannot even imagine what will happen when the Euro starts. Everyone knows the players of the national team. Yet even in these qualifiers, they had a very tough time.
– Serbia finished second in the group in the qualifiers behind Hungary.
– Yes, and it wasn’t surprising to me. Hungary is a strong team with top footballers like Szoboszlai from Liverpool. Although Serbia is stronger in terms of selection. But as we can see, the Hungarians performed better.
Dušan Tadić, Serbian national football team
– Do you know anyone who is currently playing in the Serbian national team?
– Yes, I do. I don’t have a close friend there, but I know several players: Aleksandar Mitrović, Filip Mladenović, Dušan Tadić.
– How did you meet Tadić?
– We have the same agent.
“Germany will be fully prepared for the home Euro. Germans are the main favorites”
– In your opinion, who is the favorite for Euro 2024?
– I think it’s Germany. First of all, the Germans are playing at home, so pressure shouldn’t be a problem for them. Sometimes, they even need the pressure to keep up their motivation. While Germany has had a few rough years, they will be fully prepared for the home Euro.
– What can you say about the rest?
– France, the Netherlands, Spain, and England are classic favorites. But as we get closer to the Cup, I believe it will be the Germans.
– Will there be surprises at this European Championship?
– Certainly. The toughest part in major tournaments is always getting through the group stage. After that, you can play to a draw, take the match to penalties, and advance against any favorite.
– What are the prospects for Albania and your former teammate Mirlind Daku?
– They are in the “group of death” with Italy, Croatia, and Spain. It will be very tough for them. However, for Daku, it’s a great opportunity to show himself among the world’s top players. Many European clubs will be very interested in him.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Georgian national football team
– Georgia has also qualified for Euro 2024. This was made possible after UEFA reforms. Is it good for football to have new faces at major tournaments?
– They had the opportunity to reach the Euro through playoff matches, which is fantastic. Small countries get an additional opportunity, but they still need to make an effort. Georgia defeated Greece in the final, it was a tough team. They earned it. This is a big step forward for them. And this is a great chance for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to prove himself against the strongest European teams.
– Has Khvicha outgrown Napoli?
– I don’t see any obstacles for him to move to another top club in the upcoming summer transfer window. Khvicha needs to keep growing, and he has all the skills for it. I am sure he will leave Napoli, but I cannot say when exactly.
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