Serbia fight back to down Denmark

Serbia came from behind to start their elite round Group 7 campaign with a 3-2 victory against Denmark in Hall, Austria.

After Nicolai Jørgensen turned early dominance into a one-goal advantage for Denmark, Serbia responded well with captain Danijel Aleksić and Filip Djuričić scoring within six minutes of each other. Although Denmark went into the break on level terms, Marko Šćepović struck just before the hour and Serbia held out comfortably to put themselves on the right track for a UEFA European Under-19 Championship finals place.

Denmark made the early running and were soon rewarded when Thomas Delaney found Jørgensen who gave his side a 15th-minute lead. However, going behind spurred Tomislav Sivić's charges into life and they were soon level, Aleksić firing in from close range midway through the half. ACF Fiorentina winger Adem Ljajić almost got another straight away, but Serbia did not have to wait long to take the lead, Djuričić giving Denmark No1 Nicolai Larsen no chance from eight metres out.

Serbia were now in control, but they had to settle for a 2-2 scoreline at half-time after Bashkim Kadrii struck against the run of play just before the interval. The second half was dominated by Serbia, though, as Denmark rarely threatened. Saša Marković headed over from a corner before releasing Šćepović with a clever pass and the forward lobbed Larsen to give his side the edge once more – a lead they protected well. "It was very hot today," said Sivić. "The conditions were hard and Denmark played very well early on but we improved and deserved our victory even though I'm not really satisfied with the performance."