Serbian media lyrical about Netherlands - Serbia standout: 'A football grandmaster!'

Serbian media are raving about Dusan Tadic's performance. The NEC forward captained his side in Sunday's 2-1 defeat to the Netherlands and has drawn plenty of praise in the aftermath.

Serbia handed Tadic a start on Sunday evening. The former FC Twente and Ajax man also wore the captain's armband for the national team.

Tadic made himself unavailable for Serbia for two years. He was playing in the Middle East and did not fancy flying all the way back to Europe for every match.

Since returning to NEC, he has made himself available again. The Serbian newspapers say that move has paid off. His pass for the 1-1, in particular, has earned widespread praise.

Mozzart Sport highlighted two moments. “A wonderful ball to Pavlovic, who did not turn it into a goal, and of course the build-up to the equaliser. Few players in Europe can do that like him. All the creativity in our team comes from him. While he was still on the pitch, we were on a par with the Netherlands. Afterwards, no longer,” the outlet said.

Sportinjo Informer also lavished praise on the 37-year-old, but pointed to a major problem too. “When he became tired in the 66th minute and left the pitch, Serbia became hopeless. Shortly afterwards, the decisive 2-1 went in. There are very few football masters in Europe like him. Serbia do not seem able to combine properly when he is on the bench.”

Sportklub picked up on the same weakness. “While he was still on the pitch, Serbia looked like a serious opponent that was ready to score. Afterwards, absolutely no longer.”