The whistle has blown on the first leg of Serbia’s global tour, and the echo is deafening. After a crushing defeat to Cape Verde national football team, the national team faces a second friendly against Mexico national football team, but they are not marching out at full strength. Head coach Veljko Paunović has made the hard call, leaving three key regulars behind as the squad boards the plane for Central America.

Three Stars Left Behind

Fans expected a full-strength lineup against a future World Cup opponent. Reality, however, struck harder. Strahinja Pavlovic, Andrija Zivkovic, and Jovan Milosevic will not be flying to Mexico. The decisions were not taken lightly, but objective circumstances forced Paunović’s hand. The Orlovi must adapt, survive, and fight with a depleted roster.

Fatigue and Injuries Dictate the Roster

The situation with Pavlovic was pre-planned. Before the trip to Portugal, the coach and player agreed that Pavlovic would only play the Cape Verde match. After an exhausting season, his body demanded rest. "We agreed beforehand," Paunović stated clearly. "Due to immense fatigue and a grueling season, he plays only one game." It is a strategic withdrawal, not a punishment.

For Zivkovic and Milosevic, the story is written in pain. Both suffered nasty knocks during the match in Lisbon. Despite their desire to join the team in Mexico, the medical staff vetoed the plan. "They both took bad blows in Lisbon," the coach explained. "We assessed that risking it now is foolish. They return to Belgrade for recovery under medical supervision." No heroics, just smart management.

The Early Morning Battle

The clash with the Mexicans is scheduled for June 5. But for Serbian supporters, victory comes with a cost: sleep. The match kicks off at 4:00 AM local time. Alarms must be set. Eyes must stay open. The weakened squad faces a tough test on foreign soil, and the nation will be watching from the early hours. Can they bounce back? Or will the fatigue of the previous defeat haunt them again?