BELGRADE, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Despite dominating for most of the match, Spain was held to a goalless draw by Serbia in their UEFA Nations League opener in Belgrade on Thursday.
The reigning Olympic and European champions controlled the game with superior ball possession and numerous goal attempts but failed to break through Serbia's solid defense.
Spain dictated the tempo from the start, pressing Serbia high and controlling 68 percent of possession. They registered 23 shots, mostly from long range, but Serbian goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic dealt comfortably with the efforts.
Serbia, meanwhile, focused on defense and sought to counterattack when possible. Their best chance came when Luka Jovic missed the target from close range in the 34th minute, squandering a rare opportunity to score.
Spain completed 574 passes with 91 percent accuracy compared to Serbia's 185, but their inability to convert their dominance into goals left them frustrated. Serbia managed just eight attempts on goal but remained resilient, securing a point in the country's debut in League A of the competition.
After Matchday 1 of League A, Group 4, Denmark leads the standings with three points following their victory over Switzerland.
Spain and Serbia, with one point each, will both play away on September 8 - Spain against Switzerland, and Serbia against Denmark. ■
