Austria U20 W vs Serbia U20 W

Serbia controlled the first half from the outset. They led 14–11 at the break, powered by outstanding shooting efficiency — 72% for the match compared to Austria's 52%. Austria struggled to convert chances despite taking 52 shots to Serbia's 40.

In the second half, Austria pushed back. They scored 16 goals after the interval to Serbia's 15, but the three-goal deficit from the first half proved decisive. Austria's Martina Maticevic was the game's top scorer with 10 goals from 19 attempts (53%), but the rest of her side shot just 36% (17/47) from the field.

Serbia's Lara Stanić was flawless, converting all six of her shots (100%). Milica Otašević added four from five, while Mia Đekić also went four from four. Sara Radović chipped in with four from eight.

Serbia's first-half efficiency was the match-winner. While Austria created more volume — 12 more total shots — Serbia punished every mistake. They shot 14/17 (82%) from near range in the first 30 minutes and led by three at the break, a margin Austria could never fully erase in the second period.

Lara Stanić (Serbia) — Player of the Match. The Serbian left back scored six goals from six attempts (100%) and added two assists. Her composure under pressure was decisive in tight moments.

Martina Maticevic (Austria) — A colossal individual performance. The centre back scored 10 goals, nearly single-handedly keeping Austria in the game, but her 53% efficiency reflected the volume of low-percentage attempts she was forced to take.

Ivona Grujičić (Serbia) — While she didn't have her best game (0 saves from 0 shots faced on this match sheet), Serbia's collective shot efficiency meant Austria's 52 attempts yielded only 27 goals — a 52% conversion rate that was well below their tournament average.

The final scoreline 27–29 tells only part of the story. Serbia's 72% shooting efficiency (29/40) was elite, far exceeding Austria's 52% (27/52). Austria dominated total shots 52–40 but managed only two fastbreak goals to Serbia's three. Serbia also won the 7m duel 3–2, converting all their penalty opportunities. The xG equivalent from shot locations heavily favoured Serbia given the accuracy disparity.

Serbia finish Group B with a perfect 3–0 record (95 goals for, 58 against) and advance to the main round carrying two points. Austria also qualify but begin the main round with zero points carried over. Both European sides eliminated Angola and Paraguay, who move to the President's Cup (places 17–32).

Serbia U20 next play in the main round starting 29 June. Austria U20 also continue in the main round from the same date. Serbia's form trajectory — three wins, all by double-digit margins against Angola and Paraguay, plus this tight win over Austria — marks them as a genuine quarter-final contender.

Serbia's ruthless efficiency from the field was the difference against a gutsy Austria side that generated more volume but lacked the finishing polish. The 72% shot conversion rate is tournament-best material and signals Serbia as a dark horse for the later stages. Austria will need to solve their shot selection in the main round to progress.