After coming back from 2-0 down to earn a controversial draw against Portugal on Saturday, Dragan Stojković's Serbia defeated Azerbaijan on Tuesday thanks to a brace by Aleksandar Mitrović.
The Fulham man kept up his outstanding form for the international break and has now scored five goals in Serbia's three World Cup qualifiers.
He scored a brace in the opening game against Ireland and followed it up with his team's first in the eventual draw which saw Ronaldo leave the field in frustration. That goal, his 39th for Serbia, saw him become the country's all-time leading goalscorer. Tuesday's result takes Serbia to first place in Group A, at least temporarily, dependent on Portugal's result against Luxembourg later on.
Mitrović opened the scoring in the 16th minute, punishing Azerbaijan for a giveaway in midfield. With his first touch taking him clear of the defender inside the box, he unleashed a low drive into the corner of the net.
Aleksandar Mitrovic for Serbia since 2016:
46 games
39 goalsUntouchable. pic.twitter.com/LMbWrenvQg
— Serbian Football (@SerbianFooty) March 30, 2021
Serbia conceded a penalty in the 59th minute which saw Azerbaijan draw level, but Mitrović was on hand with under 10 minutes to play to rescue his country for the umpteenth time, volleying home the winner from just outside the box.
Serbia stay unbeaten in #WCQ Group A as Aleksandar Mitrovic finishes with five goals in six days https://t.co/UUqquOtLZA— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) March 30, 2021
His game-winning performance Tuesday comes a week after he stunned Ireland with an audacious chip which put Serbia ahead after 68 minutes.
Mitrovic’s 30-yard chip from all angles
Some finish pic.twitter.com/fEWeXdNTYs— Goal (@goal) March 26, 2021
Mitrović and Serbia resume qualifying against Luxembourg, currently third in Group A on four points following an upset victory over Ireland.
