Serbia was eliminated from EuroBasket 2025 in a stunning upset, losing 92-86 to Finland in the round of 16, continuing a troubling trend for the national basketball team in knockout stages. The defeat, coming despite the presence of NBA star Nikola Jokić, left fans and analysts questioning whether this generation of Serbian players will have another opportunity to achieve international glory.
The loss marked a bitter follow-up to Serbia’s round-of-16 exit at EuroBasket 2022 against Italy, but many observers said this defeat was even more painful. Finland, relying on only three well-known players and nine relative unknowns, executed a disciplined, fast-paced game plan, exploiting Serbia’s defensive lapses and lack of cohesion.
Serbia struggled throughout the match, hindered by injuries to key players including captain Bogdan Bogdanović, Tristan Vukčević, and Aleksa Avramović. The team displayed moments of confusion on both ends of the court, with poor communication, missed defensive assignments, and a lack of energy undermining their performance. Even Jokić, statistically dominant and unstoppable at times, could not carry the team alone.
Veteran coach Svetislav Pešić, who led Serbia to silver in Manila and bronze in Paris, acknowledged the team’s shortcomings. “This squad may be remembered as one of the most talented Serbia has produced, but it failed to prove itself on the court,” Pešić said.
Media across Europe described the result as a historic shock. BasketNews called it the “upset of the century,” while MARCA labeled it an “EuroBasket earthquake.” The loss highlights the challenge Serbia faces: translating individual talent into collective success.
Looking ahead, Serbia must regroup and rebuild, addressing tactical weaknesses and defensive discipline, while Finland moves on to the quarter-finals, celebrating a victory that analysts say was both mental and tactical in its execution.