Serbia started the World Cup Qualifiers with a triumph, defeating Switzerland 90-86 at home.
Dusan Alimpijevic, the Besiktas coach, made his debut on Serbia’s bench in this match, and he will certainly remember his first game well.
After the duel, Alimpijevic shared his first impressions.
“I must say that I am very happy after this victory and I am very pleased with how we found a way as a team to win. It wasn’t the prettiest or the best game, but tomorrow we will remember how we got to this point. Such a victory after being down by 23 points shows that this team has character.”
Serbia struggled and was down by 23 points at halftime, and Alimpijevic was aware that his players were paralyzed.
“We had a conversation that changed our approach. They were aware of everything. As I said in the post-match interview, I saw the tension and they were paralyzed by it. They couldn’t make their open shots. That’s normal. These games are very tough, but Switzerland was relaxed and it was their first time in the role of a national team. These windows are unpredictable. You don’t know what you’re working with. For me, this was a completely new experience. It will certainly be different as we continue. We did a good job in a short time when we won the game in such a way.”
In the next round, Serbia will visit Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Switzerland will play against Turkey.