Three matches, three convincing victories, just one goal conceded, and a 9:1 goal differential! That is the short summary of FC Dinara’s performance on day one of Srbijada, the largest soccer tournament of the Serbian and Balkan diaspora in America and Canada.
Dinara opened the competition brilliantly. With dominant wins in the first two rounds, they secured a spot in tomorrow’s knockout stage. The third match offered a chance to conserve energy under today’s scorching heat at the Indiana Elite Soccer Club fields in Portage, IN, after taking an early 2:0 lead.
CAPTAIN’S DUTY: Vanja Jovović sets out the kits for his players and teammates.
In the tournament opener, the first team defeated the multi-time Srbijada champions, the White Eagles from Paterson, NJ, with a 3:0 scoreline. Kalezić scored twice (both penalties), and Zdravković added one.
TWO GOALS FOR A STRONG START: Kalezić delivered on expectations and found the back of the net.
It was clear early on that Dinara’s current lineup would dominate, as proven in the second match against Canada’s Windsor Serbs. Southern bagged a hat-trick, while Zdravković added another to seal a resounding 4:0 victory.
The final match against the second White Eagles team (2:1)—this time from Indiana—was a serious contest in the first half. The second half saw the team manage the match and conserve energy for tomorrow’s knockout stage.
JERSEY HANDOUT: Captain Vanja Jovović and Vlado Zadro.
By securing first place in Group C, Dinara earns a BYE through the opening knockout round and moves directly to the quarterfinals, where they will face the winner of a matchup between lower-seeded teams (potential opponents were unconfirmed at the time of publication).
Our veterans also put in three strong performances. They claimed a crucial 4:1 victory over the Windsor Serbs in their opener, followed by a hard-fought 0:0 draw against NY Serbia.
THE BRIGHTER SIDE OF SRBIJADA: They didn’t play soccer, but they certainly caught the attention of players and fans alike.
In their decisive match, the “old-timers” dismantled FK Republika Srpska 4:0, with Terzić netting a hat-trick and Gagović adding one.
They will also compete in Sunday’s battle for the Over-30 trophy against an opponent to be determined.
YOUTH, SPORT, BEAUTY! Srbijada 2026 gathered the top soccer players from the American and Canadian diaspora.
All in all, we enjoyed strong play, victories from both of our squads, and great energy on the pitch!
TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER: Captain Vanja Jovović giving final instructions to teammates before the second half.
No room for relaxation, though—Sunday is for glory and trophies!
See you there!
THE FUTURE BELONGS TO THE YOUTH…
Text/Photo/Video: Antonije Kovačević
