Aleksandar Mitrovic out of World Cup '“ and heading for Newcastle exit
Newcastle United's Aleksandar Mitrovic couldn't stop Serbia crashing out of the World Cup.
Mitrovic and his team-mates were beaten 2-0 by Brazil at the Spartak Stadium in Moscow last night.
Serbia finished third in Group E behind group-winners Brazil and Switzerland.
A goal from Paulinho gave Brazil a first-half lead, but Serbia put Brazil under pressure early in the second half – and Mitrovic had two good chances to equalise.
The 23-year-old had a header saved by Alisson Becker and another stooping effort struck the legs of a Brazil defender.
Thiago Silva killed the game off with a 68th-minute header.
Serbia coach Mladen Krstajic: "You have to be alive for 90 minutes or else you'll be punished. It's difficult to play such an open game against a powerhouse of football like Brazil."
Mitrovic spent the second half of last season loan at Fulham, who were promoted to the Premier League through the play-offs.
United manager Rafa Benitez wants to sell Mitrovic – who scored in Serbia's 2-1 defeat to Switzerland – this summer, and the club will demand £20million.
Fulham are expected to bid for Mitrovic, but they could face competition from a number of other clubs.