Serbian centre-back Nemanja Vidic and midfielder Dejan Stankovic are set to retire from international football.
The pair were in action on Tuesday in their heartbreaking 1-0 loss to Slovenia, which saw Vladimir Petrovic’s side bow out of Euro 2012 qualifying.
Vidic missed a penalty for the visitors in Maribor, in what is likely to be his final match in international colours.
“I took responsibility and I am aware of the consequences of a poorly executed penalty,” said Vidic, who turns 30 this month.
“It was agreed that I (would take the kick), but I wanted to take responsibility. I will bear the consequences of missed penalties.”
“If I had scored, the game would (have gone an) entirely different course.”
“I’m sorry that I will never play at the European Championships because the following qualifications (are too far away).”
Vidic added that he believed his nation’s failure to progress to the finals, to be co-hosted by Poland and Ukraine, might mark the end of an era for Serbian football.
“It’s time for a change of generations and for some older players to say goodbye to the Serbian jersey,” the Manchester United star said.
Stankovic, the Serbian captain, said he would retire after their next international friendly – a match that will make him the most-capped Serbian player, with 102 appearances to his name after Tuesday.
“This was my last competitive match for my country, I will play one more game and that will be my farewell to the national team,” Stankovic said.
Manager Petrovic is also set to move on from his time spent at the helm of the first team, after taking the reins in September last year.
“They don’t need to sack me because my contract expires in two months’ time and it’s up to the FA whether they want to extend it,” Petrovic said.
