Written by dinamofan:), CSR HNL correspondent
The 2009-10 HNL season has been more confusing than the current Dodger Divorce (stickball alert) going on in Los Angeles between soon-to-be divorced Dodgers owners Frank and Jamie McCourt. Dinamo Zagreb don’t drop a point to start the season and then draw Zadar and lose to a bipolar Hajduk side in Split. Ermin Zec and Šibenik keep trucking along for a first ever Croatian title while NK Zagreb show signs of life before plummeting back down to Earth weeks later. For those of us who thought the HNL would be disappointing with the expansion to 16 teams- we were wrong. Look at all the parody week in and week out. I would hate to be a betting man in Croatia this season. -Ante Kvartuč
Here are the results for Nov. 7-8…
Dinamo Zagreb [5 – 0] HNK Šibenik
ANDREJ KRAMARIĆ
Following several disappointing performances, Dinamo set about restoring their credibility with an excellent win over high flying Šibenik. Under pressure coach Krunoslav Jurčić again moderated his line up, moving Tomečak and Ibanez into full back positions ahead of Etto and Cufre, with Sivonjić on the right wing and Andrej Kramarić and Miroslav Slepička placed in attack. These moves helped Dinamo in a big way as the energy of the young players improved the pace of their game. Dinamo got off to a great start thanks to HNL1 leading scorer Pedro Morales who bagged his 11th of the season after good play from Slepička. Ilija Sivonjić was the next to cash in as he found himself free in the penalty area to score his sixth of the season. Slepička was again in the thick of things setting up Kramarić for the third, before Badelj angled home an excellent fourth goal before half time.
In the second half Dinamo continued to prompt and netted their fifth after substitute Tomislav Barbarić turned home a Morales corner. With Jurčić choosing to withdraw Kovač, Morales and Tomečak, several Dinamo players will be delighted to finally get a full 90 minutes under their belt. There were rave reviews particularly for midfielder Adrian Callelo and Czech international Slepička. Callelo missed much of the early season and along with Ibanez is beginning to find his feet again in the Dinamo team. The display of Slepička and Kramarić was much needed with players such as Sammir and Papadopoulos having lost their way. Dinamo legend and staff member Igor Cvitanović called on Slepička and Kramarić to be placed in the side in midweek and it appears Jurčić will run with this for the next few matches. Although Šibenik were completely humbled by Dinamo, they can still remain optimistic about their season. Dinamo revived their chances of taking the title as they opened up a four point lead at the top.
Međimurje [1 – 1] Hajduk Split
Hajduk Split failed to build on last week’s win over a tired Dinamo Zagreb side as they could only manage a 1-1 draw against Međimurje in the fog. Hajduk had Anthony Serić back from injury and restored Jurica Buljat to the side in place of injured Mario Maloca. Edy Reja also left both Sharbini brothers on the bench preferring to play Brazilian Paraiba up front. Hajduk began positively and netted in the 7th minute through Senijad Ibričić. However, they failed to build on their lead and Međimurje were soon back in it. Eliomar missed a golden chance, but Bojan Golubović was on hard to net his 7th of the season. In the second half Reja turned to Anas, Marijan Buljat and Ante Vukušić, leaving Ahmad stuck on the bench. The best opportunity for an equalizer layed in the hands of the referee when Buljat went down, but no favorable decision was made. Hajduk moved up one place to eighth but are making no great headway into the top six.
Inter Zaprešić [3 – 0] NK Rijeka
A fantastic win for Zaprešić, but a disaster for Rijeka who continue to tread water at midtable. Rijeka were up against it from the start when key defender Tarik Cerić was shown a straight red card. Zaprešić finally took advantage through Silvio Cavrić to put them up 1-0 ahead at half time. In the second half, Tomislav Sarić extended the lead, with new signing Josip Barišić scoring the third. The win moved Zaprešić into 11th place, just two points behind Rijeka in 7th. They are also five points clear of the relegation zone and moved ahead of Varteks and Međimurje. For Rijeka, this was another disappointing day. The club has already revealed the intent to turnover the current playing staff and gave a trial in midweek to Belgian left back Mikael David Yourassky. The 26 year old has a reputation as something of a globetrotter having already spent brief spells with Genk, Andelecht and Dender in Belgium andKokyra, Ethnikos and Xanthi in Greece with a spell for Boca Juniors in Argentina. His last club was Mexican outfit Toluca.
14TH ROUND HNL HIGHLIGHTS
NK Osijek [5 – 3] NK Zagreb
Osijek continued their good form with a thrilling 5-3 victory over struggling NK Zagreb. They opened the scoring in the 25th minute through Domogoj Vida. Jurica Pranjić netted the second before Davor Vugrinec pulled one back for Zagreb. Josip Knežević immediately put Osijek up 3-1, but two further strikes from Vugrinec ensured the teams went in level at half time. Osijek however was the team to make strides for victory as Knežević grabbed his second, with Ivan Miličević grabbing the fifth. Osijek are now in an excellent position to challenge for a Europa Liga spot. Zagreb meantime fought well, but wins from Zaprešić and Istra 1961 mean they have fallen further behind their nearest rivals in the relegation zone. Zagreb sit eight points from safety but positive news lightens the mood around the club as the scoring form of Vugrinec, who netted his sixth in four games, helps Zagreb compete.
NK Zadar [2 – 0] Varteks
Zadar recorded a much needed win over fellow strugglers Varteks to stay six points clear of the relegation zone. Striker Ivan Santini proved the savior scoring both goals. These were much needed strikes for Santini who had been struggling to make an impact following his arrival from Ingoltstat. For Varteks, the defeat leaves them only three points ahead of third from bottom club Istra 1961. Varteks also announced they could lose key player Goran Mujanović on a free transfer as they don’t have the money to renew his contract. The Varaždin club are in financial difficulties and are hoping to sell two key players in the winter to prevent a serious crisis. Meanwhile, ex-Varteks target, Lovro Screbec, has signed for HNL2 side Rudes. The ex-Zagreb trainee is returning to Croatia after an unsuccessful move to Portugese side Nacional. Ex-Varteks keeper Daniel Madarić has also found a new club in the HNL2 with Čakovec.
Slaven Belupo [1 – 0] Lokomotiva
Slaven Belupo kept up their good form with a fifth straight win, defeating Lokomotiva 1-0. Belupo netted in the 41st minute through Matija Poredski. Coach Zlatko Dalić will be hugely satisfied that he is finding goals from all over the pitch with 11 players already getting their names on the scoresheet this season. Belupo are also dealing well to injuries with Poredski, Delić and Tepurić providing excellent cover in attack for Bojan Vrućina and Mario Jurić. Belupo are into fifth place, whilst Lokomotiva stay at midtable.
Istra 1961 [2 – 0] Karlovac
Istra recorded an excellent win to improve their hopes of survival with a 2-0 win over Karlovac. Istra, who parted company during the week with coach Elvis Scoria, scored through their two most important players Asim Sehić and Khallilou Traore. Istra expect to appoint a coach within the week with Ante Miše, Ilija Lončarević and Goran Vlaović all stating their interest in the post. Elvis Scoria left the post after recording only 9 points from 13 games. Scoria has continued his reputation of leaving a club in a healthier position from which he took it up from. Karlovac drop down to sixth place.
Croatia Sesvete [0 – 3] Cibalia Vinkovci
Cibalia kept on course for a top five position going into the winter break thanks to this 3-0 stroll against relegation candidates Croatia Sesvete. Goals for Husić, Kresinger and Pavlivić saw them home. This is one of the best seasons ever from Cibalia, who under the guidance of Stanko Mršić have moved within a point of leaders Dinamo Zagreb prior to their match on Sunday with Šibenik.
Next Matches: Round 15
Saturday, November 21st
Dinamo Zagreb at Karlovac
Croatia Sesvete at Hajduk Split
Međimirje at Šibenik
NK Osijek at Cibalia
Slaven Belupo at Varteks
Zadar at NK Zagreb
Istra at NK Rijeka
Inter at Lokomotiva
Zoran Vulic has resigned as coach from Rijeka.
http://www.nogometni-magazin.com/newspro/coranto/viewnews.cgi?id=EkVZlZuulZxZdycKiL&tmpl=coranto_hrv_news
Nenad Gracan is the new coach.
The clubs don't need to have packed grounds or pander to fans who don't care about building their countries institutes whilst they continue to have a Ermin Zec, a Mato Jajalo etc to sell. I think there are some hardened fans who will support their cities clubs. Clearly sales have to be made, but they'll come a point where they'll get financially secure and then will be on the tales of Hajduk especially.
the fans still wont come out unless their team is playing hajduk or dinamo. The soccer in the HNL is not on par with other european leagues that can be watched at home on TV. I would rather watch an EPL, La Liga game on my couach as opposed going to a HNL game.
@ Ziva – My only reasoning for this, is that if fans of teams realize that their team can actually play and win, it may draw out more fans, thus more money for the club in question.
I agree the league of 16 should never have been, but if teams like Cibalia, Osijek, Sibenik can continue their form and win, well see above. Granted, it will just water-down results in the league.
The league should be 10 teams with 2 teams facing relegation.
Slepicka was a lot better yesterday. I reckon we should give him a couple of games. When Mandzo comes back we should put Kramaric to the bench. I think we need to get a proper look at Slepicka cos we've not really seen him thus far. It seems like we're out of Europe so we have to focus on winning the title. So we need to have a look if Slepicka is good enough to perform regularly in HNL1. I think we already know he's not good enough for Europa Liga, but at present whilst he's on our staff he may be worth sticking with till end of season. 6 goals from Sivonjic is definitely respectable. He has a place as a squad player at Dinamo. I reckon we should monitor Slepicka in the next few matches. We also know so far he has the tendancy to play one outstanding match and then does nothing for the next 2 months. Will see how he does.
I don't agree cos how are you supposed to get rid of the crap out the league if you limit the number of teams relegated. Also look at where Lokomotiva, Medimurje, Karlovac are in the league. Istra have also been credited with playing some of best football in the league. I disagree entirely. There is little wrong with opening the league up as long as the promoted sides prepare properly. If there was a gulf in class between last season HNL1 clubs and the promoted sides then yes it decreases the quality of the league, but those promoted sides are clearly better or as good the others. Also from our point of view we need Lokomotiva in the top flight.
However i think the league should go back to 12 after this season and keep the teams who proved themselves during the course of this what i consider more challenging league. I mean relegating one. That's not challenging or interesting at all. As for cutting it to eight, wouldn't we be talking about a Hajduk relegation here. There team stinks i got no idea how any Hajduk player gets in Croatian national team. Strinic in place of Cale is a joke. Wherever Radman is – then if we are talking about Strinic being in squad then Vida certainly deserves to be ahead of him. I don't know where Bilic gets off calling up a Hajduk player.
Bring it down to 8 or 10. If there's 8, no relegations. If there's 10, last two are relegated. 16 is way too much.
how will these results benefit the league….
have you seen the attendance figures, the quality of play. the league with 16 teams is a joke. it should never be more than 12 teams.
http://dinamo11.blogspot.com/2009/11/mamic-show-on-tv-criticized-beusan.html
Mamic circus continues, including his hilarious dance off.
http://www.nogometni-magazin.com/newspro/coranto/viewnews.cgi?id=EkVZyFulupIzqYXYJy&tmpl=coranto_video_news
here are the videos
The results if they continue will only benefit the league.
Also, have you seen Istra's new stadium idea?
New sponsor and Vlaovic to run the team.
http://sportske.jutarnji.hr/index.php?cmd=show_clanak&clanak_id=15204
http://nkistra1961.hr/galerija/AldoDrozdina15.jpg
http://nkistra1961.hr/galerija/AldoDrozdina03.jpg
http://nkistra1961.hr/galerija/AldoDrozdina07.jpg
I think as a one off the 16 team idea is not so bad. I think HNS should do it like every 5 years to stop a bunch of sides from going stale. In recent years with the one down one up system i think that's been happening. Sides have just been happy to let Hajduk and Dinamo defeat them knowing that with one going down they can collect their points elsewhere that keeps them safe and for some sides that's been the maximum of their expectations. However this year nobody wants to be down in HNL2 and are fighting for their very existence, even in the Dinamo and Hajduk games. Even Dinamo now they are tired are not a great dealer stronger than the rest of the teams around them.
The good thing is that this season i think Osijek, Sibenik and Slaven Belupo could all be about as financially powerful as they ever have. Once Zec goes Sibenik will be able to have the resources to stay a top 5 side. Osijek just need one sale of Knezevic, Milicevic, Vida or Jugovic abroad to become financially comfortable. Some of those sides not only have strong teams, but strong squads. Rijeka also will spend some of the Sharbini money in the winter. They possibly should consider buying Ahmad back.
I'm feeling a little sorry for Zagreb. Their talented players like Parlov, Besart and Spicic have not come to party this year. Vugrinec is a class act. He was bound to improve his game, but Krstanovic seems to have saved his goals for preseason and that's it.
Regards Hajduk – they played a Mandzoless Dinamo and i think Dinamo have hit a brick wall now and are waiting for midseason. Dinamo's like a boxer waiting for the bell at present. Hajduk's win over them meaned very little. Hajduk continue to have problems with their team and it appears more and more players are becoming unsettled. Its gone from Jertec to Rodic to Tomasov to Ljubicic and now to Ahmad Sharbini the latest player to be left out of Reja's plans.