Here are the results for Aug 5-7…
Slaven Belupo [ 0-2 ] Dinamo Zagreb
NET.hr/ Ante Rukavina’s double sealed the win for Dinamo on Saturday
Dinamo Zagreb kept their perfect record in the Prva Liga this season with a 2-0 away victory against Slaven Belupo on Saturday. All that was needed for the victory was a first half double from ante Rukavina to get the job done. Both shots by Rukavina should have easily been saved, but Belupo keeper Rodić looked off on the night. Early in the second half, Jerko Leko got into it with Slaven defenseman Alen Maras. Both were separated and then given yellow cards.
Dinamo are two games away from reaching the Champions League group stage. Only Swedish champions Malmo stand in their way. No matter what the outcome of the tie, Dinamo will have an additional six games in Europe, either in Champions League or Europa League. Can Dinamo keep their form in the Prva Liga while battling through Europe this season?
“Maybe I got caught up in the locker room atmosphere, but I can say that we played an excellent game. We had strength, technical domination and a determined striker in Rukavina.”
~Dinamo zagreb manager,Krunoslav Jurčić, after the match
“I feel good, I train a lot and it means a lot that the coach gives me all these league matches. The killer sense is returning, but I still need lots of work. I am training, but the games mean a lot more. I haven’t scored twice in a match in over a year. However, I have scored here in Koprivnica last season as well.”
~Ante Rukavina, after the match
“We are getting better, better chemistry with Tonel, but still I can do better. I hope that against Malmö I will be at my best.”
~Domagoj Vida, after the match
DINAMO ZAGREB-SLAVEN BELUPO MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
Slaven Belupo: Rodić – Purić, Kokalović, Maras, Grgić – Milardović, Vojnović, Brezovec – Mujanović, Benko – Bušić
Dinamo Zagreb: Kelava – Vrsaljko, Tonel, Vida, Ibanez – Badelj, Leko, Calello, Sammir – Beqiraj, Rukavina
Hajduk Split [ 2-1 ] NK Rijeka
NET.hr/ Anas Sharbini (99) in action vs. Rijeka
Hajduk got their season back on track Sunday night with a tough win against a very scrappy Rijeka side. A. Vukušić got Hajduk on the board in the 25′ when he ‘shouldered’ the ball off a whipping cross from the sideline to beat Rijeka goalie Lisjak. Rijeka wouldn’t let the early goal phase them as numerous shots were blasted towards the Hajduk goal; all a bit too high though. In the 65′, Rijeka hit the crossbar off a chip-shot to try and beat Danijel Subašić, who was off his line.
HAJDUK-RIJEKA MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
In the 77′, captain Srđjan Andrić headed home a corner to make it 2-0 for Hajduk. Rijeka kept the pressure coming and cut the lead in half in the 82′ when Subašić couldn’t punch the ball out of his own boss which resulted in an open shot on frame for Rijeka’s Švrljuga. The match would end 2-1 and keep Hajduk three points behind leaders Dinamo Zagreb. With Hajduk making an early exit from Europa League this season after losing to Stoke City, do they have a chance at the Prva Liga title with Dinamo playing extra games in Europe this year?
Torcida on hand for Rijeka match
“The most important thing is that we won, that we secured three points. We knew it would be difficult as this is our sixth game in two weeks, and this is a pace to which our players were not accustomed to. It was obvious that we need more time. It is now important to get a little rest, to calmly analyze everything and to continue with positive energy. There was no fear, despite three defeats. I am not afraid, one who is afraid should not be in football.
I knew that we need more time, now I am again convinced of that. But this was psychologically a tough game. Our decline in the second part is a consequence of fatigue, and Rijeka took advantage. Anas is playing well, I will not bench him. I am waiting for him to explode, I have confidence in him. – he said Balakov which specially meet Andric and Lima.”
~Hajduk manager, Krasimir Balakov after the match
“The game had two distinct halves, Hajduk was better in the first half and dominated and in the second we were the better team, holding the ball. Hajduk took advantage of their opportunities and this showed the inexperience of my team. I am unsatisfied because we play for points, and we are returning home empty-handed. I am happy with our play in the second half, so I’m not worried about the future. I told the referee that I would be pleased and fortunate to have the same type of treatment in Rijeka. This is not to devalue the victory Hajduk.”
~Rijeka manager, Alen Horvat, after the match
Hajduk: Subašić – Oremuš, Maloča, Inoha, Lima – Kukoč, Trebotić, Andrić, An. Sharbini – Vukušić, Ah. Sharbini.
Rijeka: Lisjak – Švrljuga, Baković, Čagalj, Čaval – Čulina, Vukman, Kreilach, Gutierrez – Dedić, Križman.
NK Lokomotiva [ 2-0 ] HNK Šibenik
Photo: Sanjin Strukić/Pixsell; NK Lokomotiva celebrate goal against Šibenik
NK Lokomotiva found themselves temporarily atop the HNL table after registering a 2-0 win over HNK Šibenik on Friday. Dinamo Zagreb would return to the top after Saturday’s win over Slaven Koprivnica. The day belonged to Domagoj Antolić, as the 21 year old NK Lokomotiva midfielder would score twice within five minutes in the first half to give the Lokosi a valuable three points.
Photo: Sanjin Strukić/Pixsell; Filip Škvorc(right) in action for NK Lokomotiva against Šibenik
HNK Šibenik would have the first chance at goal in the 22nd minute of play, after a one on one with the keeper, Ivan Brečević’ shot sailed wide of the target. After 387 minutes of scoreless football between these two teams counting the last four scoreless draws, Domagoj Antolić broke the scoreless drought in the 28th minute of play, scoring off a lose ball off a corner kick. On loan from Dinamo Zagreb, Domagoj would get a second just minutes later with a shot just inside the box. The result will stay the same the rest of the game as Lokomotiva were satisfied with a two goal lead and Šibenik didn’t show any type of effort to return from a two goal deficit.
“We knew that it would not be an easy game against Šibenik and we were well prepared. The last four Lokomotiva-Šibenik matches ended in scoreless draws, meaning we haven’t won in a long time. I’m not surprised by Antolić, even contrary, I have already had the opportunity to see his football knowledge and quality. Bad luck followed him before, but now he is on the right track to keep this all behind him and to provide that he has grown as a player.”
~Lokomotiva manager, Marijo Tot
NK Osijek [ 4-0 ] NK Zagreb
Vlado Kos/Cropix; Osijek celebrate win vs. Zagreb
NK Osijek crushed Zageb to claim share of second place in the young Prva Liga season. Osijek got started in the 11′ when Dino Špehar opened up the scoring. It was not Zagreb’s day as Štiglec put the ball into his own net in the 37′ to double Osijek’s lead just before the halftime whistle. Defender Ivo Smoje and striker Ivan Miličević scored within four minutes of each other in the second half to cap off a dominating victory for Osijek.
Cibalia Vinkovci [ 0-1 ] Inter Zaprešić
Nenad Dugi/Cropix; Cibalia kept Zaprešić at bay until the final seconds
The match between Cibalia and Zaprešić in Vinkovci went scoreless for the first 90 minutes. It looked as if both teams would split the points on the day until Inter’s Albnian striker Arbër Abilaliaj hit the back of the net in the 93′ to give Inter a big win. They now sit with four points at mid-table while Cibalia only has one win in their first three games of the season.
Lučko [ 0-2 ] NK Istra 1961
Nenad Dugi/Cropix; NK Istra celebrate the win vs. Lučko
NK Istra got a small confidence boost on Saturday as they defeated newly-arrived Lučko 2-0. It didn’t take long for Istra to get on the board as striker Filip Jazvić scored seconds after the opening whistle. Slovenian Denis Grbić doubled the lead in the 33′ to ensure a 2-0 win for Istra. Even with the win, Istra still sit with Lučko at the bottom of the Prva Liga table.
Karlovac [ 1-3 ] Rnk Split
Rnk Split celebrate Operation Storm
After exiting European play this past Thursday in a 2-0 loss to Fulham, Rnk Split returned to their winning ways with an away win against Karlovac. With the game scoreless at the break, ex-Hajduk striker Duje Čop finally got Split on the board with a goal in the 57′. Karlovac’s I. Novaković equalized the match in the 70′ before two goals by Ante Vitaić and Ante Rebić in the last 15 minutes of the match game Split a 3-1 win. Now being out of European competition, can Rnk Split recreate the season they had last year for another Europa League qualifying run?
Karlovac: Lovrić – Kovačević, Dedić, Leko, Barišić – Paracki, Stambolija, Husić – Novaković, Štefančić – Novinić
Split: Vuković – Marčić, Milović, Križanac, Budiša – Šimić, Vitaić – Baraban, Erceg, Čop – Golubović
NK Varaždin [ 1-2 ] NK Zadar
Andrej Švoger/Cropix; It was the Ivan Santini show Sunday night
After last week’s win over Hajduk Split, NK Zadar continued their winning ways with another impressive match over NK Varaždin. Zadar’s Ivan Santini scored twice within six minutes of each other in the first half to give the Dalmatinci a 2-0 lead going into halftime. Varaždin pulled one back in the 76′ when Davor Vugrinec struck to cut the lead in half. It wasn’t to be for Varaždin, who were eliminated earlier in the week from Europa League by Dinamo Bucharest, as Zadar leave with another three points. They now have seven points through the first three games of the season while Varaždin remain pointless.
Varaždin: Krklec – Tkalčić, Gluhak, Conjar, Šimek – Šafarić, Aganović – Sačer, Glavina, Golubar – Vugrinec
Zadar: Ježina – Jonjić, Con, Bilen – Bilaver, Jerbić, Surać, Vasilj – Begonja, Mršić – Santini
HNL TABLE THROUGH 3 MATCHES
~Denis Svirčić and Ante Kvartuč reporting from Strikesville, NBA
I dont care much for Krstanovic as he will most likely be capped for Bosna next month. However, since signing for Dinamo, he hasnt shown much.
Rukavina had a couple soft goals this season. I just dont see him taking Dinamo to the next level. I hope I'm wrong.
Also, I was hoping that Hajduk would have signed Krstanovic. But now Krstanovic looks like Rukavina after he was sold from Sibenik to Hajduk.
From the current crop of strikers: Fatos, Krstanovic, Kramaric, Rukavina, and 2 or 3 other guys, I am not confident at all. That's what they need to work on this season and prepare for for next.
I hope Krstanovic finds his form back but Rukavina has been on par thus far. I'm very disappointed with Beciraj so far this season because he hasn't contributed at all.
@Tom,
I agree with you on the corner kicks. After the third corner, I was upset as well. However, I understood their strategy. in the end, they should have swung in at least a couple of corners, like you side, they might find a "loose ball" and get a lucky goal.
Vukusic looks to be out for a month. Who will step up for Hajduk? For the most part, Hajduk has inexperienced youth on the bench. A couple of injuries to their starters and it will be a long season. While Dinamo have a B-Team that can compete in HNL.
@Ante B,
How confident are you with Dinamo's strikers?
Anonymous,
"@Ante B
You get your kicks from watching the disabled participate in sporting activities?"
I thought all hajdukovci did while watching their team in action.
Denis,
RE: Hajduk's aerial attack
Would you not agree that almost anything can happen in a goalmouth scramble, e.g. off a corner or free kick? Who knows, a goalkeeper error, a loose ball for someone to pounce on, a forward whose that fraction of a second quicker than everyone else redirecting the ball into the net… In the end, it may have been futile but not anymore futile than the offense they were able to generate trying to penetrate Stoke's bunker on the ground, no? I would have liked to see Andric, Milicevic and even Maloca go up for some headers but, alas, it's all hindsight now.
@Ante B
You get your kicks from watching the disabled participate in sporting activities? How one could refer to that as 'comedy' truly shows how fucked up an individual is. Maybe we could paralyse one of your family members and watch them use a wheel chair and laugh away….. shouldn't have expected anything less from a Dinamo fan
Its been a long time since someone called Mamic a "master".
@JerseyCro,
Dinamo controlled most of the match, however, I'm still not convinced with dinamo's strikers. With all that talent in the midfield and defense, all they have to do is show up to take the HNL.
Hajduk dominated the first half and showed fatigue in the second half. They need an Ibricic replacement to "compete" with Dinamo.
@Tom,
Stoke's backline is like a Nottingham Forest. Vukusic has no chance in the air against Huth.
@Ante B,
I dont think anyone thinks that Hajduk will win the HNL this year. Dinamo is heavily favored. Good luck with Rukavina up top. Dinamo might have to bring back Miroslav Slepička 🙂
It's like watching the Special Olympics when the hajdukovci actually think they're going to win the HNL title. Keep at it, comedic relief at its purest.
Hajduk has finally ended its goalscoring drought, scoring twice through the air against Rijeka.
'Kinda makes you wonder why they didn't try that tactic against Stoke, especially on all of those short corners.
@ Ante Agreed that anything in the six yard box should be the goalies, (even though he was a god 10 yards out, but he still should have come out to get it) I just tend to give keepers the benefit of the doubt sometimes. Also agree that there was no excuse for the second goal.
Slaven is one of the tougher HNL away matches and Dinamo won with ease…Hajduk struggle at home
2nd goalkeeping "mistake" in a favour of Dinamo only 3 games into the season. The extra European games will be no problem as the HNL is under control….Mamic, you are the master.
– BBB Bob
@ Colin,
First goal, it took Rodic half an our to dive for the shot. Any average goalie grabs that. Second goal, he has to be more aggressive and come out to challenge. Anything in the six-yard box is the goalie's property: in the air or on the ground.
@ Zach,
Good stuff. I'm subscribed now to the channel for the future.
modric comp vs Bilbao:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vj-9_bBVrl0
look at the pass at 1:05, and also the one to sett up the Crouch goal
"Both shots by Rukavina should have easily been saved, but Belupo keeper Rodić looked off on the night. "
I'd give Rodic more credit after that first goal. It was practically a one-on-one and a hard shot from there is hard to save. It actually more difficult to make a save when the ball is low and near the keeper because it's very awkward to get down next to your feet so fast. Best he could have done was at least attempt a kick-save, or come out and challenge Rukavina which he really should have done. Over all, Dinamo is still looking good. I'm hoping for an unbeaten season maybe? Ha. Anybody? 😀 I guess they still have to face a tougher team like Osijek or Hajduk before I can start thinking of such things.