It was a…meh week in Croatian football after the previous one, which was great. Dinamo Zagreb got past Thun in extra time in a 5-goal thriller in the second leg. Varaždin and Hajduk lost their 2nd legs; Varaždin is out of Europe, while Hajduk drops down to the Conference League 3rd qualifying round. Thankfully, Rijeka saved the coefficient from a complete embarrassment as they beat Derry City again and went through.
Dinamo 3-2 (4-3 agg.) Thun
After a 1-1 draw that could’ve gone either way in Switzerland, Dinamo started the game at home by conceding in the 4th minute. Mišić gave the ball away, and Thun hit the hosts on a quick counter as Brighton Labeau struck. The Modri continued making mistakes and misplacing passes, and eventually it led to a free-kick for Thun in the 22nd minute. Fabio Fehr swung it in and the captain of the Swiss champions, Marco Bürki, headed the ball perfectly as it looped over Filipović and into the goal. 0-2 to Thun.
Thun then dropped back, and Dinamo failed to create anything for the rest of the first half, or for most of the second, for that matter, until the captain and goalscorer, Bürki, got sent off after stopping a clear goal-scoring chance. That gave new life to the Dinamo players, and they started going at 10-man Thun. It took just seven minutes until Dion Drena Beljo opened the scoring, and just four minutes later, Lukas Kačavenda tied it up. Delirium at the packed Maksimir.
The Croatian champions were unable to find the net again before the full-time whistle, so the game went into extra time. There, Thun almost shocked Dinamo in the 98th minute, breaking through on a 3-on-3 counter-attack; Michael Heule got the ball on the left-hand side of the box and fired JUST past the post.
Into the second half of extra time, the game was still at 3-3 on aggregate, until Moris Valinčić took the ball at halfway, ran down while being pressed and scored an absolute ROCKET to give Dinamo the win.
Dinamo will now face Kauno Žalgiris in the 3rd qualifying round of the Champions League. The Lithuanian side hired Croatian manager Željko Sopić, who has now delivered the club’s first-ever European group/league stage appearance. He also celebrated with the team in some fashion.
Pafos 4-0 (4-2 agg.) Hajduk
Where to start… Hajduk tried to play the same way they did at Poljud in the first leg, but Pafos shut them down early; first to every second ball, clearly playing with a chip on their shoulder to prove the first leg was a fluke. But, even while pegged back, Hajduk kept Pafos quiet until the 40th minute. Pafos got a free-kick and took it immediately, taking the away side by surprise, and Guga struck a quick volley past Toni Silić at his near post to halve Hajduk’s aggregate lead.
That was it for the first half. Now all Hajduk needed to do was be mentally strong enough to endure Pafos’s attempts to tie it up and keep their concentration at its highest. But, as has happened every year for the past 16 years, Hajduk crumbled right at the end of the match as the Cypriot side took a short corner and Goldar met the cross and equalised with just 2 minutes remaining. Right after, Marko Livaja almost won it for Hajduk, but his shot went wide. That’s just not how the script goes for the Whites.
In extra time, Pafos took the lead after just 3 minutes, then defended against Hajduk’s attempts to equalise, before eventually ending the game in the 117th minute as Correira made it 4-2. It was a terrible and shameful performance once again after a brilliant 1st leg. Just like against Žilina, Hajduk succumbed to the pressure, only this time the opponent was a much more experienced and quality side, who took advantage of their dread.
Gonzalo Garcia and his men now drop down to the Conference League, where they will face FK Žalgiris Vilnius. This makes two Croatia-Lithuania matchups in the next two weeks.
Jablonec 2-0 (4-3 agg.) Varaždin
Turns out my hypothesis from last week – open play > set-pieces – was wrong, as Jablonec scored two more goals from set-pieces to get past Nikola Šafarić’s Varaždin. The first goal came in the 29th minute as Jiří Sláma shot from a tight free-kick angle, hit the bar, and the ball went into the goal off Varaždin captain Robert Punčec’s head. Wrong place, wrong time. Not much to be done about it, sadly.
However, the 2nd goal came from a corner kick; Lamin Jawo redirected the cross into the middle of the box, and Dušan Pavlović got past his marker, reached the ball, and put it past Josip Silić for 2-0. Varaždin then had some half-chances that aren’t really worth mentioning. At the very end, the Croatian side did score, but it was disallowed immediately for a clear offside by the goalscorer, Gregor Sikošek.
Two years in a row, after an amazing first leg at home, Varaždin struggled away, and their inexperience showed. Conceding four goals from set pieces, although today’s first one was unavoidable, is saddening and nearly unacceptable. But credit to Jablonec; however much I hate this style, they use their strengths, and almost every set-piece was a threat for Varaždin.
Derry City 0-1 (0-2 agg.) Rijeka
The hosts started the game strong, but Rijeka contained them and took control. This led to Daniel Adu-Adjei scoring with a delightful little finish to give Rijeka a two-goal lead. Derry had a free-kick which went right past the target in the 66th minute, but that was it. Rijeka controlled the game afterwards and closed it out.
Matjaž Kek and his side are now the only side this season to win a tie by winning both legs. Although not as impressive as I myself and many others expected, Kek gets the job done, and that’s all you can ask for. Next up for Rijeka is Finnish side Ilves Tampere.
Great to hear that we have a young left winger killing it at such a young age.
Hopefully Nik Škafar Žužić keeps it up.
Nik Škafar Žužić 🔥 🔥 🔥 & Saranic looked dangerous.
Everyone see the Istra vs. Loko highlights ?
Saranic – WOW – he had like 8 shots – I think he was trying too hard to impress Anonymous and was rushing it a bit – some nice passes too – clean up the shooting and he would have had 3-4 goals
Prediction: Saranic will make HNL Team of the Season – mark it
Skafar-Zuzic – WOW WOW – can’t be believe he’s playing like that at 17 y/o – so unfair his goal was disallowed – on Istra first goal where he assisted – his football IQ/game reading off the charts – analyzes quickly a throw is happening runs into space down the line and demands the ball and takes off towards the by-line and nice pass to Federiksen
@HNS PLEASE COME UP WITH A BESPOKE TRAINING, EXERCISE, STRETCHING PLAN FOR S-Z TO SAFEGUARD THE BOYS KNEES – WE CANNOT AFFORD HIM TO GET INJURED AND DERAIL ASAP
The RW Frederiksen also looked good (Anonymous was particularly jealous he ran pass Saranic after one played and gave him a nice whack on his butt)
No clue what their #9 Jaganjac did all game save a shot or two (and I don’t like his name is too close to Jagusic or Jaga – someone plz get him to change it)
@Mart: what’s happening with Josip Radosevic – is he staying at Istra or pushing for a move ? Istra need him badly for steel in midfield and to protect their back 4 – if he was on the field the first two goals against don’t happen – he was really good in the highlights last season and they need him / miss him dearly
I watched the game. Zuzic very impressive. He is quick has a good shot. Has football intelligence as Anon said.Saranic should have scored at least one goal had so many chances and his left foot is a rocket. Istra played some really nice football and did not deserve to lose. They had the youngest squad ever for a HNL game not including Kumar who was out with a virus. From Lokomotiva Subotic stood out. Good on the ball and reads the game well. Can see him being the next big transfer for Lokomotiva.
@A Tin U @Maminjo
https://croatiansports.com/top-10-next-croatia-call-ups/#comments/530931
Yes that’s life unfortunately and I wish Brajkovic a full recovery. There is something I find a little concerning with him though. I read he had surgery before on the knee he’s just injured. Plus Lovre on the podcast was saying he tore not just ACL, but also PCL and meniscus. Makes me wonder if he has a bad knee….. oh well.
So Soticek has stepped into the breach at Hajduk. The teeny bit I’ve seen of Soticek was from watching the highlights of our U21s vs Georgia in the qualifying playoff couple of years ago. Yeah he sure is speedy, he came on as a late sub and made an impact by scoring a good goal which sent the game into extra time. Seem to recall him missing another chance as well. In the penalty shootout, he converted his kick in the sudden death round. He’s taller than Brajkovic maybe about 6′ but I don’t know how he fares in duels. Tin, I seem to remember you following his progress at Basel some time ago… am I right?
Excellent stuff Bart
Thx
@Bartolec1912
Sounds like a terrible knee injury.
In my previous life, while I was not a doctor, I worked closely with the docs including orthopaedic surgeons. The good news is that their ability and knowledge—to repair, rebuild, and rehabilitate—is much better than it was just a few decades ago. On the other hand, I was generally watching somebody recover from an injury and go back to a normal life, and a professional athlete is a whole different story. A totally different level.
I hope for the best for Brajkovic.
Yes . . . I was able to follow Soticek some in Europa League matches and I also tried to follow his general progress last season.
My observation was he had good speed, and seemed skilled. But for some reason, he was never really able to get lift off. I would even say he stalled out a bit. I don’t have enough “deep” knowledge of the game to explain what he needed to do better, or what he can do to take that next step. However, now that he is at Hajduk, some of our eagle-eyed observers here might be able to watch him play regularly and offer some insights into his play and his potential, once he gets a few games under his belt.
I saw he played the full second half against Varazdin, but I don’t have access to the game. Just the highlights.
I would say Soticek has potential, and I believe our HNL offer great opportunities for development. It should therefore be a good move for him. Slavonac has made the case that we play a quality brand of football in the HNL.
Maybe a return to Croatia is just what the doctor ordered for Soticek . . . let’s hope he catches fire at Hajduk and has a breakout season.
Bilic latest podcast just dropped
***.youtube.com/watch?v=nMc9En71EF8
It’s with a SERB Ana Ivanovic
Did Ivana Deldum allow this ?
Have to say it’s a bit odd he’s taken over the NT job and now does a pod with a Serb at her HOME in Mallorca with her BED in the background lol
But she’s newly single after breaking up with Bastian – so Slaven’s got to shoot his shot I guess
Hopefully he still has time to watch Croatia players
I guess this also is to appease the Croatia left-wing media???
In terms of looks, she’s one of the most “mid” women out there that people regard as a pretty woman
Beljo first goal
Wow
One of the BEST goals I’ve ever seen a Croatian striker score
Don’t think I’ve EVER seen a striker touch a cross in order to bounce it in the ground and then volley at shoulder height
Really impressive – really creative – best goal of his career no doubt
Anyone have a link to see this ?
“I WISH VFL NOTHING BUT THE BEST”
“After three years, the time has come for me to take on a new sporting challenge. At AEK, I have the opportunity to compete for a place in the Champions League. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the fans, my team-mates and everyone at the club. I always felt very much at home at VfL and in Wolfsburg, and I wish the club nothing but the very best for the future,” said Lovro Majer.
Maybe this has already been posted and I am a little behind on it . . .
If not, we have some news . . .
Majer to AEK Athens.
Transfer fee 6 million. Deal to June 2030.
I assume he had to take a pay cut?
His salary was very high at Wolfsburg.
I don’t know the salary number but I am sure you are right.
I believe that at or around the time he went to Wolfsburg, his transfer feee value was close to 30 million. His stock has fallen a long way. In those days there was talk of Real Madrid, the sky was the limit.
He is no longer in a top 5 league, he is not even in a top 8 league, this seems to be a big move down at age 28 when he should be in his prime.
It appears that a shot at Champions League is part of the attraction for him. AEK finished first last year, but as I understand it because the coefficient of the Greek league is where it is, they do not qualify automatically for Champions League. But they do bypass the early rounds of Champions League qualifying and enter straight into a later playoff round.
There is no question the injuries exacted a toll. He had terrible injury trouble. He has been very unlucky. But hopefully this change of scenery will help him get his career back on track. Healthy and returning to his very best form, he can help the NT through to 2030.
PAO V PAKSI
Jagusic
8.7 Sofascore, player of the match
7.9 Fotmob, tied with one other player as highest rated. (The other player given player of the match).
Great news.
Hopefully Bilić gives him a call up and we can begin to integrate him early.
Dang, Fotmob initially gave MOTM honors to Jagusic. Saw it right after the match ended.
Keep it up Jaga!
@anonymous
So we’re to believe you’re some uber animal loving hippie, that respects all life, yet fails to give an ounce of respect to his own Croatian Brethren on a daily basis?
This is some real political theatre and mind blowing mental gymnastics.
The day I hear Anonymous is hugging and saving cats from trees along side Jane Fonda, will be
day I hand him the Nobel Peace Prize.
Mind you that prize tends to be handed to past and present politicians that go to war, so the hypocrisy prize would be fitting.
Faster than Anonymous picking his nose.
Stronger then TheTruth2,3,4,5,6,
Able to eat 2 tons of cevapi in a single bound,
Look it’s Klepetan,
It’s Rimic Automobili,
No, it’s SUPER SLAV.
@Crnkovic
My deepest condolences for your loss. 😢
Thank you for the offer it sounds like an amazing adventure but Anonymous has too much respect for wild animals, in particular wild animals in their natural habitat, and is too risk-adverse to be a trespasser in their home and would be consumed thinking they could attack Anonymous at any given moment.
Respect nature and nature will respect you is my motto.
❤️
Anonymous
Thankyou anon 🙏🏻.
An amazing thing about those environments which is rarely acknowledged, is that what keeps you safe is exactly ‘respect’ you respect the animals and they respect you back. The animals don’t want to kill you, apart from the crocs, there is nothing in it for them. Only trouble. But yeah you could have some terrible luck, it happens. Had a close call with a lion when I was 15. The guy with the gun (I was thinking shoot before we all die) stayed calmed it was about 3 metres away at full speed toward our small walking safari group. When he cocked the rifle the lion realised what he was holding and slowed down, let out a deafening roar. He lent forward with the rifle pointed at its head, looked it straight in the eye and nodded his head at the lion to say “yes my lion sister, I don’t want to kill you but one more step and you’re gone” she turned back. We had walked straight into her cubs where she had hidden them in the tall grass. Whole thing was slow motion. If the guy with the gun had panicked we’d all be dead
Jaga GF just followed a tattoo artist guy on IG
She also follows all the Kardasians
And most worrisome Lewis Hamilton (see Lamal GF)
Scary times – Iggy hold me
😅
Nothing new for Hajduk and after watching both matches it has to be said that the better team deservedly won the two-legged tie.
Hajduk defended the entire match and the only shot on target came from a Hrgovic free kick in the second half. Towards the end Hajduk was defending desperately and unfortunately, they could not hold out with the Pafos second goal coming with only 90 seconds left on the clock.
Livaja immediately after the restart had a chance to score however his shot went wide, however it has to be said from an acute angle.
The momentum was with Pafos and as expected they went on to win the match in extra time.
Even if Hajduk beats Zalgiris I cannot see them progressing to the League phase of the Conference League. They would then need to win the play-off match against a seeded team and that will be a tough task.
Dinamo will be in Europe, Hajduk and Rijeka need to win their third-round qualifying rounds first to progress to the play-off round.
The draw for the UEFA play-off rounds will be on Monday.
Well hopefully Hajduk can get into Conference league and we can have three teams in Europe.