PHOTO: nk-dinamo.hr
Written by dinamofan:), CSR HNL correspondent
Dinamo Zagreb’s hopes of involvement in the latter stages of Europa Liga were dealt a severe blow tonight as they succumbed to defeat against Ajax. Due to heavy UEFA sanctions, the match was played in a crowd-less Maksimir Stadium. Dinamo were also weakened by losing key striker Mario Mandžukić due to injury and play-maker Milan Badelj through suspension. Coach Krunoslav Jurčić installed Adrian Callello in place of Badelj, with Ivan Tomečak also coming into the line up. Interestingly neither Miroslav Slepička or Dmitrios Papadopoulos were trusted to start in attack, with Ilija Sivonjić preferred ahead of them with Pedro Morales and Sammir expected to support.
Tonight Ajax proved to be the superior team and had early opportunities for De Zeuww and Emmanuelson. Like in Amsterdam, Ajax didn’t take too long to get the breakthrough as Serbian international striker Marko Pantelić was set up by Suarez to score. Dinamo created a couple of opportunities in response, the best effort coming from Sivonjic who forced Stekelenberg into a save. All hopes faded however in the 35th minute when Leandro Cufre gave his first demonstration of why he has a reputation for red cards when he elbowed Luis Suarez and earned his marching orders.
Another chance fell to Sivonjic, but Ajax got their second just before the break when De Zeuww scored again through a Suarez assist. Jurčić then appeared to throw in the towell as he withdrew Ivica Vrdoljak for Matias Chago, after earlier withdrawing Morales for centre back Barbarić.
In the second half Dinamo showed little desire for attack as Tomislav Butina had to make several fine saves to keep out Ajax. With Dinamo then going down to nine men thanks to Callelo’s second bookable offense, Jurcic made the ultra negative move of bringing in left back Luis Ibanez for their sole forward Sivonjić. Ibanez did force a save in Dinamo’s solitary second half effort, but Ajax coasted to the final whistle to claim a valuable three points which practically secures there place in the next round with Anderlecht.
Dinamo are now into their fifth defeat in six games and threats of a winter clear out could possibly become reality. The Czech striker Miroslav Slepička seems out of favour with coach Jurcic, plus Papadopoulos has failed to meet standards and tonight did not make the pitch. Without Mandzukic, Badelj and Morales, Dinamo’s forward line appears anemic and their is major dissatisfaction with their cover. Without arrivals in the winter break it is not certain Dinamo could hold top spot in HNL1. However signings are certainly expected with Zdravko Mamić reported to have cut a hugely angry figure in recent weeks. For Mamic this is a big lesson that the project requires a lot more investment and energy to produce good European results.
Mamic will recruit some players. The money he has actually spent he has wasted so maybe we don't want him to spend too much money, but its the right players which we need. Mamic won't spend above £3m but it is possible to sign a good player for £1m to £2m.
In the summer he did pay out. He spent over £2m on Slepicka and Papadopoulos – as i say wasted money. Ultimately we shouldn't have bothered. In my opinion we need to just get over the finish line now. I'm not convinced Mandzo really wants to stay. I don't think he rates any of the strikers he plays alongside. People like Bjelanovic and Keric will just help us to reach the title. That's got to be our primary goal. If we can't get Zec, Leko or Cesar – players we really need in the winter then we have to make sure we get at least someone who is at least good in HNL1 as i don't believe this team can reach a title with comfort.
Dinamo was killed tonight by UEFA. If we had intelligence like Arsene Wenger then we should have appealed in the same way that Wenger did over Eduardo which is to compare your scenario with a similar scenario and protest about inequality. Rangers is the most recent scenario. That's comparable to Dinamo and if UEFA lets them off Dinamo has grounds for complaint. Even Ajax said they had sympathy for us and said UEFA's decision was excessive. But at present we still don't have the team. Its easy to identify the players – Sammir, Slepicka and Papadopoulos. These players show no sign of progress. The only good thing is that Tomecak probably is ready now to start consistently for Dinamo. Tomecak right and Morales left. But we still need a domineering midfielder with experience to partner Badelj (sell Vrdoljak) also we need two need strikers. Mandzo was okay when he actually stays in front, but we had nobody else.
And to think Mamic is going to improve this club by spending money? That's nearly laughable.
His only interest is lining his own pockets. He'll sell Mandza, Morales, and whoever else he can, make himself some more money, then complain the club has no money to even renovate the dump that is Maksimir, and continue his stupid ass tirades and blame the club for their results.
HIS ONLY SAVING GRACE is that he found Eduardo. He is a flat out cancer on that club and in our league.
Dinamo are officially eliminated, unless their 3 point deduction is removed.
Ajax = 8 points
Anderlecht = 8 points
Dinamo = 0 points
Timisoara should get some sanctions following their act of flares in the crowd when their side leveled it 1-1.
Today's match was over before it began tonight. Already down Mandzukic, Badelj, Biscan, Loncaric, and relying on Sivonjic to score.
You gotta give man of the match to Butina for saving Dinamo from being flatout embarrassed.