Photo: UEFA; Vukušić(left) scoring game’s lone goal against Anderlecht in Split
Hajduk will aim to play the spoiler’s role Thursday as they travel to Belgium to wrap up their first European campaign in 16 years.
While the bijeli have no hope of advancing to the Europa League’s knockout stage, a win for home side Anderlecht, coupled with an AEK loss to group leaders FC Zenit St. Petersburg, would catapult the 30-time Belgian champions to the round of 32.
Still, a Hajduk win would give the boys from Split a sweep of the home-and-home series against Anderlecht and relegate the Belgians to the cellar of Group G.
“We want to end the tournament with a victory, not only because of the impression but also because of the coefficient for next season of the European competition to be given the easier opponents,” said Hajduk midfielder Marin Ljubičić, adding he was confident that Hajduk will be able to play with Anderlecht.
Will Vukušić come through for Hajduk again?
Hajduk downed Anderlecht 1-0 in Split two-and-a-half months ago as Ante Vukušić’s extra time marker gave the “splicani” their only three points from five group fixtures.
The 19-year-old has apparently attracted the attention of Greek side Panathinaikos. Vukušić will surely hope to raise his value for a potential — although highly unlikely — transfer with another high profile strike.
Hajduk defender Ivan Strinić and midfielders Senijad Ibričić and Anas Sharbini are much more likely to take their services to a bigger club before Vukisic, however. Strinić and Ibričić will surely be looking to boost their value in the January transfer market with a solid outing against Anderlecht, while Hajduk flew to Belgium without Sharbini.
@Tom,
no worries, it was a meaningless game anyways. Yes, I am happy for the Belgians, even though Torcida was hit again in Brussels.
Denis, I must apologize for leaving you high and dry without a game report. Based on the first half, I would have suggested this story line — "Disinterested Hajduk leave Brussels extremely fortunate to lose by only two goals"
The fact that they were already eliminated made it an uphill struggle. The fact that they had a caretaker manager supposedly coaching his last game only lessened their already weak resolve.
The only positive note, for me at least, is Anderlecht managed to steal second place in the group from AEK.
Sorry guys, no Hajduk summary. I figured my prediction pretty much summarized the game for you.
"Hajduk go down swinging like the Dodgers 2-0."
@ziva istina
Best comments of 2010.
A very weak performance from Hajduk thus far. If I never see Jozinovic in a Hajduk jersey again, it'll be too soon. Frankly, I am tempted to say the same about Ibro… it's time for him to leave as he's not even driven enough to play hard out of self interest.
Jersey…….what did you expect???? Hajduk has no interest in the game, has nothing at stake and they are freezing. Anyone could have called this from a mile away.
I would have played more juniors/younger players and if you lose 8-0, big deal. No difference losing 1-0 or 8-0.
Snow on the ground…. If I know anything about my dalmatian brothers is that they are soft when the temps dip below freezing and their is any snow on the ground.
Hajduk are better off leaving for Split at halftime, what an embarassing performance, I know they aren't good enough, but they don't even care. Anderlecht, despite the snow, are attempting to play, Hajduk have no idea what their doing
At least some young guys are playing, but nobody stood out
hajduk live here too
alot of channels live
http://www.domacifilmovi.us/myp/ch3.php
Hajduk -Anderlecht game live here
http://veetle.com/index.php/channel/view#4cf8023004cb5
Thanks Denis. A Hajduk win just might sustain me until their 2011 Europa League or Champions League campaign:)
I dont think Hajduk will put up much of an effort in such a meaningless match. Hajduk go down swinging like the Dodgers 2-0.
Nice report Tom, coming through once again for the Hajdukovci!
"The Croatians picked up their only three points of the competition at home to Anderlecht in September, thanks to a 95th-minute winner from Stanko Poklepovic."
I didn't know that "Stanley" Poklepovic was fit to suit up for Hajduk. How difficult is it to check the scoresheet before you write a preview?