NK Istra 1961 faced HNK Sibenik for the second time this week on Wednesday, this time at Aldo Drosina in Pula. The first leg of the two-legged journey ended in a 1-1 draw, which is precisely how the second match ended, sending the two teams into extra time.
Extra time proved not to be enough and the fate of the two sides was put into penalty kicks.
Perica Sare got fans of Sibenik pretty excited for a short while after he helped his team take the lead in the 49th minute. For a brief moment, a third Dalmatian team looked to be joining the Prva Liga, a void left behind when Zadar was relegated last season. The coastal region is left with only the two clubs of Split, which surely leaves a bitter taste to those living north of Split. Sare also scored the late-game tying goal on Sunday in Sibenik.
But the moment as short lived.
Istra found itself level with Sibenik in the 51st minute when Darko Misic tied it up. With the score again knotted at one goal apiece, nither team could break through to find the game winner, forcing an extra 30 minutes of football.
When that wasn’t enough, it was up to penalties to decide who will live to see another season in the big leagues.
Istra was able to edge out the second-leagues 5-4 on penalties. The American, Michael Glover, is thanking his lucky stars that his new endeavor with the club did not end in relegation.
THough, I believe that Sibenik was the better side. Istra started the season off stronger than most, starting off ith one loss in seven matches, but it quickly went down hill after the sacking of coach Igor Pamic. Istra ended the season on May 14, and went without a win since October 24. That is a longer winless streak than NK Zagreb, which ended with only one fewer wins and was automatically relegated after ending in last place.
Next season will see only one newly pomoted club and that is HNK Cibalia, which was croned champion of the second league.
If you think Schifo is an upgrade over Corluka, then I don’t know what to tell you. That is a baffling take.
Mr. Happy…you achieve nothing in sport without optimism; clearly never played the game at any level…
And not too mention our defense is already average.
@ Allen I disagree personally that should be the line up straight through unless adjustments need to be made depending on winning or losing. That should be the starting line up every game!
As I mentioned before if Corluka starts at CB pack your bags this tournament is over. His injury is a blessing however I’d love to still have him on the bench for depth. He should be relegated to 3rd RB on our depth chart or a reserved CB.
Love the guy but too slow and soft. 2 big negatives for a CB.
iggy – supposedly just precautionary , abductor muscle….. usually strain comes from not properly stretching
1-2 weeks out max he felt strain so they pulled him, worst thing to do is run on it
its that muscle right there in the groin
Cacic left out the most talented Croatian player Alen Halilovic he could have used him as a second half sub to cause defences problems the guy is not smart at all I can see us losing to Ceska Republika now. Maybe it’s a Bosnian thing.
How bad is Corluka’s injury?
Stef T.O
I can see that formation against Spain. They will probably play more defensively in that game. Bilic played Srna as a RW in that game with Vida at RB. Helped them more defensively. Gotta see what Cacic is made of.
You already ruling out Corluka?
Just managed to sneak home with a 10-0 win
It is more clear than ever if we are to go far in this tournament we need to make room for Sime. He’s a beast!
He is solid defensively and runs relentlessly. Srna is now 33 years old and needs to be pushed up as a RW. He will last longer as the tournament moves forward. We must play the following team to succeed.
Mandza
Rakitic
Perisic Brozovic Luka Srna
Strinic Vida Schifo Sime
Maybe I can actually make the Zadar team this time around.
@Cvelbar
They aren’t coming to San Jose because 90% of San Jose go to Sac.
^ ^
Makes me smile knowing the Serbs will be watching us.
No surprise there.
Funny that most of the ex-Yugo nations have surpassed the Serbs in football.
Enjoy the Euro’s, losers!
Euro 2016: in this slerbian pub: 5% discount for each goal scored against Vs Croatia or Albania. Free vodka if Russia wins. Why? Albania isn’t in or near Croatia, you’d think Croatia or Albania bombed them or something. What about those other filthy Non-serv soccer countries like: Czechs, Slovaks, Poland, Ukraine etc. HAHA, this “pub” will be full of chetniks and rapists for sure, a good time to show up with some toys and grenades.
http://www.germanijak.hr/iz-drugog-kuta/velika-akcija-u-srbiji-za-svaki-gol-koji-prime-hrvatska-i-albanija-5-popusta/20750
I would look good against San Marino.
Not saying much.
Pjaca looking good
okies im watching here:
http://gofirstrow.eu/watch/441296/1/watch-croatia-vs-san-marino.html
Today’s game
http://atđhe.net/soccer
When’s the San bloody Marino game, come on I’ll take ya sorry this is bullshit ya wank
I know this is unrelated but is the band dalmatino playing in San Pedro , San Jose , and if so when? They are suppose to be in Sacramento as well
Zadar going down to Treca HNL. Well, at least we have the biggest stadium in the third division – 5,860 capacity, which is probably 5,800 more than necessary.
Stanovi even has its own Wiki page.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stadion_Stanovi
Embarrassing, the city deserves better Anybody have Reno Sinovcic’s phone number?
Round Midnight Investments LLC seem to be doing a great job with Istra, lol