Photo: Vladimir Dugandžić/Cropix; Gori glave dečki
Hajduk and AEK played a scoreless first half today in their UEFA Europa League Group G tilt but it was the Greek side that emerged with a 3-1 win at Split’s Poljud stadium.
Photo: Duje Klarić / Cropix; Even with one eye, game was difficult to watch
After a spirited first half Hajduk had to feel good about their chances over the balance of the game but the complexion of the game changed completely in the 50th minute when Mario Maloča brought down an AEK player to concede a penalty shot. Nacho Scocco calmly slotted past Božidar Radošević to give the visitors a lead they would never relinquish.
Photo: AFP; Nacho Scocco(left) after scoring on penalty kick past Božidar Radošević(right)
Hajduk’s interim head coach Goran Vučević immediately inserted aging midfielder Srđan Andrić into the game in place of Marin Ljubičić. Vučević inexplicably made the switch despite the fact that the thirty-year-old veteran has not made an appearance for Hajduk in approximately three months.
Andrić was in a prime position to watch AEK score their second goal in the 61st minute as Kostas Manolas headed home unchallenged off a corner kick.
Photo: AFP; Goran Jozinović(left) in action against AEK
The Greek side again exploited Vučević’s decision to go with twenty-year-old Goran Jozinović on the left side of his defence as it was Jozinović who was beaten on the perimeter of the Hajduk defence to set up each of AEK’s first two goals.
Photo: AFP; The Greeks celebrate after second goal
Hajduk disappointingly showed no desire to fight its way back into the match and eventually conceded its third goal of the half in the 83rd minute.
Hajduk Highlights(or lowlights)
The “bijeli” ended the scoring in the 89th minute with a consolation goal from Jurica Buljat as the defender pounced on a loose ball after AEK defence failed to clear a corner from Anas Sharbini.
Photo: Duje Klarić/Cropix; Anas Sharbini was the man of the match for Hajduk, hitting the post in the early minutes of the game
Hajduk will wrap up their first European campaign in 16 years on December 16 when they travel to Belgium to take on RSC Anderlecht.
Hajduk: Radošević – Oremuš, Maloča, J. Buljat, Jozinović – Tomasov (54. Čop), M. Ljubičić (54. Andrić), Ibričić, Strinić – Vukušić, An. Sharbini.
AEK: Saja – Jahić, Manolas, Dellas, Karabelas – Gentzoglou, Bouba Diop, Makos – Burns (70. Lagos), Scocco (77. Leonardo) – Liberopoulos (80. Blanco)
@Boris, Bogut looked good in his return against the Magic. Without Howard in the middle it was a light day in the office for the Aussie.
However, Andrew is still struggling on the offensive end. His elbow is killing him on the free throws. Hopefully, he can turn it around soon.
@Ziva istina,
"This is one of those losses you leave with your head held hi, especially in the manner they dominated the first half. Have to score when the opportunities open up for you."
I agree
@Boris,
I like people that believe in the powers of jinx 🙂
Im not worried about the Lakers. They will be fine. I am hoever worried about Andrew Bogut. Yes its still early in the season, but it doesnt look good as of right now. Remember, I am a Bogut fan and a Bucks fan now because of Bogut. They are nothing w/o a healthy Bogut in the post.
@ denis
speaking of the lakers, i think we jinxed both them and the bucks. both have sucked since our previous discussion.
The Andric moved puzzled me as well. The only thing I can think of is that he thought he needed another pair of fresh legs because of the heavy pitch. The midfielders were all over the place in the first half and Vucevic went with a gut decision by playing Andric. Brkljaca and Trebotic were the only other canidates to bring in. I would have prefered either of those two, but its not like either of them have a track record that makes you confident.
Jebiga, it is what it is. Tough to fault anyone in my opinion. Hajduk got the most out of the Europa Cup from the talent they have. It's not hard to scout and prepare for Hajduk. Everything comes down the left side with Ibricic, Strinic and Sharbini.
This is one of those losses you leave with your head held hi, especially in the manner they dominated the first half. Have to score when the opportunities open up for you.
Hey Denis,
RE: "What do you guys think about that Hajduk shot that got stuck in the mud?"
Unless there was some sort of foul on the play that I didn't see, e.g. away from the ball, I saw no reason for the referee to disallow Hajduk's extra-time goal. The 'keeper clearly didn't have it secured.
Ziva,
What did you think about the decision to put Andric into the game following AEK's first goal? Is he not the oldest player on the team? He may be an inspirational leader but he hadn't played in several months.
the 3-1 scoreline in unjust when you look at the way Hajduk played in the first half. But, thats what happens when a young team fails to score when the chances are presented. If Sharbini scores in the 3rd minute, who knows what happens, but that is part of the game.
Jozinovic fucked up on the 2nd goal, but I dont question him being included in the line up. You plays the kids and see what they can do. Some shit themselves while others come through.
Where are all my Hajduk fans? A 3-1 loss and everyone booked an early Christmas vacation.
We lost, so what? Like Ziva istina said "what did you expect?" I was shooting for a draw and hoping for a little luck to sneak out with a W.
We could have easily been up at the half. AEK had a defender up Ibricic' ass the entire match. Vukusic played like Ivica Olic. I don't think AEK had a gameplan for Sharbini. They quickly changed this at halftime.
Stupid PK, Andric and rest of Hajduk defenders stood flat footed on a second goal corner.
What do you guys think about that Hajduk shot that got stuck in the mud?
Hajduk didn't deserve to be down 3-0. However, AEK were the better team. It was like men against boys out there.
No one expected Hajduk to get this far and pick up three points (possibly more).
It could be worse, you could wake up one day a Lakers fan.
Vukojevic way worse. This guy was running and flailing his arms. No biggie.
Vuki poked his teammate in the eye as he was standing still. And he meant to give a hug.
CSR ruling: Unacceptable!
http://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/blog/dirty-tackle/post/Bari-s-Caputo-celebrates-goal-by-punching-teamma?urn=sow-290911
Is this worse than vukojevic?