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(a short “not your usual scouting locales” side story)
Slaven Belupo 0 Hajduk 1.
And the door cracked open. Never had the Novalja fans, players, and staff been so happy with a win by Hajduk.
Backstory:
Novalja sits on the Dalmation coast, on the island of Pag. The population hovers around 2000 people, plus the number of tourists in town for a beach or party getaway. NK Novalja, the local professional club, plays at the Strasko, a non-seater that can accommodate 1500. Just 10 years ago, that was roughly 1500 too large.
In the summer of 2001, the NK Novalja made the surprising announcement that they had appointed former San Marino international Mattimosi Janz as their manager. Some believed the appointment to be only an interim position.
Janz an ex-scout of Italian side ________ had built up a rather dubious reputation as a drunkard, lay-a-bout, and general waster whose playing career-ending leg injury had several affected his mental stability. He was known to have made several ridiculous claims as to having ‘discovered’ players, such as perennial World Player of the Year candidate BvR of Roma, and was known to have associated with some persons of the, shall we say, less savory criminal element.
With Novalja then playing in the Croatian 2nd Division South, few expected to hear much more from the club or their bizarre choice as manager. The club managed to avoid relegation that season, and in the next, having found themselves shifted from the south division to the north, the club shocked the pundits by cruising to a relatively easy promotion.
Novalja avoided the drop in the 2003/2004 season, and the following year got career-years from several of their players, including striker Sergio Paez (later poached by Segesta) and a veteran Croatian goalkeeper who was playing out his final year of professional football, to finish an undeserved 4th in the league.
While NK Novalja’s was on the rise, Janz was doing his best to keep himself sullied and an object of scorn, having had several media brush-ups and dust-ups with former associates from his playing and scouting days. It is also rumored that he managed to be thrown out of a major award ceremony where BvR was receiving an award, but this has yet to be verified.
Most expected the high position to be a one-off achievement, and sure enough the next season Novlaja was back down to 11th and only clearing the relegation zone in the last few weeks of the season.
What happened next was still a bit of a mystery, whether the club was finally able to reign in Janz’ self-destructive tendencies, or whether a slew of lucky signings changed the club-house atmosphere at the club, it is still not certain.
What is certain is that NK Novalja’s form showed definite signs of improvement. In the 2006/2007 season, the club only lost 5 games in league play and finished a respectable 6th. Janz’ signings were beginning to show some promise. His approach of bringing in key foreign players was clearly improving the level of play. On occasion, one of the players serving time in Novalja would garner the interest of either perpetual Croatian champions Hajduk (winners of 9 straight titles from 2000 to 2009) or from Dinamo (frequent runners-up and generally top Croatia side). Summer poaching bids became a standard aspect of life at the club. However, Janz was ruthless in his extorting whatever transfer fees and frequently forced bids above and beyond the players minimum release. In many ways, Janz seemed to be trying to fund club improvements to the training grounds, moderate success, to the stadium, no improvements as of yet, or to find some sort of transfer budget to work with.
In 2007/2008, NK Novalja forced their way into third on the table, and some additional funds were forthcoming from the mildly lucrative UEFA Cup matches. For the 2008/2009 season, the club was able to win their first honours, a Croatian Cup victory that was widely met with wild indifference. No supporters’ parades and no media accolades. (Everyone appeared to have forgotten about football once the league season was over.) The club had finished 5th in the league, and most believed that the peak of Novalja football was already over. Janz had learnt his lesson and the following year threw all of his efforts into league matches.
The impact was successful… at first. NK Novalja did go on an extended unbeaten run to start the season, and with Hajduk failing to find their ‘immortal god’ level of form, it was looking like a vague possibility that Novalja could finish top of the table. Unfortunately, Dinamo was having as good a season as Novalja was, and when the wanna-be club faltered badly before and after the winter break, Janz was once again staring up the table at the big two of Croatia: Dinamo and Hajduk. NK Novalja still managed to set a new club point record, and their second top-3 finish made many other teams in the Croatian league take notice. Dinamo knocked off Hajduk for the title, and the Croatian league looked to be heading towards a shift in power.
The 2010/2011 season was shaping up to be open for the taking, Sibenik, Slaven Belupo, and Zagreb all looked forward to the chance of taking down Dinamo and Hajduk. Novalja again found many of their top players poached away, including star French stiker Jerome Rodriguez by Lyon, but the title looked available for any of 7 or 8 clubs to take.
As the season began in Croatia, in typical early fashion, Novalja made the first statement of the young season by beating defending champs Dinamo 2-nil away. The boost was short-lived, as a nil-nil draw with Trnje and a blow-out, after the usual month gap, at the hands of Rijeka left Novalja sitting well back of the front runners after only 3 games. Novalja tried to balance their league play with their UEFA cup fixtures, looking at the European games as a solid source of income.
A good league run followed. Novalja did well to beat Hajduk 3-2 at home, and was looking like potential contenders. The away match to Sibenik was a blow however, as Novalja took an early lead and looked to beat their bogey team for change, only to see their lead slip away to a Sibenik comeback. A few days later, and Novalja were dumped out of the cup, and then needed penalties to overcome Bologna in match-up they dominated but gave up a goal in the return leg.
Novalja tried to regroup, and did well to win both games prior to a lucrative UEFA game at Marseille. Coming out of the Marseille game (a 1-0 win) Novalja faced back-to-back tough fixtures with league leaders Slaven Belupo and defending champs Dinamo. Novalja could only manage a 1-1 draw with the leaders, but found themselves fortunate to escape at home with a 1-0 win over Dinamo.
In their last match before the winter break, Novalja hammered Trnje and much to their surprise found themselves topping the table thanks to goal difference over 4 other teams: Slaven Belupo, Sibenik, Dinamo, and Zagreb.
The return from break saw Novalja hit a serious slump, managing only 2 points in the next three games to leave themselves in 5th place at Week 20, 5 points behind Slaven Belupo.
Novalja, suffering in morale after being easily handled in front of their home supporters by Serie A leaders Atalanta in the UEFA Cup 4th round 1st Leg, had to rebound from disappointment and find their form fast or they would be well out of contention.
The club did as required, and more, by trouncing Hajduk 4-1, and then going on a fine 4 game win streak. Only problem, so had every other team at the top of the table. Sibenik sat 2nd, Slaven Belupo 1st, and just over Novalja’s shoulder were Dinamo, Hajduk, and Zagreb in 4th through 6th.
A key week for Novalja as they faced bogey team and 2nd place Sibenik in a major wall in the way of their ambitions. Novalja returned the favor of the earlier loss, by coming back from a 7th minute Kennedy strike with a surprise headed goal from Hoffmeister, and a goal set up by Mikel Garc*a Mart*n dancing through the Sibenik defense only to pick out an unmarked Cuero.
Novalja had done what the needed to do, and they had finally got some help. Cakovec, making sure they stayed clear of the relegation zone, had knocked off Slaven Belupo for a surprise away win.
However, Slaven Belupo still had a game in hand over Novalja.
April 13th
Slaven Belupo 0 Hajduk 1
And just like that the season was turned upside down. There was an opening for Novalja at last.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> 16.4.11 Istra A First Division --- ----- 23.4.11 Osijek A First Division --- ----- 30.4.11 Split H First Division --- ----- 7.5.11 Slaven Belupo A First Division --- ----- </pre>
GK - Dario Martinovic
The Bosnian international was guaranteed the first-team position, and as long as he was consistent, he would stay as such. Janz may have known that the keeper wasn’t the best in the league, but after an inconsistent few seasons the two had reached an agreement of sorts. The starting position was his to lose, and with only young Tomislav Markovic behind him, that wasn’t likely.
DL - Mariinko Lukic
Targeted by Janz as the solution to Novalja’s need at left back, Lukic had arrived mid-season on a hefty (by Novalja’s standards) transfer fee. The player had yet to really justify the move. Veteran Bacic or prospect Juan Carlos Bravo would be ready to go if Janz lost his faith.
DC - Mladen Ruzic
The young center-back had proven himself as one of Janz’ tops finds in the last few years, and had repaid his manager’s faith with an incredible season of being the leagues best defender. Very pacey, and exceptional in the air, Ruzic is a force in the back line. Unfortunately, an injury will keep him out of several games, meaning Italian back-up player Roberto Barone will be expected to fill in.
DC - Luis Gabriel Jacques
The Brazilian captain was again having a fine season. Just a few years ago, it was unclear that Jacques would stay with the club, but when Hajduk chose to pursue compatriot Gilton instead, Janz offered Jacques the captain’s armband for as long as he chose to have it. His leadership has been excellent, and his teammates fear what will happen to the club if he leaves.
DR – Joãozinho
Toiling away for Lousada, Janz’ scouts fingered the player as being worth a serious shot to take over the first team spot at right-back. Nediljko Odrljin, formerly the first-team choice, was dropped and then allowed to leave to Hajduk without much fanfare. Joãozinho has repaid Janz with fine performances. Prospect Drazen Budimir, will spell the Portuguese player when needed.
ML - Mikel Garc*a Mart*n
A truly brilliant winger, when he isn’t injured. When fit, can take over a game with his dribbling and crossing ability, but hasn’t managed to string together any serious length of matches this season. Could be a difference maker.
DMC - Daniel González Garc*a
Having a strong season, and playing better than expected first teamer Martin Demichelis, will have to show the nerves to handle the pressure of the end of season. Demichelis, Hoffmeister, Kranjcar, and a few others will be called on if Janz looks to lock games down.
MR - Hugo Gonzales
The Paruguay international isn’t exactly what Janz would like on the right flank, but the player has performed okay. Dribbling specialist Tomislav Kovacevic may be called upon if Janz decides that a more offense-minded presence is required.
AMC - Cristian González
The Argentine had picked up his Croatian citizenship, and after some persuasion, Janz convinced the player to stay and anchor the attack. With the departure of Ivan Cindic to Rijeka, with whom Gonzalez had shared time in previous seasons, the team was looking for him to provide the creative spark they would need in the final games of the season.
SC - Davor Kurtovic
NK Novalja’s best scoring threat at the front. Would play every game if Janz wasn’t trying to keep the 20-year old from getting burnt out. Injury may keep him out of a few games, in which case veteran Fausto Krizanac will be required to score goals (assuming he can stay onside).
SC - Óscar Jair Cuero
The Columbian who had toiled his entire career for Segesta, and long since picked up his Croatian citizenship must be considered the signing of the season, having covered at left wing, at AMC, and now up front. Has scored 4 goals during the current winning streak, and is considered an excellent penalty taker. He has basically exceeded all expectations and has moved from squad rotation player to near indispensable.
Full Squad Details:
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> ************************************************** ********************************************** NK Novalja - Saturday 16th April 2011********************************************** ************************************************** ================================================== ============================================== Squad============================================= ================================================== =No Name Position(s) Nat Born Age Caps Gls Wages Expires Value-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3 Bacic, Ivica D L HRV 12.5.79 31 - - £450 22.5.14 £75K 26 Barone, Roberto SW/D C ITA 18.10.84 26 - - £400 25.5.14 £150K 8 Bilic, Ivica M C HRV 24.12.89 21 - - £500 10.5.12 £110K 31 Bravo, Juan Carlos D LC ESP 27.8.87 23 - - £575 1.5.15 £80K 21 Brnic, Ante AM L HRV 22.1.80 31 - - £450 20.5.11 £4K 20 Budimir, Drazen D R HRV 4.11.92 18 - - £575 20.5.14 £1M 32 Bulat, Ivan D C HRV 16.1.90 21 - - £350 12.5.13 £30K 34 Celiscak, Vedran F LC HRV 16.7.82 28 - - £0 25.5.11 £250K 13 Cuero, Óscar Jair AM/F LC COL 23.4.79 31 - - £725 8.5.13 £200K 17 Demichelis, Mart*n D/DM C ARG 20.12.80 30 - - £450 10.5.12 £160K 11 Garc*a Mart*n, Mikel AM L ESP 19.12.83 27 - - £575 9.5.14 £130K 14 González Garc*a, Daniel D/DM C ESP 8.2.87 24 - - £300 10.5.13 £1M 4 González, Cristian AM C ARG 2.6.86 24 - - £675 27.5.12 £275K 25 González, Hugo M RC PAR 21.9.82 28 3 - £450 8.5.14 £160K 15 Hoffmeister, Thorsten DM RC GER 15.5.85 25 - - £500 22.5.15 £140K 6 Jacques, Lu*s Gabriel SW/D C BRA 25.11.83 27 - - £725 28.4.12 £300K 29 Joãozinho D RC POR 24.10.80 30 - - £700 8.5.14 £95K 30 Jurcic, Drazen F RC HRV 4.7.87 23 - - £475 10.5.12 £55K 22 Kovacevic, Tomislav AM/F R HRV 26.1.80 31 - - £450 28.5.12 £12K - Kraljevic, Ante D C HRV 16.11.92 18 - - £65 15.5.13 £16K 28 Kranjcar, Nenad DM C HRV 13.3.87 24 - - £425 28.5.13 £95K 10 Krizanac, Fausto S C HRV 11.7.80 30 - - £500 10.5.13 £65K 9 Kurtovic, Davor S C HRV 1.10.90 20 - - £600 12.5.13 £300K - Kurtovic, Marko D R HRV 12.4.93 18 - - £65 24.5.12 £12K 16 Lukic, Marinko D/DM L HRV 16.12.90 20 - - £625 17.5.16 £90K 19 Markovic, Denis S C HRV 9.9.88 22 - - £575 4.5.13 £170K 33 Markovic, Tomislav GK HRV 18.2.90 21 - - £525 28.5.14 £40K 1 Martinovic, Dario GK BOS 3.11.82 28 4 - £450 10.5.12 £210K 36 Mazuel, Djamel D C FRA 12.11.91 19 - - £325 20.5.13 £100K 12 Pavicic, Vedran M RC HRV 27.11.88 22 - - £240 4.5.11 £3K 37 Petit, Olivier DM RC FRA 30.4.93 17 - - £300 24.5.13 £22K 18 Rezic, Stjepan D/DM R HRV 21.9.85 25 - - £500 10.5.12 £65K - Ribeiro dos Santos, Edvan AM LC BRA 30.7.92 18 - - £200 11.5.13 £40K 5 Ruzic, Mladen SW/D C HRV 7.1.88 23 - - £650 5.5.13 £190K 35 Sokac, Zeljko GK HRV 26.7.80 30 - - £0 28.5.11 £8K 23 Vuskovic, Danijel SW/DM C HRV 5.1.81 30 - - £550 12.5.14 £85K 24 Weitner, Frank S C GER 2.9.81 29 - - £425 2.5.13 £85K - da Luz, Ov*dio S C BRA 22.6.89 21 - - £170 7.5.14 £100K ================================================== ============================================== 2010/1 Senior Club Stats============================================= ================================================== =No Name Apps Gls Con Pens Asts Yel Red MoM Av R--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3 Bacic, Ivica 19 2 0 1 (0) 2 0 0 0 7.00 26 Barone, Roberto 14 (1) 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 7.27 8 Bilic, Ivica 7 (5) 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 6.92 31 Bravo, Juan Carlos 7 (7) 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 6.43 21 Brnic, Ante 4 (1) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7.00 20 Budimir, Drazen 7 (4) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6.73 32 Bulat, Ivan 0 (2) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6.50 34 Celiscak, Vedran 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ---- 13 Cuero, Óscar Jair 23 (4) 11 0 3 (3) 4 1 0 3 7.44 17 Demichelis, Mart*n 22 (3) 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 6.84 11 Garc*a Mart*n, Mikel 15 3 0 0 4 0 0 1 7.60 14 González Garc*a, Daniel 12 (1) 1 0 0 2 2 0 1 7.31 4 González, Cristian 26 (1) 9 0 0 6 0 1 4 7.56 25 González, Hugo 19 (1) 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 6.75 15 Hoffmeister, Thorsten 22 (1) 1 0 0 3 1 1 0 7.09 6 Jacques, Lu*s Gabriel 34 0 0 0 0 4 0 2 7.59 29 Joãozinho 12 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 7.25 30 Jurcic, Drazen 2 (4) 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 6.83 22 Kovacevic, Tomislav 0 (6) 2 0 1 (1) 0 0 0 0 7.17 - Kraljevic, Ante - - - - - - - - ---- 28 Kranjcar, Nenad 10 (3) 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 7.08 10 Krizanac, Fausto 16 (7) 8 0 0 2 0 0 0 6.96 9 Kurtovic, Davor 23 (6) 15 0 0 7 1 0 6 7.55 - Kurtovic, Marko - - - - - - - - ---- 16 Lukic, Marinko 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6.83 19 Markovic, Denis 7 (8) 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 7.13 33 Markovic, Tomislav 6 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 7.00 1 Martinovic, Dario 30 0 22 0 0 0 0 0 7.50 36 Mazuel, Djamel 0 (1) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8.00 12 Pavicic, Vedran 4 (12) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6.50 37 Petit, Olivier - - - - - - - - ---- 18 Rezic, Stjepan 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6.00 - Ribeiro dos Santos, Edvan - - - - - - - - ---- 5 Ruzic, Mladen 27 4 0 0 3 3 0 4 7.89 35 Sokac, Zeljko 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ---- 23 Vuskovic, Danijel 5 (2) 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 6.71 24 Weitner, Frank 0 (3) 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 6.67 - da Luz, Ov*dio - - - - - - - - ---- ================================================== ============================================== 2010/1 Transfers========================================= ================================================== =====Date Player In From Fee-----------------------------------------------------------------------2.6.10 Juan Carlos Bravo Oviedo £180K 6.6.10 Thorsten Hoffmeister Darmstadt Bos 18.6.10 Frank Weitner Lübeck Bos 1.7.10 Nenad Kranjcar Bari £110K 5.7.10 Drazen Kovac Kucan '99 Free 5.7.10 Denis Markovic Rijeka £150K 26.7.10 Vedran Celiscak Slaven Belupo Loan 26.7.10 Bulat Belisce Loan 9.8.10 Óscar Jair Cuero Segesta £200K 25.8.10 Djamel Mazuel Free Transfer Free 28.8.10 Olivier Petit Free Transfer Free 29.8.10 Zeljko Sokac Cibalia Loan 10.11.10 Joãozinho Lousada £10K 16.11.10 Edvan Ribeiro dos Santos Free Transfer Free 11.12.10 Ov*dio da Luz Free Transfer Free 20.1.11 Marinko Lukic Split £250K Date Player Out To Fee-----------------------------------------------------------------------1.6.10 Kristijan Caval Zagreb £500K 1.6.10 Ivan Radeljic Zagreb £275K 1.6.10 Ivica Zivkovic Released Free 22.6.10 Ivan Cindric Rijeka £600K 6.9.10 Ivankovic Istra £12K 9.11.10 Igor Pavlovic Slobodnica £40K 14.12.10 Mate Dzeko Hajduk £350K 16.12.10 Stefan Bärlin Zadar £5K 28.12.10 Zoran Basic Mosor £45K 29.12.10 Nediljko Odrljin Hajduk £190K </pre>
With everyone in Croatia circling the Slaven Belupo vs Novalja match-up on the last day of the league season, Janz was trying to keep his club focused on the matches leading up to it. If Novalja didn’t take care and get wins in the three prior games, the club would take themselves out of contention, and in a worse case scenario, drop behind Sibenik into third place.
First up for the club was bottom of the table club Istra. Janz would be expecting to win easily, but a club with their backs up against the wall can bring out surprises when one leasts expects it.
Istra’s squad wasn’t much to concern Novalja, but striker Nenad Kovacevic and keeper Mario Smodlaka were having good enough seasons that they might be able to bring out a shock.
Istra vs Novalja
Istra came out in the expected 4-4-2 formation with Rodriguez attacking from the left midfield position and Lisica from the right.
Novalja stayed with their 4-4-2 diamond, with Christian Gonzlez at the key AMC position. Barone was called on to cover for the injured Ruzic, and Janz selected Kovacevic over Hugo Gonzalez. Janz also went with Denis Markovic instead of Krizinac, hoping the younger player could partner well with the older Cuero.
First major action of the game came in the 6th minute as Christian Gonzalez intercepted a loose Istra pass and cruised towards the Istra area. From well outside the Argentine unleashed a long range shot that was superbly saved by Smodlaka. The ensuing corner was headed clear by Loncarevic.
A few minutes later Lukic hit a long diagonal ball cross field to Joaozinho, and with a quick look the right-back hit it forward for Markovic, Markovic did well to break free from his marker and hit a first-time volley, but it went just over with the goal well covered. It would have been a spectacular move had it gone in.
Novalja clearly had the control of the game, and when winger Garcia Martin soundly baffled Zaja in the 13th minute, he took the opportunity to take a low left-footed shot at the goal. Smodlaka got his fist to the ball to keep it away from the net, but lurking Christian Gonzalez was in good position to poke home the rebound.
Istra 0 Novalja 1
The Istra defense was nowhere near Gonzalez, and the goal was his 10th of the season.
Novalja was truly starting to find their rhythm now, and when Gonzalez (clearly able to pick apart the Istra back line) squared the ball for Gonzalez Garcia in the 16th minute, another good save from Smodlaka was required to keep the lead to one.
Just seconds later, Gonzalez chipped the ball for an overlapping Lukic who hit a first-time cross into the area for Cuero. The Columbian did well to clear room, but his ambitious full volley was well off target. The player got some gentle ribbing from young Markovic for the attempt.
Gonzalez continued to dominate the match and curled one in at Smodlaka in the 17th, forcing another good save from the Istra keeper. Smodlaka was furious at his back-line and was clearly seen shouting at his players to ‘put a f***ing body on him, and get your f***ing boots in’.
The Istra defense was trying to do just that in the 24th minute, but Christian Gonzalez dropped his head and took on both Petrovic and Mioc on the dribble and beat them cleanly. His last touch however took him too far, and he had to recover himself on the byline. With a deft touch, he pulled himself out to the right wing, and as his teammates flooded the box he knocked the ball towards Cuero.
Cuero was in good position, and finished easily.
Istra 0 Novalja 2
Markovic had the next chance, and his furious shot in the 28th required another stellar Smodlaka save.
Moments later Gonzalez found Markovic again, but Smodlaka was still up to the task.
Christian Gonzalez was already ear-marked as the Man-of-the-Match, and when he accidentally ripped a 36th freekick against Garcia Martin’s backside, it was pretty clear that Novalja would be happy to cruise to a victory.
Istra had some good possession for a time, and a Rodrquez move down the left flank looked dangerous but Garcia Martin was well placed to clear the ball without much trouble.
Christian Gonzalez had one more chance before half-time but the ball flew well over the bar.
Novalja was in good shape. Istra had had about equal time with possession of the ball, but were unable to really advance much into Novalja’s end of the pitch, whereas Janz’ club were a constant threat in and around the Istra penalty area.
Drazen Jurcic came on at half-time for Markovic, as Novalja looked content to play out time. Jurcic gave Christian Gonzalez another chance in the 50th minute but Smodlaka saved both that attempt and a low drive from Jurcic in the 67th with two fingertip saves.
After a brilliant game, it was a hard blow for Novalja and their manager when Gonzalez had to go off injured in the 73rd minute. The injury will keep the playmaker out for at least a game.
The game ended dully with little action, as Istra was reduced to hitting fruitless long-balls over the Novalja midfield.
Final Score
Istra 0 Novalja 2
Other April 16th Results
Vrbovec 0 Slaven Belupo 1
Bouncing back from 2 defeats, the 2nd place club dominated the game for long stretched but could only put one past Vrbovec, a club fighting to stay in the 1st division.
Sibenik 1 Osijek 1
Sibenik took themselves out of the championship picture, managing only a draw against mid-table Osijek.
Janz did not have to think back far to the last time Osijek upset an on form Novalja. Only last season did Osijek soundly beat then undefeated Novalja to beginning Janz’ club slide into third place.
Osijek vs Novalja
Osijek’s solid mid-table position was reflected in the better quality of their players. Vulic and Martin were two reliable center-backs, and Igor Budan was an unpredictable thread in the front line.
Osijek lined up in a 4-1-2-1-2 lineup with midfielders Vujevic and Goldstein pulling to the left and right respectively. Holding midfielder Porras was named captian for the match.
NK Novalja’s only change from last weeks match-up was to drop Cuero into the playmaking midfielder position, and bring on Fausto Krizinac up top. However, Novalja was no playing without three of their regular 1st team players: Kurtovic, Ruzic, and Gonzalez.
Although it was the home team that came out looking to attack at the start of the game, the first chance fell to Novalja. Gonzalez Garcia was trying to keep possession of the ball in the center of the wet when he picked up out a fine run from Cuero into the box. A nifty over-the-top ball fell awkwardly for the Columbian, but he did well to turn on the ball and his low shot hit the outside of the post and went out for a goalkick.
Cuero recovered quickly and on the ensuing kick intercepted the long ball and knocked it back at the Osijek goal for Krizinac to pick up. The veteran snapped off a quick shot but it was well wide of the net.
Osijek had some good possession over the next few minutes and looked to be working their way towards a chance when Novalja striker Markovic came back to help defensively and made a fine tackle on Blazevic.
A quite period followed as neither team could find their footing on the soggy pitch. Markovic got his head to a loose pass in the 35th and Cuero snapped off a hopeful looking shot that Malovan had to save spectacularly to keep from going in. Garcia Martin was on hand to pick up the punched clearance but his square ball for Krizinac amounted to nothing as the striker was easily tackled.
The tackled ball fell again to Cuero and he put the ball back into the box for Krizinac, Malovan had come out to try and intercept so Krizinac tried a lob. The Osijek keeper pulled off an unbelievable save to deny the Novalja striker by taking two quick steps backwards and jump up to tip the ball over the bar.
Although the ensuing corner was cleared, defensive midfielder Gonzalez Garcia was on to pick up yet another loose ball. This time he passed down the right for Kovacevic, and he must not have been watching just a few second earlier as he tried another chip.
Malovan pulled off his second stunning save by getting a finger to the ball. Cuero seemed ready to pounce just inches from the goal-line but Malovan was down quickly to pull the ball off of the Novalja’s player’s foot.
Krizinac forced a shot on goal in the 40th, but it was punched away by Malovan.
In injury time, Joaozinho faked a run forward, and a freed Kovacevic got loose down the right flank. The right-back picked out the run, and the Osijek defense was slow to close down the winger once he got the ball at his feet. He drove towards the byline and cut the ball back into the box.
At first it didn’t look worrisome, but a quick-reacting Cuero ghosted into the area unmarked and picked a spot in the far corner that Malovan couldn’t reach.
Osijek 0 Novalja 1
At the half-time whistle, Osijek had a clear advantage in possession, and with most of the play having come within 10-yard of the center circle, the home team could feel a little hard done by the late goal. Novalja had created the better chances however, and only Malovan kept the score as close as it was.
As in the last game, Jurcic came on for Kovacevic after the half, but the early part of the second 45 was looking to be dreary. A half-chance volley from Cuero in the 55th didn’t really trouble Malovan.
Osijek made two subs, in the 57th and then in the 66th to try and make up the difference.
Clenio rifled a freekick against the wall in the 76th after Barone was penalized, in one of Osijek’s few times near the Novalja area. Novalja then showed some excellent composure in calmly passing the ball around to ease the pressure, Cuero showing some excellent touch despite the field conditions, and playing a neat one-two with Krizinac that totally fooled the Osijek midfield.
Another freekick was wasted by Osijeck just a few minutes, later as Janz brought in Bilic for Krizinac to try and get more control in midfield.
The game was winding down now, but Bilic tried to seal the win in the 90th minute but Malovan made another spectacular save by just touching the dipping shot around the post for a corner.
The whistle blew before any more chances could be had.
Final:
Osijek 0 Novalja 1
Malovan was clearly named MOM in an off-game for most of the Novalja side. Only Cuero and Gonzalez Garcia really performed well, and each did just enough to effectively disrupt the Osijek play. In the end Osijek had roughly 58% of the possession but could only manage one shot at goal.
Four games to play – NK Novalja, Croatia 
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