Excellent Mitrović move brought Zagreb away goal lead

Maksimir, Zagreb, 4.4.2012.

Cup semifinal, first leg

GNK Dinamo - NK Zagreb 1:1 (1:0)

Referees: Igor Križarić (Čakovec), Borut Križarić (Čakovec), Josip Havaić (Koprivnica), Zlatko Šimčić (Koprivnica)

Spectators: 2514

Dinamo: Kelava - Vrsaljko, Tonel, Vida, Pivarić - Leko, Badelj - Tomečak, Sammir (72. Pokrivač), Kovačić (68. Alispahić)  - Krstanović (61. Beqiraj)

Zagreb: Vidaković - Pelaić, Pavlović, Štiglec, Oršulić - Maleš, Trebotić (71. Štrok) , Abdurahimi (86. Zadro), Šovšić, Jurendić (75. Mitrović) - Medić

Yellow cards: Kovačić (57.), Badelj (75.), Leko (81.) / Pavlović (29.), Vidaković (61.), Maleš (74.), Štiglec (90.)

Goals: 1:0 Badelj (29.) / 1:1 Mitrović (76.)

Dinamo and Zagreb played an even game in the Cup seminal first leg so Zagreb can be very happy with their display and the final result. Modri took the lead when Milan Badelj scored after half an hour of play but Zagreb didn't give up, they searched and eventually Ante Mitrović got them the deserved equaliser.

Dinamo coach Ante Čačić decided to make a few changes in the team so Ivan Krstanović started the game as striker, Mateo Kovačić returned from injury and took the position of left attacking midfielder and Josip Pivarić was at the left full back. Modri took the offensive from the beginning of the game but Zagreb instantly proved as a tough opponent.

After just two minutes of play Oršulić made a nice run through the right side and placed a fierce shot which Kelava turned to the corner kick. Zagreb decided to start the game focusing on defense because they knew that the more than hold on without conceding - their chances grow. Defending with, no less than, eight players Zagreb formed an unbreakable wall so Dinamo had no other option but to try from long distance. Leko, Badelj and Vrsaljko all tried their shots but Vidaković saved everything.

Dinamo's pressure slowed down after 20 minutes and when Zagreb managed to got control of the ball - Dinamo took the lead. In the 29th minute of the game Sammir made a nice run before passing the ball to Badelj whose well placed shot from 20 metres ended in the back of the net. After the lead Dinamo had several chances but Zagreb too; especially from set pieces situation. To be more exact, Pavlović had a nice opportunity after a corner kick in the 35th minute but the result didn't change; at least not in the first half.

In the second half we saw a much more courageous Zagreb whose players played defense on Dinamo's half. The guests had their first chance in the 51st minute when Trebotić "missed the impossible". Štiglec made an excellent cross from the left side and the ball came to Trebotić who was on five metres from Kelava but shot over the goal. Dinamo had its chances but even when the ball ended in the net - it was ruled out. Sammir's corner kick came to Leko and Beqiraj placed the ball in the net but the flag was up and it stayed 1:0. Unfortunately, not for long.

It was obvious that someone will score because both teams played very offensively and Zagreb managed to do that. Štrok made a nice pass to Mitrović who entered the game 39 seconds before and he showed excellent skill, got rid of Dinamo defenders and goalkeeper so he was able to calmly shot the ball to an open net; excellent move for an equaliser.

Dinamo tried to get back in front, Alispahić, Badelj and Beqiraj had their chances but well organized Zagreb saved all their attempts.

For the next two weeks Zagreb will have the advantage of an away goal. Second leg is scheduled for 17th of April.