Split celebrates after penalty kicks lottery

22. Memorial tournament "Andrija Anković"

Stadium Podavala, Gabela, final, 20.1.2012.

GNK Dinamo - RNK Split 2:4 (0:0) (0:0)

Referees: Emir Alečković, Hrvoje Turudić, Toni Bandić (all BiH)

Dinamo: Kelava - Vrsaljko (61. Tomečak), Vida, Tonel (70. Šimunić), Pivarić (61. Ibanez) - Calello (56. Pokrivač), Badelj - Leko, Sylvestr (70. Atta), Alispahić (46. Kovačić) - Krstanović (56. Beqiraj) 

Split: Vuković - Marčić, Križanac (46. Glumac), Vidić, Šindik (60. Grgić) - Golubar (60 Pehar), Serdarušić (72. Obilinović), Erceg, Babić, Hrgović (74. Rašić)  - Rebić (46. Čop)

Yellow cards: Alispahić (30.), Leko (64.) / Erceg (51.)

After firm and goalless 90 minutes in Gabela where Dinamo dominated most of the match - Split won the tournament. Even though Dinamo was a better team throughout regular 90 minutes, it it Split who celebrates after penalty kicks lottery.

Croatian champion and last year winner of the tournament in Gabela, Dinamo, and third placed team in MAXtv Prva liga, Split, despite difficult conditions showed a good game in the Gabela final. The pitch in Gabela was in very bad condition because final was the fourth match in just 24 hours. In that kind of conditions it was hard to connect more than a couple of passes but despite that Dinamo dominated the game.

Split created the first threat in the 11th minute when Vidić wasn't marked after a corner kick but his header went over the post. It didn't took Dinamo long to respond; Krstanović's shot ended near the post. Minutes after Krstanović Leko placed a long shot but Vuković made a nice save. Dinamo had more of the game while Split was focusing on defense and counter attacks.

During half time Alispahić left in the locker room and Kovačić entered the pitch. Youngster immediately made a couple of dangerous attempts. First in the 50th minute from the free kick and his second attempt was the biggest chance of the game. Vrsaljko made a nice cross and Kovačić's nice semi-volley shot was once again saved by Vuković.

As usual in friendly matches, a lot of second half substitutes disturbed the rhythm but despite that Dinamo had couple of chances in the last 30 minutes. In the last minute of the game both teams could have got the victory. Tomečak had a great chance on one side while Baraban hit the post on the other. Result - no goals and penalties will decide who takes the tournament.

Obilinović and Badelj missed the first two while Pehar and Leko made it 1:1 but than Split takes the lead. Rašić scored from the penalty spot and Kovačić put the ball into the bar and over the goal. Baraban made it 3:1, Beqiraj 3:2 and Čop scored the last one to make it final 4:2 for Split.

Dinamo didn't defend the title in Gabela but played two very good games. Modri return to Zagreb on Saturday where they'll train for a few days before leaving for Portugal.