Coach Kovačević and Beljo ahead of Dinamo's 400th European match: We're ready and can't wait for kick-off
Dinamo's 400th match in European competitions
Dinamo will reach an interesting milestone on Tuesday in Switzerland: the Maksimir club will play their 'round' 400th match in the history of European club competitions.
The opponent will be Swiss champions Thun in the first leg of the Champions League 2nd qualifying round, with the match scheduled for Tuesday at 8 PM. The return leg is scheduled for July 28th in Zagreb.
In their previous 399 matches in European club competitions, Dinamo has recorded 163 victories, 85 draws and 151 defeats with a goal difference of 587-526. The statistics include all four main continental competitions in history: a) European Cup / Champions League; b) Inter-Cities Fairs Cup / UEFA Cup / Europa League; c) Cup Winners' Cup; d) Conference League.
– It's a good feeling ahead of the trip, first of all I'm satisfied that after preparations everyone is healthy and ready. We can't wait for the match. We worked all year to become champions, we're aware of the importance of this match, but I think we've prepared well. We've scouted the opponent and we're going to Switzerland with optimism – emphasized Dinamo coach Mario Kovačević just before departure.
In the first test at the start of the season, the Maksimir team will play on artificial turf.
– As I said, we've prepared well, this is just the beginning, and these first matches can be tricky. Regarding the artificial turf, we'll have a training session and adapt, there's not much to think about there. The most important thing is to achieve a good result, I believe that will happen.
What's the squad situation?
– Everyone's here, we can count on everyone. Of course, only Luka Stojković doesn't have the right to play, he has to serve a two-match suspension due to a red card.
If Dinamo advances to the 3rd qualifying round, they will play against the winner of the tie between KI Klaksvik from the Faroe Islands and Lithuanian Kauno Žalgiris.
– We're not thinking about that, we have maximum focus on this match against Thun. We have another training session and meeting ahead of us to prepare even better and familiarize ourselves with what awaits us. That's our priority, and afterwards we'll think about the next opponent.
How does coach Kovačević comment on the World Cup final in which Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in extra time?
– Spain deservedly celebrated. All of us who love football were rooting for Spain to win because they were better, I'm happy for them, and especially for our Dani Olmo – added coach Kovačević.
Dinamo's brilliant striker Dion Drena Beljo thinks similarly.
– We're aware of the importance of the match in Switzerland and the strength of our opponents. They didn't win the Swiss league by accident, which is extremely good. It will be a demanding match, but I think we've prepared very well in this month and that we're ready. We've analyzed the opponent, they're not the same team as last season, but they have quality. They're quite aggressive, play with a lot of running, long balls, we can say they're physical... We know what awaits us and we're ready.
How challenging is playing on artificial turf?
– It's a big difference, I can't even remember when I last played on artificial turf, it was a long time ago. But it's one match, we'll adapt. The hardest part is actually in the context of possible injuries, because they occur much more frequently on such surfaces. Regarding the game itself, I think we'll adapt well.
Beljo was also inclined towards Spain in the World Cup final.
– I have to admit I was rooting for Spain, I'm happy they won the title. I'm happy for Dani Olmo and for the Spaniards we have in our team. Maybe it wasn't the most beautiful match, but the Spaniards deservedly won the trophy – added Beljo.
