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Four games to play – NK Novalja, Croatia


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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.

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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.

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The season so far:

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.

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April 9th Results

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 García Martín 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.

Table with 4 Games to go:

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">************************************************************************************************

Croatian First Division - Saturday 16th April 2011

************************************************************************************************

================================================================================================

2010/1 Table

================================================================================================

Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1st Novalja 26 9 4 1 28 10 9 1 2 30 8 59

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2nd Slaven Belupo 26 10 1 2 29 12 8 3 2 29 8 58

3rd Sibenik 26 11 1 1 33 7 7 1 5 23 16 56

4th Dinamo 26 10 1 2 30 12 6 2 5 20 15 51

5th Hajduk 26 9 3 1 31 11 5 5 3 19 15 50

6th Zagreb 26 6 3 3 22 16 8 4 2 25 15 49

7th Zadar 26 7 4 2 19 9 7 2 4 20 12 48

8th Rijeka 26 7 2 4 20 15 6 1 6 20 25 42

9th Osijek 26 7 4 3 17 9 2 3 7 11 26 34

10th Split 26 6 4 3 17 13 0 4 9 11 25 26

11th Cakovec 26 5 3 5 19 20 2 0 11 13 37 24

12th Solin Gradja 26 5 1 7 20 24 2 1 10 12 33 23

13th Zminj 26 5 3 5 23 22 0 1 12 7 29 19

14th Vrbovec 26 2 2 9 12 25 2 3 8 9 23 17

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

15th Trnje 26 2 3 8 13 30 0 6 7 8 23 15

16th Istra 26 3 1 8 19 33 0 3 11 11 42 13

================================================================================================

2010/1 Goals

================================================================================================

Pos Player Club Apps Gls

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

1st Mislav Karoglan Slaven Belupo 25 20

2nd Zvonimir Deranja Hajduk 23 18

3rd Davor Kurtovic Novalja 17 (6) 14

4th Vidar Hoseth Sibenik 23 14

5th Dean Owen Zadar 25 13

14th Óscar Jair Cuero Novalja 16 (3) 10

19th Cristian González Novalja 20 8

24th Fausto Krizanac Novalja 11 (4) 7

================================================================================================

2010/1 Assists

================================================================================================

Pos Player Club Apps Asts

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

1st Stjepan Milos Rijeka 26 10

2nd Clinton Belton Slaven Belupo 23 8

3rd Indiepula Swonnell Slaven Belupo 24 8

4th Ivica Cehok Solin Gradja 26 8

5th Goran Rubil Dinamo 23 8

8th Davor Kurtovic Novalja 17 (6) 7

16th Cristian González Novalja 20 6

18th Hugo González Novalja 14 5

================================================================================================

2010/1 Average Rating

================================================================================================

Pos Player Club Apps Av R

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

1st Dejan Pintaric Dinamo 23 8.22

2nd Mladen Ruzic Novalja 22 8.05

3rd Igor Vukic Slaven Belupo 25 8.00

4th Mislav Karoglan Slaven Belupo 25 7.96

5th Zvonimir Deranja Hajduk 23 7.96

8th Cristian González Novalja 20 7.80

9th Davor Kurtovic Novalja 17 (6) 7.78

20th Luís Gabriel Jacques Novalja 25 7.60

21st Óscar Jair Cuero Novalja 16 (3) 7.58

================================================================================================

2010/1 Man of Match

================================================================================================

Pos Player Club Apps MoM

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

1st Ivan Tomas Dinamo 25 7

2nd Zvonimir Deranja Hajduk 23 7

3rd Davor Kurtovic Novalja 17 (6) 6

4th Mislav Karoglan Slaven Belupo 25 6

5th Dean Owen Zadar 25 5

7th Mladen Ruzic Novalja 22 4

19th Cristian González Novalja 20 3

</pre>

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Remaining games:

<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>

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Key players:

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 García Martín

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 García

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, Martín D/DM C ARG 20.12.80 30 - - £450 10.5.12 £160K

11 García Martín, Mikel AM L ESP 19.12.83 27 - - £575 9.5.14 £130K

14 González García, 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, Luís 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, Ovídio 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, Martín 22 (3) 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 6.84

11 García Martín, Mikel 15 3 0 0 4 0 0 1 7.60

14 González García, 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, Luís 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, Ovídio - - - - - - - - ----

================================================================================================

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 Ovídio 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>

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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.

Cakovec 1 Dinamo 1

Hajduk 5 Rijeka

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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.

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NK Novalja’s final home game of the season remained one they need to make desperately needed to make sure they won. A loss would force Janz’ club to win their final game at Slaven Belupo, a feat the club had never achieved.

Split had a long history against Novalja, and only last season (like Osijek) defeated Novalja when Janz’ club looked to be pushing for the title. 3rd place Sibenik is at home against 2nd place Slaven Belupo in a game that if Slaven Belupo loses, will give the title to Novalja.

Novalja vs Split

Sibenik vs Slaven Belupo

Novlaja lined up in the usual 4-4-2 diamond, but with several changes from the last week. Welcomed back from injury where Mladen Ruzic and Davor Kurtovic. In a bit of surprise decision, Drazen Budimir was given the start of Joaozinho at right-back. Partnering with Kurtovic at the front was young Ovidio de Luz, a prospect that Janz must have been hoping could add a jolt of energy on his debut. Hugo Gonzalez returned to the line-up in place of Kovacevic on the right.

Split were led in their usual attacking 4-4-2 with their two in-loan and in-form players Juan Antonio Garai at the front and Ivan Izquierdo on the left-side of midfield. Split were without influential midfielder Miroslav Jelavic.

Sibenik 4-4-2 attacking. Slaven Belupo 5-3-2 formation

Novalja showed some nerves in front of the expectations of the home crowd, as keeper Martinovic had to be called on to make 2 fine saves in the 10th minute. Izquierdo was allowed to get into his box, and when Martinovic parried his shot away, the ball fell nicely for Split striker Knezevic who pounced on the rebound but directed his shot straight at the prone Martinovic. The ball bounced back to the Split striker, but Budimir had recovered by then, and cleanly tackled the ball out for a corner.

Jacques was able to head clear the ensuing ball and Novalja fans breathed easier for escaping the early pressure.

17th minute. A Pelaez shot curled well at the Slaven Belupo net, but keeper Knezevic was able to save.

In the 19th minute, Kurtovic knocked the ball down for Gonzalez Garcia and the midfielder took the ball well and hit the ball low and towards the corner but the Split keeper saved well to deny the midfielder.

Just minutes later Garcia Martin was given time on the ball, and dashed up the left side of the pitch. His low cross found a flashing run from striker Kurtovic.

In his first game back from injury, the Novalja striker surprised everyone by knocking the ball at the goal with his first touch, and was rewarded with a shot the fooled the keeper and found the far corner.

NK Novalja 1 Split 0

Split came back immediately after, however, and a Izquierdo run past Budimir (the youngster was soundly beaten) left the playmaker in good position to set up Garai. The ball fell nicely for the striker, but his shot went well high and wide of the net.

25th minute. Slaven Belupo’s attempted overhead kick sails well over the ball

On the 33rd minute, Izquierdo put another ball into the area and Knezevic did brilliantly to control the pass, and then nutmeg Novalja captain Jacques. With the space he cleared for himself he took a right footed shot, but it flashed just wide of the post.

5 minutes later, Budimir got forward on a rare run and with a quick pass slotted one through into the area for Cuero. The Columbian turned well on the ball and from a sharp angle unleashed a powerful shot, but Split keeper Jurcic was quick to react and palmed the ball away. The ensuing corner was easily cleared by Split.

A good slide tackle from Dukic denies Kris Haxton a chance at goal for Sibenik.

Kurtovic had a half-chance just before half-time but his long-range volley sailed well over the stands (and we do mean over).

Slaven Belupo freekick just outside the area flashed against the wall. Still nil-nil.

After half-time Novalja were looking the more active of the two squads, and da Luz had a powerful header from a Gonzalez Garcia chip denied by Jurcic.

In the 53rd, Izquierdo continued to find space and this time picked out a run of midfielder Perkovic, but Martinovic was able to turn the player’s fine volley away for a corner.

Although Gonzalez Garcia made a fine tackle to temporarily clear the ensuing corner, Split managed to pick out a run of Knezevic, but the striker try to use far too much power and sent the ball out of the park.

54th minute. Sibenik keeper Ivankovic does well to pick a dangerous cross out the air to keep the score level.

Knezevic was finding some room against Jacques, and in the 63rd minute picked up the ball deep and with Jacques trailing closely scooped another shot over the bar.

In the 63rd, Janz brought Denis Markovic in for da Luz, as the home crowd gave a solid ovation for the Bralizian’s debut. The substitute lined up a freekick just moments later, but it was blocked out for a corner. Another Novalja freekick went wasting about two minutes after that.

Izquierdo once again broke forward, and with Budimir trying to keep up, unleashed a low drive that went wide of the far post.

79th minute. A Sibenik substitution almost pays immediate dividends, but Brajkovic’s shot flies well over.

Split made a substitution, and came forward again with sustained pressure. Split midfielder Pranjic was able to get on the end of a Perkovic cross and from a tight angle was able to poke the ball towards the Novalja net, but the fall ricocheted off the crossbar and was cleared away by the Novalja defense.

As the minutes ticked down, Novalja couldn’t find room against a hard pressuring Split midfield. Izquierdo was still trying to create the equalizer and almost did just that by picked out another run of Knezevic but his hopeful shot struck the crossbar and went out of play.

Novalja was desperately trying to hold on to the win now, but Knezevic was determined to force another chance at goal. With tremendous skill the Split striker beat both Gonzalez Garcia and Jacques and in a one-on-one position was able to get a shot off.

Martinovic was up to the challenge, and held onto the ball for as long as could kicking it clear just second before the whistle blew.

A flurry of activity just before the whistle as both sides try to create a last chance at a win. Sibenik earns a freekick in the dying moments, but Brajkovic ensuing shot just misses.

Final:

Novalja 1 Split 0

Sibenik 0 Slaven Belupo 0

With one game to play, Novalja was 3 points ahead of 2nd place Slaven Belupo. Novalja no longer needed to win, but they could not lose or Slaven Belupo would finish even on points and force a play-off for the Croatian championship.

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Few would have thought at the beginning of the season that a Slaven Belupo vs Novalja last day of season match could potentially decide the Croatian 1st Division champion, but that was exactly the situation.

A win for Janz’ squad would be historic, both the championship but also the first time that the club had ever won at Slaven Belupo. A draw would suit Janz’ just fine, however.

A loss would force a home and away playoff between the two clubs, and extend the Croatian season for at least another week.

Janz had two word with his club before the match: “Don’t lose.â€

Slaven Belupo vs Novalja

Slaven Belupo’s side was at least equal to Novalja in terms of talent. Striker Igor Vukic had been on fine form all season, but it was his partner Karoglan who was the greatest scoring threat, having already knocked home more than 20 goals on the season. Slaven Belupo’s defense was also top notch. Belton, Moulin and Petrovic were among the best of the Croatian division. The squad lined up in a 5-3-2 attacking formation with Belton attacking down the left flank from deep and Moulin down the right. Mijac would be the late man coming into the box from the Slaven Belupo midfield.

Novalja lined up in their 4-4-2 diamond. Martinovic would mind the nets and he had Lukic, Jacques, Ruzic, and Budimir in front of him. Gonzalez Garcia would be the defensive midfielder with Garcia Martin to his left and Pavicic to his right. Christian Gonzalez was back from injury to fill his usual role behind the two strikers, Cuero on the left and Kurtovic on the right.

Slaven Belupo came out the sharper of the two sides and earned a freekick deep in Novalja territory with only two minutes gone. The chance was easily cleared by Ruzic.

Novalja got their first chance when Cuero got on the end of a Pavicic cross and half-volleyed a shot that Knezevic couldn’t hold on to and was thankful that his defenders were able to clear.

An offsides call against Slaven Belupo’s Mijac let Budimir get loose on the ensuing freekick but the young right-back hit a 55 yard ball that found absolutely no-one nearby and went out for a goal kick.

Keeper Knezevic took the goalkick, but a poorly delivered ball was picked up by Christian Gonzalez, and without even looking the Argentine midfielder lofted a ball at the Slaven Belupo net.

It was on target and as Knezevic failed to get back into position, Novalja found themselves with a surprising but pleasing lead.

Slaven Belupo 0 Novalja 1

Vukic had a chance just moments later but his shot flew well wide of the mark.

In the 13th minute Christian Gonzalez found himself one-on-one with Knezevic, and with a quick fake, Knezevic was well beaten and had to resort to a professional foul and clipped the Novalja playmaker’s feet.

The referee showed no hesitation and sent off Knezevic with a direct red.

Slaven Belupo’s only option was to bring on untested training pitch keeper Drazen Petrovic for Vukic, and hope to have a miracle comeback with only 10-men.

Petrovic had never played a competive match, was on a rolling contract, and was only an emergency choice for back-up. The emergency had happened and the untested player now faced Cuero with a penalty kick.

He saved it.

From the ensuing scramble the ball fell to Gonzalez Garcia who unleashed a wicked bending shot, but Petrovic once again soared across the goal to turn the ball outside the post.

Cuero had hit his penalty well, but the substitute keeper got his palm to the ball and forced it away. Cuero was disconsolate over the miss, but Kurtovic was quick to point out that Novalja only needed to hold Slaven Belupo off the scoreboard for the win and the championship.

In the 16th minute, Novalja continued to force pressure and Kurtovic hit a Gonzalez through ball just wide of the post.

6 minutes later and Kurtovic bounced another shot off the post itself after Cuero had created the opportunity by beating Moulin.

In the 28th, Christian Gonzalez had two chances at the net only to see one shot bounce back off the crossbar and from the rebound (by way of Gonzalez Garcia) he scuffed his second chance shot well wide.

For nearly 15 minutes, Novalja was content to hold back and Slaven Belupo was able to get some control of the ball but never to break forward. A freekick from Novalja at the 42nd minute mark found the head of Mladen Ruzic and a powerful header looked certain to seal the championship, but Petrovic once again sprang out of nowhere to knock the ball away.

The ensuing corner again landed on top of Ruzic’s head, but the flashing header was punched clear by Petrovic.

Shocked by the near misses, Novalja fell asleep on defense and Slaven Belupo was able to break forward towards Martinovic’s area. A Pavicic foul stopped the break, and a whistle came before Slaven Belupo could captilize on the freekick.

After half-time Slaven Beluop came out determined to force their way back into the match, despite playing a man short. An extended period of threatening play around the Novalja box was broken up by a well-timed Budimir interception.

The next major activity of the game came when Garcia Martin finally broke loose on the left flank, beating Loncar, and rifled a shot that looked certain to seal the game, but Petrovic again denied Novalja any early celebrations with a spectacular reaction save.

In the 64th minute, Christian Gonzalez unbelievably hit another shot off the woodwork, caroming a freekick against the upright.

Two 65th minutes subs for Novalja as Demichelis and Kovacevic came on to try and finish off the game.

Cuero was denied a goal in the 69th by another fine Petrovic save.

Extended periods of dull play now, as Slaven Belupo ran themselves ragged and Novalja were content to let the home side run hopelessly around the pitch.

Gonzalez headed a Lukic freekick over the bar in the 82nd.

With only minutes to play, Kurtovic got the ball at his feet and tried to break past Athersmith. The player took exception to the run and shoved the 20-year old striker to the ground, and the ref quickly reduced Slaven Belupo to 9-men.

The celebrations were well begun now in the Novalja area of the stands, and with the clock quickly ticking away Slaven Belupo had an extended period of possession that ultimately amounted to nothing.

Final:

Slaven Belupo 0 Novalja 1

An almost anti-climactic end to the season, as Novalja found themselves cruising on the early Gonzalez goal.

Those Slaven Belupo fans who stayed the entire game applauded their teams’ performance, especially the MOM Petrovic, who had given his best game of his life to keep his club’s hopes somewhat alive.

The celebrations in Novalja were to last through the Croatian play-offs, and when the final table was finished (when Dinamo beat Hajduk over the two legs) and the official announcement came the small town was already into its 2nd week of hysteria.

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Final Player Stats:

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> ================================================================================================

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 16 (1) 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 7.24

8 Bilic, Ivica 7 (7) 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 6.79

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 9 (4) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6.77

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 27 (4) 13 0 4 (3) 4 1 0 3 7.48

17 Demichelis, Martín 22 (4) 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 6.81

11 García Martín, Mikel 19 3 0 0 5 0 0 2 7.47

14 González García, Daniel 16 (1) 1 0 0 2 2 0 1 7.35

4 González, Cristian 28 (1) 11 0 0 7 0 1 5 7.62

25 González, Hugo 20 (1) 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 6.76

15 Hoffmeister, Thorsten 22 (1) 1 0 0 3 1 1 0 7.09

6 Jacques, Luís Gabriel 38 0 0 0 0 4 0 2 7.47

29 Joãozinho 14 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 7.14

30 Jurcic, Drazen 2 (6) 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 6.75

22 Kovacevic, Tomislav 2 (7) 2 0 1 (1) 1 0 0 0 7.00

- Kraljevic, Ante - - - - - - - - ----

28 Kranjcar, Nenad 10 (3) 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 7.08

10 Krizanac, Fausto 17 (7) 8 0 0 2 0 0 0 6.96

9 Kurtovic, Davor 25 (6) 16 0 0 7 1 0 6 7.58

- Kurtovic, Marko - - - - - - - - ----

16 Lukic, Marinko 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6.90

19 Markovic, Denis 9 (9) 3 0 0 1 1 0 0 7.11

33 Markovic, Tomislav 6 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 7.00

1 Martinovic, Dario 34 0 22 0 0 0 0 0 7.47

36 Mazuel, Djamel 0 (1) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8.00

12 Pavicic, Vedran 5 (12) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6.53

37 Petit, Olivier - - - - - - - - ----

18 Rezic, Stjepan 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6.00

- Ribeiro dos Santos, Edvan - - - - - - - - ----

5 Ruzic, Mladen 29 4 0 0 3 3 0 4 7.86

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

27 da Luz, Ovídio 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7.00 </pre>

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Final Table:

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">************************************************************************************************

Croatian First Division - Wednesday 18th May 2011

************************************************************************************************

================================================================================================

2010/1 Table

================================================================================================

Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1st C Novalja 30 10 4 1 29 10 12 1 2 34 8 71

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2nd Slaven Belupo 30 11 1 3 31 14 9 4 2 30 8 65

3rd Sibenik 30 11 3 1 34 8 8 2 5 26 18 62

4th Dinamo 30 11 2 2 34 14 7 3 5 26 16 59

5th Hajduk 30 11 3 1 37 12 6 5 4 23 17 59

6th Zagreb 30 9 3 3 26 17 8 4 3 25 16 58

7th Zadar 30 8 5 2 22 11 8 2 5 21 13 55

8th Rijeka 30 9 2 4 24 17 6 2 7 22 31 49

9th Osijek 30 7 4 4 17 10 2 5 8 13 29 36

10th Split 30 6 5 4 18 15 1 4 10 14 26 30

11th Cakovec 30 5 5 5 21 22 2 1 12 15 41 27

12th Solin Gradja 30 5 1 9 20 32 2 1 12 14 38 23

13th Zminj 30 6 3 6 24 23 0 1 14 10 34 22

14th Trnje 30 4 3 8 19 32 0 7 8 9 25 22

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

15th R Vrbovec 30 2 3 10 13 27 2 3 10 10 27 18

16th R Istra 30 4 1 10 21 39 0 3 12 11 43 16

================================================================================================

2010/1 Goals

================================================================================================

Pos Player Club Apps Gls

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

1st Mislav Karoglan Slaven Belupo 29 21

2nd Zvonimir Deranja Hajduk 28 20

3rd Davor Kurtovic Novalja 19 (6) 15

4th Dejan Pintaric Dinamo 29 15

5th Vidar Hoseth Sibenik 25 14

6th Dean Owen Zadar 29 13

7th Ivan Tomas Dinamo 30 12

8th Igor Vukic Slaven Belupo 29 12

9th Petrovic Zagreb 19 (1) 12

10th Hrvoje Dukic Slaven Belupo 28 12

11th Óscar Jair Cuero Novalja 20 (3) 12

12th Dario Kraljevic Hajduk 27 (2) 11

13th Stjepan Milos Rijeka 30 11

14th Anthony Masson Solin Gradja 29 11

15th René Neumann Cakovec 30 11

16th Mate Dragicevic Sibenik 27 (2) 10

17th Nikola Lalic Cakovec 30 10

18th Marko Novoselac Zagreb 30 10

19th Igor Boban Zminj 30 10

20th Cristian González Novalja 22 10

21st Alberto Sibenik 17 (1) 9

22nd Sergio Páez Zagreb 24 9

23rd Sasa Bjelanovic Hajduk 9 (3) 9

24th Ivan Cindric Rijeka 26 (2) 8

25th Krunoslav Lovrek Rijeka 23 8

26th Juan Antonio Garai Split 23 8

27th Derman Moss Mallorca 15 7

28th Igor Budan Osijek 22 7

29th Fausto Krizanac Novalja 12 (4) 7

30th Darko Peric Dinamo 17 (8) 7

================================================================================================

2010/1 Assists

================================================================================================

Pos Player Club Apps Asts

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

1st Stjepan Milos Rijeka 30 12

2nd Goran Rubil Dinamo 28 11

3rd Josip Vuka Sibenik 26 10

4th Dejan Pintaric Dinamo 29 10

5th Clinton Belton Slaven Belupo 26 9

6th Marko Novoselac Zagreb 30 9

7th Danny Koevermans Hajduk 29 9

8th Indiepula Swonnell Slaven Belupo 27 8

9th Ivica Cehok Solin Gradja 30 8

10th Marko Mikic Hajduk 29 8

11th Mate Dragicevic Sibenik 27 (2) 7

12th Davor Kurtovic Novalja 19 (6) 7

13th Mario Carevic Hajduk 30 7

14th Cristian González Novalja 22 7

15th Miroslav Jelavic Split 28 6

16th Stjepan Jukic Slaven Belupo 16 (7) 6

17th Frédéric Moulin Slaven Belupo 25 6

18th Tommy Sandsdalen Dinamo 24 6

19th Dean Owen Zadar 29 5

20th Hugo González Novalja 15 5

21st Zyad Jusic Slaven Belupo 29 (2) 5

22nd Dario Kraljevic Hajduk 27 (2) 5

23rd Marko Loncar Sibenik 22 5

24th Drazen Horvat Dinamo 20 (8) 5

25th Ante Ivankovic Istra 24 5

26th Igor Loncar Slaven Belupo 22 (5) 5

27th Tomislav Maric Zagreb 28 5

28th Igor Vukic Slaven Belupo 29 5

29th Darko Peric Dinamo 17 (8) 5

30th Vedran Markovic Cakovec 15 (3) 5

================================================================================================

2010/1 Average Rating

================================================================================================

Pos Player Club Apps Av R

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

1st Dejan Pintaric Dinamo 29 8.17

2nd Mladen Ruzic Novalja 24 8.00

3rd Igor Vukic Slaven Belupo 29 7.97

4th Zvonimir Deranja Hajduk 28 7.93

5th Ivan Tomas Dinamo 30 7.90

6th Cristian González Novalja 22 7.86

7th Davor Kurtovic Novalja 19 (6) 7.80

8th Petrovic Zagreb 19 (1) 7.80

9th Stjepan Milos Rijeka 30 7.77

10th Mislav Karoglan Slaven Belupo 29 7.76

11th Derman Moss Mallorca 15 7.73

12th Tomislav Visevic Zadar 30 7.73

13th Vidar Hoseth Sibenik 25 7.72

14th Dario Kraljevic Hajduk 27 (2) 7.69

15th Goran Rubil Dinamo 28 7.64

16th Alberto Sibenik 17 (1) 7.61

17th Óscar Jair Cuero Novalja 20 (3) 7.61

18th Josip Vuka Sibenik 26 7.54

19th Juan Antonio Garai Split 23 7.52

20th Mate Dragicevic Sibenik 27 (2) 7.52

21st Mikel García Martín Novalja 16 7.50

22nd Dean Owen Zadar 29 7.48

23rd Ivica Matic Cakovec 15 (2) 7.47

24th Ivan Cindric Rijeka 26 (2) 7.46

25th Clinton Belton Slaven Belupo 26 7.46

26th Luís Gabriel Jacques Novalja 29 7.45

27th Mario Carevic Hajduk 30 7.43

28th Hrvoje Dukic Slaven Belupo 28 7.43

29th Ante Aracic Hajduk 26 7.42

30th Jerko Leko Dinamo 27 7.41

================================================================================================

2010/1 Man of Match

================================================================================================

Pos Player Club Apps MoM

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

1st Ivan Tomas Dinamo 30 8

2nd Zvonimir Deranja Hajduk 28 8

3rd Mislav Karoglan Slaven Belupo 29 7

4th Davor Kurtovic Novalja 19 (6) 6

5th Dean Owen Zadar 29 5

6th Stjepan Milos Rijeka 30 5

7th Petrovic Zagreb 19 (1) 5

8th René Neumann Cakovec 30 5

9th Ivan Cindric Rijeka 26 (2) 4

10th Mladen Ruzic Novalja 24 4

11th Igor Vukic Slaven Belupo 29 4

12th Damir Tomic Sibenik 18 (3) 4

13th Cristian González Novalja 22 4

14th Dejan Pintaric Dinamo 29 4

15th Roberto Aguilar Vrbovec 25 (1) 3

16th Mate Dragicevic Sibenik 27 (2) 3

17th Josip Balatinac Sibenik 20 (2) 3

18th Sasa Bjelanovic Hajduk 9 (3) 3

19th Mario Carevic Hajduk 30 3

20th Miroslav Jelavic Split 28 3

21st Tomislav Maric Zagreb 28 3

22nd Hrvoje Dukic Slaven Belupo 28 3

23rd Goran Rubil Dinamo 28 3

24th Capi Tenerife 14 3

25th Alberto Sibenik 17 (1) 2

26th Seydou Panaseguiri Vrbovec 8 (8) 2

27th Derman Moss Mallorca 15 2

28th Mikel García Martín Novalja 16 2

29th Sergio Páez Zagreb 24 2

30th Clinton Belton Slaven Belupo 26 2

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