Osijek was on the offense and the home team punished their opponent's lack of focus in increments, at Malenica's gates.
It's nigh impossible to say that a defeat is of any use, so that the loss of points against Inter cannot be qualified as being of any palpable value. It was evident that everyone in the ranks of Osijek expected and wanted a different outcome of the match in which Osijek just wasn't on point. Zekic's team was undoubtedly taking initiative and attacked the enemy goal, Boban's header almost landing in the net. Save for one dire situation in Osijek's penalty area, the home team didn't pose a real threat, but a situation developed in which Inter didn't use their chances, until Lopa returned the ball into the commotion in front of Malenica where Dalic used that chance and won Inter a goal. After that event, Osijek took initiative, producing a good chance by Mioc, after which Skoric's handling the ball in penalty area proved detrimental, happening after Saric's foul on Osijek's captain.
The approach is not crucial, it's the errors
When you go take a break during half-time with a 0:2 score, it's hard to stay optimistic for the rest of the game, even though Osijek never quit fighting as they tried and failed to quell the uncertainty of the end result. There was many a chance (Marić, Škorić, Boban, Grezda, Ejupi, Mudražija...), but this time was unfortunate for Osijek's players, be it because of a lack of correct execution, or because Inter's goalkeeper Santini defended his post well. Only Boban was able to best Santini, but it was too late when Inter already had a 3 goal advantage.
This was a first for Osijek this season, not even Europe or the National League producing clubs that put Osijek in a 3 point disadvantage, but such games do happen. To be criticized are the recklessness and lack of focus that cost Osijek greatly, but it stands firm that Osijek's players had the wish and intent to win, albeit not enough. Nevertheless, errors are part of the game and this time they accrued into a first time League loss, confirming that the Championship holds uncertain matches in the future in which the underdogs tend to pounce on the favorites.
