EFFICIENT EVEN IN THE SECOND HALF

Another win and an easily-achieved placement in the quarterfinals of the Croatian Cup. It was a short one between Osijek and Zadar due to the vast gap in quality between the two clubs. Frankly, Zadar’s players had a chance when they were granted a penalty kick for a possible 1-1, but it wasn’t a question who would emerge victorious.

With a responsible and serious approach without any inefficient energy depletion, Osijek overcame yet another obstacle in this tournament, which also holds teams that are equally ambitious. At Stanovi, Osijek scored 4 times, but they were able to score double the amount because they weren’t short on chances, especially in the second half, when every away team attack was potentially dangerous for home team’s goalkeeper.

Bočkaj is slowly becoming a Phenomenon

The first score was by Bočkaj, where he shot and scored from a free kick, making it yet another in a long series. When the game was brought to a halt 20 meters from the enemy goal, Petar sank the ball into the net with his left, preferred, leg, while his co-players congratulated him in advance, for they know it’ll most likely be a score.

Bočkaj’s precision and deadliness in these situations is nothing short of impressive, so that he scored after doing the same at Rujevica. It’s already a running joke that he has a better percentage of scores than many basketballers’ attempts at free throws… It’s a shame that, due to 3 yellow cards, he won’t be there on Saturday evening against Lokomotiva at Gradski Vrt, especially because he is such a sharpshooter that even Šemper would shudder at the thought of him appearing and letting it fly true.

Grezda a Serial Shooter by Now

Eros Grezda will be on the team, who’s gotten a reputation as a top notch striker. It’s brilliant how he scored at Maksimir, along with a beautiful and importan goal against Rijeka, and now, at Zadar, he hasn’t spared anyone. When he’s on point, Osijek relies on him because he brings not only his unrivalled assertiveness to the table, but also his ability to deliver.

Nikola Jambor achieved his first score while wearing Osijek, with Marijan Antolović being notable too, who was chosen by Zekić for Cup matches. Worthy was he as he stood in for Malenica, defending against a penalty kick, and showing dominane when he needed to grab a floated cross in front of his goal. Except for the grand victory at Stanovi, of importance is the realization that no suffered injuries and that there aren’t any new absences before the clash with the Locos.