NK Osijek was putting on the pressure assertively and dangerously, never backing down and without recoiling.
Before their departing for Split, Osijek’s players and their coach had announced that they’d bring the pain, and they have. They showed many good things in their approach and gameplay, deserving all the praise for their showing at Poljud. They were brave, on point and full of vigor, not only bringing Hajduk to their knees, but also dwarfing them stats-wise in the match.
All those who had watched the game saw Osijek’s players at their best, them having been shy of only 1 more score to make the scoreboard embarrassing for the opponents. Even though it ended in a tie, the away team (Osijek) was left hungry, shy of victory.
Nothing got the Best of Osijek
Zekić managed to realize his tactic, correctly assuming where Hajduk was vulnerable and having faith in his chosen 11 to bring their A game, never backing down to the enemy and their fans. Osijek didn’t let up for a second. To the contrary, since minute 1, Osijek knew how to endanger Letica and put pressure on him, despite the opposing team’s dominance regarding ball possession.
Our team had wonderful chances by Grezda and Mioč, a prospective chance by Hajradinović (albeit unclaimed), along with good midfield control, making the opponents falter before getting to Santini. The lapse in consistency occurred during the final minutes of the first half, where Futacs hit the post and Tudor found himself alone, using that chance to score. However, it didn’t faze Osijek’s players, who dominated the pitch in the continuation of the match.
A Brilliant Shot for a Tie
Osijek brought the pain to their opponents as they had dictated the tempo and foreshadowed a tie, which happened at minute 59 after a brilliant play by Hajradinović, Barišić and Marić, who scored within 5 m of the opposing goal. Earlier, Grezda and Bočkaj had threatened to score, as did Marić and Hajradinović, so it was only natural for Osijek to eventually score. Osijek continued after the tie with guns blazing, never satiated, but in doing that, they resuscitated Hajduk out of their lethargic state so that Gyurcso shot the post, which was the only true chance for Hajduk post-tie.
Everything worked within Osijek’s ranks, from the confident Santinij at the opposing goal, all the way to the impassable Marić, the assistant hand Barišić, the playful Škorić, the menacing Hajradinović and the lively Marić at the spearhead. A pity that Grezda didn’t show up at his 100% because of his being absent for a longer period. However, it brings joy to Osijek fans that NK Osijek’s roster is the real, authentic, specifically during this past match, confirming that they can handle and dominate the top 3 teams.
