Balkan Football

BRANKO ILIČ BROKE WITH REAL BETIS

2010-01-19T05:16:00.001+01:00

Spanish team Real Betis had announced that they terminated the contract with Slovenian defender Branko Ilic. Real Betis management said in their official website: "Club would like to sincerely thank him for his professional attitude and in the future to wish good luck in future career." 26 year old player is free to sign any new contracts. Branko Ilich has as of today free to choose a new club. Ilıc had been playing in Spain for two years taking part in 34 matches

(www.nogomania.com)

PANDEV: WE COULD BEAT BARI

2010-01-19T04:12:00.001+01:00

Undoubtedly, the star of the 2-2 draw away match with Bari in Stadio San Nicolo was the Macedonian striker Goran Pandev.

After the match Pandev admitted that winning the match could be a good motivator befpre the derby match in San Siro:

“It was a difficult match. We did our best to get back into the game and you could see the great Inter in the last half hour. We could win, but in the end we were lucky. Now we're going to Milan aware that we have a good scoring advantage against them.” said Pande for Sky Sports Italia, adding that he was glad that he scored a goal.

Here, you can watch Pandev’s goal.

(Blic)

ADEM LJAJIC SELECTED AS THE BEST PLAYER IN 2009 IN SERBIA

2010-01-19T03:36:00.000+01:00

The new Fiorentina player received his award last Monday in the ceremnoy at the Hyatt Hotel in Belgrade. Red Star striker Dejan Lekic on the other hand is selected as the best debutant in Serbian Super League.

Adem Ljajic, 19 years old player from Novi Pazar, Serbia’s Sandzak region’s most important city with considerable local “Bosnjak” population started his football career in Partizan. Last month he was just on a move to Manchester United, however the English club withdraw her contract and Violets signed a contract with him for a fee around 8 million Euros.

(Borba)

DEJAN LOVREN OLİMPİK LYON’DA

2010-01-17T19:18:00.000+01:00

Dinamo Zagreb’in 20 yaşındaki genç müdafaa oyuncusu Fransız ekibiyle dört seneliğine kontrat imzaladı. Lovren yeni takımında 26 numaralı formayı giyecek. Lovren’le Olimpik arasındaki anlaşma Cumartesi günü imzalandı.

Lovren, 2004 yılından bu yana başkent ekibi Dinamo Zagreb’de top koşturuyordu.

(Slobodna Dalmacija)

DEJAN LOVREN IN OLYMPIQUE LYON

2010-01-17T19:17:00.001+01:00

The young defender of Dinamo Zagreb, Dejan Lovren (20 years old) will be playing for the French team for the next 4 years. He will be wearing the number 26 jersey.

On Saturday, Lovren signed the contract offered by Lyon.

He had been playing in Zagreb team since 2004

(Slobodna Dalmacija)

DINAMO AND HAJDUK RIVALRY CONTINUES IN ATTRACTING YOUNG TALENCIES

2010-01-17T02:58:00.005+01:00

Recently, since Croat football became the target of famous European clubs, the other face of of Hajduk and Dinamo rivalry is visible.

Tottenham’s star Croatian player Luka Modric was only 17 years old when he was transferred from Zadar to Dinamo Zagreb. Two young players of Dinamo Zagreb, Domagoj Antolić (20 years old) Sime Vrsaljko (18 years old) are new promising players of Zagreb team. Both players are from Zadar like Modric. Zadar coach Tomislav Basic even argues that Sime has more talent than Modric.

On the other side Hajduk calls young talents of 6 to 14 years old to join club’s football school. Hajduk management says: This is a Dalmatian call! Be the new Hajduk star. This is an act against Zadar’s young talencies moving to Dinamo club, where most of the hard Zadar fans are not happy that their players move to Dinamo instead of their Dalmatian brother team Hajduk Split.

(Slobodna Dalmacija)

SLOVENIAN STRIKER DEDIC SCORED HIS FIRST GOAL BOCHUM

2010-01-17T01:08:00.004+01:00

In the away match against Mönchengladbach , Slovenian football player Zlatko Dedič has achieved its first goal in German Bundesliga. He scored the second goal of his team and Bochum was the victorious side: 1-2. Dedič played in the first half and got a yellow card.

(Dnevnik)

Here, you can watch his goal.

MACEDONIAN LEGIONERS IN EUROPEAN LEAGUES RAISE HOPE FOR NATIONAL TEAM

2010-01-16T02:43:00.001+01:00

Macedonian daily newspaper says that Macedonian players no longer warm up at bench, but they contribute to their clubs’ successes as well. The newspaper also suggests that, those football clubs where Macedonian players take part became favorite clubs of Macedonians in Europe.

One of those players is Besart Ibraimi. Born in Kicevo in December 17, 1986. Ibraimi is an ethnic Albanian from Macedonia where he began his Professional career in Kicevo’s local FK Vlazrimi. After playing one season he was transferred to Kicevo’s stronger team FK Napredok. In his first season in Macedonian First League, young striker played in 43 games scoring 14 goals then he found himself in FK Renova. On January 12, 2010, German Bundesliga club Schalke 04 offered a contract to Ibraimi.

31 years old Bitola born defender Nikolce Noveski who plays for Mainz, and 27 years old Internazionale Milan striker Goran Pandev had been the first spectacular Macedonian players in Europe,which took attention of European managers to Macedonia. Both players have important roles in their teams and also in the National Team of Macedonia. Other noticeable Macedonian players whom play in European teams are those: Velice Sumulikoski, 29 years old Preston North End midfielder and Igor Mitreski, 31 years old CSKA Sofia defender,

There are also rumors that 23 years old , is just to move to Austrian LASK Linz strengthening the central defensive zone. 36 years old defender Goce Sedloski and 27 years old Ilco Naumoski are consistent players of Austrian Bundesliga club SV Mattersburg. Recently, Naumoski is offered a contract from UD Almeira from Spain as well as some clubs from Scotland.

There is a colony of Macedonian players in South Cyprus, says Vreme. 27 years old midfielder Vlatko Grozdanoski playing for AEL Limassol, 28 years old goalkeeper Edin Nuredinoski and 25 years old defender Vance Sikov for Ethnikos Achna FC, 37 years old goalkeeper Jane Nikolovski for AEP Paphos, 28 years old central defender Boban Grncarov for Apoel FC, 23 years old forward player Ivan Trickovski (on loan from Red Star) and 37 years old goalkeeper Petar Milosevski (formerly played in Akçaabat Sebatspor, Trabzonspor and Malatyaspor in Turkey) and 27 years old defender Bojan Markovski are consistent players of Enosis Neon Paralimni which is ruled by Macedonian manager Cedomir Janevski.

After Bosnia’s relative success in World Cup Qualification matches the Balkan countries, like Bosnia who have poor local leagues had raised their expectations from Macedonian players playing in abroad. However, despite the consistency in their clubs, it is questioned if the leagues and clubs in which Bosnian players are playing can be comparable with those of Macedonians.

FATOS BEĆİRAJ ON MOVE TO BENFICA

2010-01-14T19:30:00.005+01:00

Montenegro’s FK Buducnost’s star forward player Fatos Bećiraj is on move to Benfica, while Turkish and German teams are also interested with him.

Buducnost’s sports director Vladimir Bulatovic said that Montenegrin national team player Fatos Bećiraj is closer to leave the team, than staying at home.

"Probably he will go to Benfica, but negotiations are still ongoing. It will be more clear next week. We hope that Bećiraj will stay with us until end of the season which will be beter for him as well.”

In the press conference, Bulatovic had expressed that German and Turkish clubs are also interested in Bećiraj.

22 years old, Kosovar-born Montenegrin player is currently playing in the capital city Podgorica’s team. He began his career in Peć (Kosova) playing for KF Shqiponja when he was 17 years old. After starring in Kosovar Superliga clubs from the region showed interest in him and he moved to Buducnost in January 2007 and was invited fort he Montenegro U21 football team. He played 70 minutes in his first senior squad experience in March 28, 2009 against Italy in World Cup Qualifying group when Montenegro lost 0-2 at home in Podgorica.

Here is a short info video about the young player broadcasted in Youtube by “zprkic”.

(RTCG – Radio Televizija Crne Gore)

MONTENEGRIN’S SEARCH FOR A NEW COACH

2010-01-06T23:10:00.006+01:00

The first days of the new year brought back the issue of new coach for the Montenegrin National Football Team after Filipović’s resignation. Theoretically, the deadline for setting a new coach goes to the end of February, when Montenegro will have a scheduled friendly match with Macedonija in Skopje byMarch 3.

The most serious candidate for Filipović’s successor is still Slaviša Jokanović, former coach of Partizan who won two double crown with Grobari and played as inteams like Vojvodina, Partizan, Oviedo, Tenerifea, Deportivo, Chelsea and Ciudad Murcia.

Jokanovic is recognised as the name with whom Savicevic had contacted. However, the public mentioned the name Ljubisa Tumbaković, also a former coach of Partizan.

(Vjesti)

END OF A DREAM: Bosnia 0 – Portugal 1

2009-11-18T23:20:00.001+01:00

Bosnia could not avoid defeat against Portugal in Zenica. Portuguese squad, who were victorous in the fitrst leg (1-0) as well opened the track to participate Africa 2010.

Portugal had scored at 56’ by Meireles. When Salihovic was sent off by red card at 78’, the last 12 minutes was more easier for portuguese players.

RUSSIAN BEAR AMBUSHED BY SLOEVENIAN HUNTERS: Slovenia 1 – Russia 0

2009-11-18T23:08:00.003+01:00

The single goal which Slovenians scored in the first leg of the play-off played in Russia, brought them victory. Dedic scored Slovenia’s single goal at 44’ and it was enough for Slovenia to take the ticket to South Africa.

When Russian defender Zhirkov was sent off by red card at 67’ everything became much easier for Slovenians.

HOPE FOR BOSNIA? WE WILL SEE…

2009-11-15T02:51:00.003+01:00

Bosnia had long been recognized as a surprise team. Their surprises for Portugal were avoıided by net-bars last night in Lisboa. Despite 1-0 defeat, Bosnia is still promising for Africa 2010.

Bosnia started the match in quite a flair way. At 6’ Misimovic’s kick from a good position and just over the net.

Just after that, Ibricic shot the corner kick of Misimovic followed by Dzeko but Eduardo was succesful. When Bosnia seemed to play beter than the rival, suddenly tall Portuguese stoper Alves headed the ballinto the net.

Bosnia was able to respond the goal with attacks, but unsuccesful attempts to score followed by. In 37’ Muratovic got a yellow card which make him to be banded fort he revenge match in Zenica.

Just after that Salihovic’s shot was sent to corner by Eduardo.

The second half was more like a struggle in midfield but Dzeko was just to score at 76’.

With the great game in Lisboa, there is stil hope for Bosnia.

(Dnevni Avaz)

LAST MINUTE HOPE GOAL BY SLOVENIA

2009-11-15T00:36:00.003+01:00

Slovenia lost 2-1 against Russia where the first half score was 1-0. Nejc Pecnik’s goal at 86’ made Slovenians to have hop efor the revenge match which will be played on next Wednesday at 20:45 in Maribor.

Despite efforts of the Slovenian defense line, they could not manage to stop high technical capabilities of Russians and could not avoid two goals of Dinijar Biljaletdinov, the midfielder of the Russian squad. Nejc Pencik, who was entered the game later on brought some flaire to Slovenians and he brought the promising despite very strong Russian defense.

The first dangerous attempt of Russians for goal was by the free kick shot of Sergey Ignasevic at 32’ avoided by Handanovic. But he was not that much lucky at 40’ when Pavlucenkov lowered the boal to Biljaletdinov, and he passed Slovenian defense player Sulerja and nicely shot: 1-0.

After half time,Slovenians looked more ambitious,not only relying on counterattacks. This made Russians to benefit from loose Slovenian defense. That brought second goal of Biljaletdinov at 53’. 2-0

The second goal of Russia was in fact an English style goal involving attempts of Pavlucenko (Tottenham), Arsavin (Arsenal) and finally Biljaletdinov (Everton).

At 87’ Pecnik followed Koren’s shoot,which turned from Akinfeev and scored the single goal of Slovenia: 2-1

The last minute goal made Slovenians to hop efor a “surprise” in Maribor next Wednesday.

(Dnevnik)

VICTOROUS SARAJEVO IN DERBY MATCH

2009-11-12T22:12:00.003+01:00

The victorious side which was played last Saturday (November 7) was Sarajevo.

The match which was played in a marvelous atmosphere attracted almost 12.000 football fans, where about 1.500 of them were of visitor team Sarajevo. The rest of Grbavica was filled by Zeljeznicar supporters. Grbavica Stadium was standing on the borderline between Serbian militia and Bosnian Army during the war. The lightning system of Grbavica was renovated thissummer and this match is recorded as the first derby match played in Grbavica in the night since the end of the war. Both sides had supported their team with a huge excitement, but Sarajevo fans were happier at the end after defeating their city rivals in their own field.

In fact, Zeljo was playing better at the beginning. At minute 9 Faric missed a hundred percent goal.

Sarajevo won a penalty at 19th minute when they had their first serious attack. Although home side protested the decision of the referee claiming that it was already an offside position before the penalty, Şkoro scored the penalty kick. (See photo of Sarajevo fans after the goal)

After that goal there was more or less an equilibrium in the match. Just after the second half started, at 53th minute Bekric scored for Zeljo. (See video for the magnificient celebration of the goal by Zeljo fans)

However, Zeljo was unable to keep the draw because of the disappointing performance of the defense line of the team. It was not easy for Sarajevo to score the second goal at 76 by Jahovic. In fact the score could be even 4-1 but it was luckiness of Zeljo.

BOSNIANS ARE NOT FRIGHTENED BY PORTUGAL

2009-10-20T05:39:00.000+02:00

The first meeting of the BiH football players will play away 14th November 18th while revenge November in Bosnia.

CIRO: “BIG DOES NOT ALWAYS BEAT THE SMALL”
After he learned that they will play against Bosnia Portugal’s manager Carlos Queiroz said that the current rating shows that Bosnians can be victorious, because it is a very high-quality selection: " I noticed that Bosnia has a deadly attackers, who is a team with many stars.”

Ciro said that the Portuguese are favorites: “If you look at the trophies and recognition of their football players, Portugal is the favorite in the match. Great, however, big does not always beat small.”

MUZUROVIĆ: “I WOULD PREFER FRANCE”
Ex-manager of BiH national team Muzurović said: “I'm sorry that we will not meet with the French. The Portuguese were not good at the qualifications. Somehow they managed to play barrage match. However, I do not think they are a bad team. These young men of whom we are so glad are capable of delighting us again in two games. These players have deserved it and I want them to achieve placement on Mundial. In any case, I think it is for our benefit that the first game will be in Portugal, and revenge in Zenica. Their biggest star, Real Madrid player Cristiano Ronaldo is still weak and this may be our advantage. However, apart from him, Portugal still has a lot of top players.”

MURATOVIC: HAPPY TO NOT TO PLAY VERSUS FRANCE
In opposite to Muzurovic, Muratovic expressed that he ishappy that BiH will not play against France: “Portugal have great Ronaldo, but a player can not make prevail, and we showed that we can deal with everybody. The advantage is that we play revenge at home, and I am confident that we can achieve goal against any team in the world, and Portugal. True, they are slight favorites, but we have a good chance as well.”

IBRIČIĆ: HAPPY TO NOT TO PLAY VERSUS RUSSIA
“I am fine with the draw against Portugal, which brings us closer to Africa 2010. The most important thing is that we avoid Russia. There will be awful winter in November and they play on artificial grass, which we could have some difficulties. And against Portugal no doubt it will be hard, but for me; they are not invincible. I am aware of their quality, given that all 20 players are good. But, I watched them in some games and not thrilled me.”

MISIMOVIC: “REVENGE IN ZENICA IS AN ADVANTAGE”
Wolfsburg player Zvjezdan Misimovic agrees with Ciro, and believes that Portugal is one of the strongest teams in the world: "It is necessary in the first game we have to have an active score, and then, in revenge, in front of our fans in Zenica, everything is possible."

DŽEKO: “MATCH IN ZENICA WILL BE DETERMINANT”
Dzeko agrees with Misimovic: "Realistically, they have really great players and for me they are superpower of football. It will be difficult to play against them. Most important thing is to be all healthy and then go to war. I believe that the second match in Zenica will be decisive.

JAHIC: “WE WILL SHOW 300% OF OUR POTENTIAL”
Sanel Jahic, defender of BiH squad, believes that Bosnia can go further, and he will do anything to stop Cristiano Ronaldo. Injury of Ronaldo was the first question Jahic when Dnevni Avaz journalists told him the name of the opponent in the barrage. He added that the Portugal is a great team: "They have great players, but the team did not play so well. As for Ronaldo, I do not care whether he will be able to play or not. Our advantage is that the revenge game is at home, which is very important. We must do well in the first game, because one can hardly beat us in Zenica. The match against Spain is not measure, because we could not show 100 percent of our performance because of the cardboard. But against Portugal, we will certainly give the maximum. They are the favorites, but we believe in ourselves." Jahic also stressed that he is glad to have the opportunity to play against Ronaldo, Simao, Carvalho, and other Portuguese stars: "I'm not afraid of anybody and I am convinced that my teammates think the same way. I promise that we will give 300 percent of our potential.”

PORTUGAL
Portugal is ranked 10th position in FIFA’s ranking and had performed in World Championship for 4 times. Their biggest success is being runner-up in European Champion in 2004.

BOSNIAN SQUAD
Bosnia plays in 3-4-1-2 formation with a decisive offensive genre. Bosnian football is recognized as one of the least competitive in Europe. However, all of the players of Bosnian National Football Team play in abroad:

Goalkeepers:
Kenan Hasagić (age: 29, 32 caps, Istanbul BB,TURKEY)
Nemanja Supić (age: 27, 8 caps, FC Timişoara, ROMANIA)
Asmir Begović (age: 22, 1 cap, Ipswich Town, ENGLAND)

Defenders:
Dario Damjanović (age: 28, 17 caps, 2 goals, FC Kaiserslautern, GERMANY)
Sanel Jahić (age: 27, 8 caps 1 goal, AEK Athens, GREECE)
Emir Spahić (age: 29, 36 caps 2 goals, Montpelier, GREECE)
Safet Nadarević (age: 29, 23 caps, Eskişehirspor, TURKEY)
Adnan Mravac (age: 27, 4 caps, Westerlo, BELGIUM)
Boris Pandža (age: 22, 6 caps, Hajduk Split, CROATIA)
Mirko Hrgović (age: 30, 30 caps 3 goals, SpVgg Greuther Fürth, GERMANY)
Džemal Berberović (age: 27, 29 caps, Denizlispor,TURKEY)

Midfielders:
Miralem Pjanić (age: 19, 11 caps, Olympique Lyonnais, FRANCE)
Zlatan Bajramović (age: 30, 32 caps 3 goals, Eintracht Frankfurt, GERMANY)
Semir Štilić (age: 22, 4 caps, Lech Poznań, POLAND)
Sejad Salihović (age: 25, 14 caps 2 goals, Hoffenheim, GERMANY)
Senijad Ibričić (age: 24, 20 caps 3 goals, Hajduk Split, CROATIA)
Elvir Rahimić (age: 33, 18 caps, CSKA Moscow, RUSSIA)
Admir Vladavić (age: 27, 17 caps, Red Bull Salzburg, AUSTRIA)
Zvjezdan Misimović (age: 27, 46 caps 16 goals, Wolfsburg, GERMANY)
Samir Muratović (age: 33, 18 caps, Sturm Graz, AUSTRIA)

Forwards:
Edin Džeko (age: 23, 21 caps 14 goals, Wolfsburg, GERMANY)
Vedad Ibišević (age: 25, 18 caps 4 goals, Hoffenheim, GERMANY)
Zlatan Muslimović (age: 28, 19 caps 13 goals, PAOK, GREECE)

(Dnevni Avaz, Oslobodjenje)

SLOVENIANS ARE FEARED BY RUSSIAN WINTER AND ARTIFICIAL GRASS

2009-10-20T02:26:00.004+02:00

Russia will rival Slovenia in additional qualifications for World Cup next year in South Africa. The first match will take place on Saturday, 14 November, in the cold Moscow, return on Wednesday, 18 November, in Maribor.

The head coach of Slovenian National Team Matjaz Kek, who wished to play the first match in Slovenia had mixed feelings: "I did not expect anything special from the drawing lots. Russia is the undisputed favorite. I'm a little concerned about the conditions that await us cold winter in Russia. But, I am worried most about the artificial grass pitch. I want to make my players healthy and in mid-November in the best shape, because at that time was finally for real. "

Among fans it is believed that Russia is not the worst choice. Slovenia has good experience with the Eastern teams against Ukraine (European Championships 2000) and Romania (World Cup 2002). Slovenes were successful against both of the teams. They were only unsuccessful against their neighbor Croatia in struggle for the European Championship in 2004.

The fans also draw optimism from the current mutual matches. In the friendly match in Malta in February 1996, Slovenia had beaten Russia 3:1. During the qualifications for the SP 2002 the match against Russia on the 24 March 2001 in Moscow was 1:1 where Slovenia has been better in this game better.At 1 September 2001 in Ljubljana, Slovenia won with 2:1. Semi-finals is the biggest success of the Russian representative football after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Russians, had shown an explosive rise in qualification for the World Cup in the fourth group occupied the second place after losing to Germany twice (1:2, 0:1). The qualifications of the pro Tottenham striker Roman Pavljučenko that the five naked Russian best shooter (the same number of goals the Slovenian golgeter Milivoje Novakovič). When it is accumulating aces Arshavin, Pogrebnjak, Žirkov, Ignjaševič, Biljaletdinov, Akinfejev, future star Dzagojev ... In Russia, two Slovenian players play Radosavljevic (Tomsk) and Ilich (Moscow), and Radosavljević has been playing in different Russian clubs for seven years.

Slovenian Football is recognized as one of the least competitive in Europe. However, all of the players of Slovenian National Football Team play in high quality teams in Europe:

Goalkeepers:
Samir Handanovič (age: 25, 35 caps, Udinese, ITALY)
Aleksander Šeliga (age: 29, no caps, Sparta Rotterdam, HOLLAND)

Defenders:
Mišo Brečko (age: 25, 27 caps, Köln, GERMANY
Bojan Jokić (age: 23, 30 caps, Sochaux, FRANCE)
Marko Šuler (age: 26, 13 caps 2 goals, Gent, BELGIUM)
Boštjan Cesar (age: 27, 38 caps 2 goals, Grenoble, FRANCE)
Matej Mavrič (age: 30, 32 caps 1 goal, TuS Koblenz, GERMANY)
Branko Ilič (age: 26, 35 caps, FC Moscow, RUSSIA)

Midfielders:
Robert Koren (age: 29, 42 caps, 4 goals, West Bromwich Albion, ENGLAND)
Aleksander Radosavljevič (age: 30, 11caps 1 goal, Tomsk, RUSSIA)
Andraž Kirm (age: 25, 22 caps 1 goal, Wisła Kraków; POLAND)
Nejc Pečnik (age: 23, 5 caps 1 goal, Nacional, PORTUGAL)
Andrej Komac (age: 29, 40 caps, Maccabi Tel Aviv, ISRAEL)
Dalibor Stevanovič (age: 25, 12 caps 1 goal, Vitesse,HOLLAND)
Anton Žlogar (age: 31, 37 caps 1 goal, Omonia, SOUTHERN CYPRUS)
Rene Krhin (age: 19, 2 caps, Internazionale, ITALY)

Forward:
Milivoje Novakovič (age: 30, 34 caps 13 goals, Köln, GERMANY)
Valter Birsa (age: 23, 30 caps 2 goals, Auxerre, FRANCE)
Zlatan Ljubijankič (age: 25, 14 caps 4 goals, Gent, BELGIUM)
Zlatko Dedič (age: 25, 19 caps 2 goals, VfL Bochum; GERMANY)

(Jože Okorn, Dnevnik)

WHITE EAGLES HUNTED BY WEATHER AND REFEREE.

2009-10-18T23:57:00.005+02:00

LITHUANIA: 2 - SERBIA: 1

Serbia, having guaranteed to take place in Africa 2010 is defeated by Lithuania in Stadium Suduva, in front of 2,000 spectators.

As argued by most of the Serbian sports journalists, the main reason behind the defeat of Serbians was the cold, rainy and windy weather as well as the ground soaked with water. “That is why locals have a better hit and recorded a victory.”… argues one of Serbia’s most serious daily “Politika”.

On the other side, maybe greater importance should be paid behind the reasons of the defeat: Firstly, unimportant match may have resulted in decreasing motivitaion of Serbian players. Secondly: The changes which Serbian manager Antic did in the team.

As may be remembered, Serbia had a generous victory against Romania last Saturday with 5-0. Antic made six changes in that team. Giving chance to new players in an unimportant match is the general selection of many coaches. However, this may be fruitful only if it is supported by motivational abilities of the coach. Abtic'smotivational abilities should be questioned in that sense. Despite that, the young players tried to manage by long balls in the first half. However, Lithuanian goalkeeper Mindaugas Kalonas did not allow any goals.

After a corner kick when Ignas Dedura was tripped by Neven Subotic in Serbian penalty area, Bulgarian referee Anton Guenov streamlined finger on the white point without hesitation. Penalty was performed by Kalonas. Serbian goalkeeper Dišljenković jumped to the right side and caught the ball, but failed to prevent cross the goal-line because of the difficult terrain. By 20th minute, Lithuania made the score to 1-0.

Antic tried to vitalize Serbian squad by Zoran Tosic in the second half. In the 49th minute, Ivanovic had a nice head kick to a corner kick, but was not precise. In minute 60, Tosic followed the cross bar ball and scored Serbia’s only goal in the match: 1-1.

Five minutes later, Ivanovic unbelievably missed a goal. And as often happens in football: Failures are punished. When Kalonas was tripped by Ivanovic, referee show the penalty point again. Stankevicius scored the second goal of Lithuania in the 68th minute.

Serbia followed an equalizer goal in the following minutes but did not succeed.

After the match, Antic said that desperate conditions and the decisions of the judge had influenced the result of the match.

(Politika, Danas)

A SAD CLOSING RESULT BY BOSNIA

2009-10-16T00:19:00.003+02:00

Bosnia: 2 – Spain: 5

Bosnia was simply survived from a shame by two goals of Dzeko and Misimovic in extension period of the matches during the match in Zenica last night.

If the match would have extended for 10 minutes more, maybe the result would be 4-5 as a more “reasonable” defeat, but playing against such a team with a superior technique, speed of play, even if they played for 3 days more Bosnia could not beat Spain.

CIRO: WE ARE BEATEN BY PROBABLY THE BEST TEAM IN THE WORLD!
Ciro mentioned that there was a lack of collective game in their team and he added that Spanish strikers did benefited well through depths in Bosnian defense by long balls. Ciro argued that, goalkeeper had faults in first two goals and he took attention that they are beaten by probably the best team in the world: “I feel honour because of being the runner-up team after such a brilliant team.”

Dzeko said that two goals scored by the rival just at the beginning of the game made it to be a difficult match for Bosnian squad. Nadareviç,who palys currently for Eskişehirspor in Turkish Super League commented that this defeat will not effect the cohesion in the team, and asked for national press to be fair on comments about the match.

One of the most experienced players of the Bosnian squad; Muratovic argued that the 2-5 defeat was anot a catsthrophe, while comlaining about the referee as well: “One has to accept the supremacy of Spanish team. On the other side, since we had many players at limit of yellow card ban and since the referee was quite hard on that issue, our team had to play ‘soft’.”

WHAT DOES MURATOVIC HAVE TO DO ON RıGHT WING?
The Bosnian journalDnevni List takes attention that Ciro’s biggest mistake in the game was to force Muratoviç to play as a winger who had been playing as a striker for many years. The newspaper also mentions that in certain periods of the match Spanish players were acting like joking with Bosnian players by their pace and technical capacity.

CASILLAS: THE STAR OF THE MATCH.
Especially with his saves at the very beginning of the match, last night Casillas was the most succesfull player of the match. Spanish director Del Bosque mentioned that Cassilas played excellent: “The key of our victory was Casillas!”

UNCONDITIONAL AND UNLIMITED SUPPORT FROM FANS
It has been observed that the support of Bosnian fans did not decreased at all, even when the score was 0-5. Arsen Novalija, journalist of Dnevni Avaz mentions that the two goals came at extension have to be considered as gifts fort he loyal fans.

500 VISITOR FANS
A group of 500 Spanish fans, of which most of them are Spanish soldiers in EUFOR command in Bosnia also attended the match in the terraces of Biljino Polhe. Any hostility was observed between fans of two sides. Despite, Bosnian fans were said to be sympathetical towards Spanish fans.

CHELSEA SPORTS DIRECTOR IN BILJINO POLJE'DE
One of the notable points in the match is that Chelsea Club Director Frank Arnesen have come to Bosnia to watch the match. It is questioned which player did Arnesen paid attention. Chelsea has got a ban of player transfer this season, but will be able to have new players next season.

SUMMARY OF THE MATCH:
'6 - Džeko a great release of their guards in a cons, but kicked right in the good set Casillas.
'6 - Not even a minute passed, and again Casillas to save the European champion. This time is well kicked Misimovic, and this is a tiptoe out the corner.
'11 - The situation is almost identical to the 62nd minutes from Tallinn. This time everything was done Džeko, threw Ibisevic, which bypasses Casillas, but this time shooting near naked.
'13 - Iniesta has brought a free kick on the left side, three Spanish players have soared, and Supić proletio is in the air - Pique the ball only hit his head and moved into the net for a great celebration of the Spaniards.
'14 - Received goal completely shocked our defense, which has welcomed the following actions sleeping guests. I broke out before Nemanja Supić rutinerski and David Silva sent the ball below the goalkeeper.
'17 - Ibišević be released in about twenty meters, kicked well, but I wanted the ball again next goals.
'18 - Rear Špankolci but they ran for dog Rier Negreda was worse than before, and failed a good opportunity for guests
'19 - Pjanić the top of the penalty area straight to Casillas.
'20 - Riera is easily passed Jahic returned to Negreda, but this too far trying to fifth.
'22 - Spaniards were poigrali with our defense, we are slow to react when he dropped David Silva, he stopped, pushed for a lonely Riera, who namještao long enough for him at the last second Nadarević ukliza and cast the ball into the corner.
'24 - Ibišević responded Spaniards, izvrtio them on the left, entered the penalty area, but it kicked back in a brilliant Casillas, to odbijanac Pjanić sent via goals.
'33 - David Silva, but the way uhodani emerges in our criminal area, but fortunately this time next shooting goals.
'36 - Again quick action midfield Spaniards, on the left side of center the Capdeville, Supić again at naked undecided jumps Negredo, head lobuje Supić, but fortunately hit prečku.
'38 - Pjanić Salihovic is out, this fintirao penalty area, kicked, but Casillas reacted wonderfully. The following actions after a corner Jahić undisturbed with penalty by shooting goals.
'48 - Jack is out Pjanić, and our best striker in this qualifying cycle izblokiran at the last moment of Raul Albiola
'50 - Salihović lost the ball, followed by a rapid transformation of the Spaniards, two dogs, Negredo turned and scored for 3:0.
'55 - Iniesta broke the right of defense by one again, despite the lost Supić transferred to the other side where he was lonely and Negredo scored his second goal in his career for the national type
'68 - Last night catastrophic Supić played in the penalty area, and that David Silva is allowed to try and hit the outer part of the network.
'75 - Our defense is still clumsy and Silva came in a chance, this time shooting across the goals.
'80 - Again one of those Spanish standard action that we saw tonight - a fast counter, which should be finished this time Riera, but, since the Supić the first time last night reacted well.
'81 - Misimovic break on the right side, but his shot was again well defended Casillas.
'82 - Riera was tried with great distances, Supić caught the ball with the fingertips, and she went to the bar corner.
'86 - Korner performed Misimovic, jumped Edin Džeko, and guests are somehow thrown into a new corner.
'88 - Dokrajčio us Mata, and after another action that should not be described - quick transformation, our dropping out, a late Supić Mata matira.
'89 - Finally, a little joy. Vladavic break right, the return ball somehow came to Edina Jack, and this despite okljevanja hit into a small net to celebrate our fans, who obviously did not defeat pokolebao.
'90 - Again, our right side, which is completely changed for the better entry Vladavic done it all - at the end of the ball after a block shot Džekinog reached Misimovic and this is conducted volley into the goal.

(Dnevni Avaz, Dnevni List)