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Dinamo Plays a Season-Defining Match Today: 'We Want the Champions League, It's a Dream for Everyone'
🇭🇷 Croatia /Sports

Dinamo Plays a Season-Defining Match Today: 'We Want the Champions League, It's a Dream for Everyone'

From Večernji List · () Croatian

Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Dinamo Zagreb players traveled to Thun for their Champions League qualifier with optimism.
  • Coach Mario Kovačević expressed confidence despite the match being on artificial turf.
  • Player Dion Drena Beljo aims to continue his goal-scoring form from last season.

Dinamo Zagreb players boarded their flight to Thun, Switzerland, for their Champions League second qualifying round match exuding confidence and optimism. The team appeared in high spirits, eager to begin their European campaign against the Swiss champions.

There is a big difference between natural and artificial grass, which awaits us in Thun. I can't remember when I last played on an artificial surface; it's certainly been a long time. However, it's one game, and we will adjust.

— Dion Drena BeljoDiscussing the challenge of playing on artificial turf.

Coach Mario Kovačević acknowledged the difference between natural and artificial grass, the surface they will play on in Thun. While he noted it had been some time since he last played on artificial turf, he expressed confidence in the team's ability to adapt. "It's just one game, and we will adjust," Kovačević stated, emphasizing the importance of securing a good result in the first leg.

Spain won deservedly; anyone who loves football rooted for them. I'm happy, especially for Olmo.

— Mario KovačevićCommenting on the World Cup final and supporting Spain.

The team's optimism was palpable at the Zagreb airport, where they attracted attention from onlookers, including some Spanish tourists. The recent World Cup final, won by Spain, was a topic of discussion among the players. Coach Kovačević and top scorer Dion Drena Beljo both expressed their support for Spain, particularly for their former player Dani Olmo.

I rooted for Spain, I'm glad they won the championship, for Olmo and the Spaniards in our team. Maybe it wasn't a beautiful game, but Spain's victory was deserved.

— Dion Drena BeljoSharing his thoughts on the World Cup final.

Despite the international break and the upcoming match, Dinamo appears to be free of major injury concerns. "Everyone is here, except Stojković, whom we registered to serve a suspension," Kovačević confirmed. He noted that while he has a few minor doubts about the starting lineup, the team has been practicing for this specific match. Beljo, who had a strong goal-scoring record last season, hopes to maintain his form and contribute to the team's success in qualifying for the Champions League.

Everyone is here, except Stojković, whom we registered to serve a suspension for those two matches. I can count on everyone; they are all healthy, and that's most important to me. I still have some minor doubts about the lineup, although we practiced the team for this match during preseason, but there might be another change.

— Mario KovačevićProviding an update on the team's fitness and lineup.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Večernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.