Dinamo Struggles Against Bottom Club, but the Points Are What Count

Dinamo Zagreb collected the points, but little else about its performance against Gorica inspired confidence. The last-placed SuperSport HNL side created three clear chances at Maksimir, exposing the defensive gaps that have already cost Dinamo dearly in European matches this summer.

Gorica held out until the 28th minute, when Dion Drena Beljo again proved decisive against an opponent unable to contain his quality. He reacted quickly in a crowded penalty area and scored from close range. During the celebration, Beljo collided head-first with Gorica goalkeeper Josipović and was left dazed. He never appeared to fully recover, yet one outstanding move still made him the key figure of the match.

Beljo’s numbers underline his importance. He scored 38 goals and supplied six assists in 48 appearances last season. By Sept. 5 that season, when Dinamo had not played European qualifying matches, he had scored four times in five appearances. This season he has nine goals and six assists from 11 appearances. Across spells with Istra, Osijek and Dinamo, he has scored 62 goals in the HNL.

New goalkeeper Dominik Kotarski also made his first impression, producing two excellent saves. Russian midfielder Kiril Kravcov looked solid and steady in a deeper midfield role, although it remains too early to judge whether he can become a new Mišić. He completed his duties without needing to reach top gear.

That was not enough to conceal Dinamo’s vulnerability. Kotarski stopped Gorica twice in one-on-one situations, while Cvijanović hit the crossbar from another clear chance. Dinamo’s supporters responded by booing the players as they left the field.