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Kovačević after Gorica win: 'The most important thing was to win'

From Večernji List · () Croatian

Translated from Croatian and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Dinamo Zagreb beat Gorica 1-0 through Dion Drena Beljo's goal, but coach Mario Kovačević said the team struggled in the second half.
  • Kovačević praised goalkeeper Ivan Nevistić for preserving the result and said other players must improve to help Beljo score more.
  • He discussed possible Croatia call-ups for Beljo, Stojković and Mišić, as well as the fitness of Kravcov and Almena.

Dinamo Zagreb secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Gorica, but Mario Kovačević made clear that the performance fell short of his expectations. Dion Drena Beljo scored the decisive goal, while Dinamo had to endure a tense finish to protect its lead.

"The most important thing was to win. Obviously, Gorica does not suit us. We lost here last season," Kovačević said. He noted that Dinamo created additional chances but also allowed Gorica opportunities. The coach said the team had agreed at halftime to improve, yet the opposite happened.

The most important thing was to win. Obviously, Gorica does not suit us. We lost here last season.

· Mario KovačevićThe Dinamo coach assessed his team's narrow victory over Gorica.

Gorica applied increasing pressure after the break, particularly during the final 15 to 20 minutes. Kovačević described that period as a fight for every possession and every piece of space. "They sensed that we were not at our best. The last 15 to 20 minutes were a real battle, but I have to praise Kotarski, he saved us," he said. He called the second half uncontrolled, while again stressing that the victory mattered most.

They sensed that we were not at our best. The last 15 to 20 minutes were a real battle, but I have to praise Kotarski, he saved us.

· Mario KovačevićHe described Gorica's late pressure and praised the goalkeeper.

Beljo once again decided the match, earning special praise from the coach. Kovačević said he was pleased with the forward's scoring form, but added that Beljo could score even more if the rest of the team raised its level. "I am happy for Beljo, but the others must do better too. Then he will score even more goals," he said.

Kovačević also addressed the Croatia squad that new coach Slaven Bilić will announce on Monday. He mentioned Beljo, Stojković and Mišić as players who had already been candidates for the World Cup and said they would represent themselves well if selected. Mišić was rested, Kravcov is still regaining competitive fitness, and Almena may be ready to play Wednesday in the Croatian Cup against Ivankovo.

I am happy for Beljo, but the others must do better too. Then he will score even more goals.

· Mario KovačevićKovačević said Beljo would benefit if the rest of Dinamo improved.
About this summary

Originally published by Večernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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