Dinamo drive outdoes Domžale
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Article summary
NK Domžale 1-2 NK Dinamo Zagreb
Dinamo took advantage of their superiority in Slovenia, though a late goal maintained Domžale's ambitions.
Article body
NK Dinamo Zagreb will hold a 2-1 UEFA Champions League second qualifying round lead in the Croatian capital a week tonight but a late goal by Dražen Žeželj means Slovenian title-holders NK Domžale emerged from the first leg with hope intact.
Dinamo domination
After a cagey opening the game burst into life with seven minutes on the clock. Fine work on the right by Dinamo captain Luka Modrić led to a goal for Tomislav Šokota, back at the club after six years away from Croatia, when he turned the ball in from close range. The Croatian champions, who reached the third qualifying round last season before being eliminated by Arsenal FC, continued to dominate affairs in the remainder of the first half but were unable to create any further clear-cut openings.
Late goal
It only took Dinamo five second-half minutes to get the increased lead their play had warranted, however. Modrić looked all set to get that goal when he was brought down by Janez Aljančič in the defender's penalty area. The skipper picked himself up and duly converted the spot-kick. Dinamo did not press home their advantage further, though, letting Domžale back into the game and just three minutes from time substitute Žeželj struck to leave an element of doubt still lingering in Dinamo minds for the second leg next week.
