Modrić marvels at Dinamo success

NK Dinamo Zagreb captain Luka Modrić was left to reflect upon "the match of our generation" after the Croatian side won 3-2 after extra time in Amsterdam to knock AFC Ajax out of the UEFA Cup.

Momentous result
Trailing 1-0 from the home leg, the runaway Croatian league leaders levelled the tie when Modrić scored a 32nd-minute penalty, before two goals from Mario Mandžukić in extra time rendered two strikes from Ajax's Klaas Jan Huntelaar pointless as Dinamo progressed on away goals. "I don't know what to say after match like this," said Modrić. "Everything went for us. This is the match of our generation. We achieved everything we dreamed of. This is Dinamo Zagreb."

'Going further'
Two-goal hero Mandžukić was similarly shell-shocked as he celebrated after full time. "I am still coming to terms with what we have achieved," said the 21-year-old. "This is the best match of my life but I like to prove myself in matches like this. This is not the highest point of my career - this is only the beginning. I will not stop. I am going further. We showed that we are a great team - there are not many club who can take a 3-0 lead against Ajax at the Amsterdam ArenA."

Major defections
Dinamo's success is all the more remarkable given that they sold their best players at the start of the season with Brazilian-born striker Eduardo da Silva joining Arsenal FC and defender Vedran Ćorluka heading to Manchester City FC. Mandžukić arrived from neighbours NK Zagreb to replace Eduardo and results in the league have been spectacular with nine wins from ten games and a goal difference of 33-9 ahead of Sunday's Croatian classic against HNK Hajduk Split.

'A wonderful job'
Dinamo's last significant European campaign saw them fail to progress beyond the group stage of the 2004/05 UEFA Cup, but the thousands of fans who gathered at Zagreb airport early this morning to welcome their heroes home will be hoping for better results this time round. Meanwhile, coach Branko Ivanković said: "This is the best and most valuable victory of my career. My players' will for victory was miraculous. My team, my assistants and all the staff at the club have done a wonderful job."