Eduardo puts Dinamo on top
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Article summary
NK Dinamo Zagreb are ahead after the first leg of the Croatian Cup final with Eduardo da Silva's penalty giving them a 1-0 win against NK Slaven Koprivnica.
Article body
NK Dinamo Zagreb took the advantage in the first leg of the Croatian Cup final with an Eduardo da Silva penalty giving them a 1-0 win against NK Slaven Koprivnica.
Great goalkeeping
On a rainy night at the Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb, the Croatian champions were repeatedly frustrated by the splendid form of F.Y.R. Macedonia international Jane Nikoloski in the Slaven goal. He twice denied Eduardo in the first half and also fended off efforts from Dino Drpić and Brazilian forward Sammir. Meanwhile, Dario Zahora passed up a presentable headed opportunity at the other end.
Eduardo winner
Dinamo continued to press forward in the second half, with substitute Josip Tadić heading against the Slaven post after 63 minutes. Their breakthrough finally came on 76 minutes after Eduardo was upended in the area by Srebrenko Posavec. The Brazilian then converted from the spot. Dinamo can now complete a domestic double if they avoid defeat in the second leg in Koprivnica on 26 May.
