Dinamo Zagreb wrap up Croatian title
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Article summary
NK Dinamo Zagreb clinched their tenth Croatian championship since independence with six games to spare after a 2-1 win at bottom side NK Medimurje.
Article body
Early goal
Having squandered the chance to wrap up matters two weeks ago when they drew 1-1 at NK Varteks, the champions did not make the same mistake again and were in front when Davor Vugrineć scored after 34 seconds. The next was slightly longer in coming, but Brazilian midfielder Sammir converted direct from a corner to give the visitors a two-goal cushion, and although Mario Darmopil reduced the arrears nine minutes into the second half, the visitors held on.
Double chance
The victory keeps Dinamo Zagreb 19 points ahead of arch-rivals HNK Hajduk Split with six matches remaining and brings the prospect of a domestic double one step closer. Zvonimir Soldo's side have a 3-1 first-leg advantage going into the return match of their Croatian Cup semi-final against NK Zagreb on 23 April.
'Deserved' victory
"We were the better team in this match and we deserved to win," said midfielder Mihael Mikić, earning his sixth championship medal with the club. "We are all so happy that we have won the title already. I can be proud of my team."