Osibov shines as Split hit six

MNK Split 1700 marched on to the semi-finals after finishing the UEFA Futsal Cup group stage with an unbeaten record thanks largely to the excellence of Ivica Osibov.

First goal conceded
They completed their Group A matches with a 6-2 victory over MNK Kaskada Gracanica on Thursday, that featured the first goal scored against Split in the tournament. The Croatian club have been well marshalled at the back but Abdulah Spahic found a way through the Split rearguard with a solo run and finish just before half-time for the first goal against Split in 99 minutes of action in Lisbon.

Playing for pride
The match brought a third straight defeat for Gracanica, who were already eliminated before the kick-off. They were playing for pride and showed some good touches here and there, but were undone by two fouls by Halil Dzinic. The Gracanica player twice upended the lively Osibov in the 13th and 16th minutes, and both times the subsequent free-kick led to a goal from Nikola Tomicic and Ivica Podrug respectively.

Two for Tomicic
Osibov then added the third after a quick throw from Aljosa Stanicic set him free and the No7 made no mistake. Spahic's goal gave Gracanica a glimmer of hope but further strikes in the second half from Osibov again, Pjer Malvasija and another Tomicic goal secured Split's win, although there was still time for Spahic to hit a second for his team. After two victories and a draw, the Croatian contenders will be confident of a strong showing in the semi-finals.

Stankovic happy
"It was very important that we started this match well," said Split coach Mato Stankovic. "I am surprised with how well we have done, it is something really great. We are very proud to be here."