The tendency of early elimination of clubs from the region in the European Cup qualifiers continued even after this year’s first round of competition for placement in the Champions League, Europa League or Conference League. Even against clubs from small or countries with weaker leagues without tradition, there are few teams from the region that managed to jump over the first hurdle, usually with penalties or in extra time. That’s why the hope of Mornar going through against Dinamo Tbilisi in the first round of qualification for the Conference League was met with derision, but who has the last laugh…
The Rams have a reason to smile, the first appearance in Europe in the 101-year history of the club, deserved a bow, not only in Montenegrin football, although the victory at the “DG Arena” – 2:1, and then a draw in Tbilisi – 1:1, which the scheduled second round duel against Radnički from Kragujevac means the most to our club football.
– The miracle of miracles is what we did. The conditions, the pitches, the stadiums, the tradition that you see Dinamo in Tbilisi, and when you knock down such an opponent then you must be the happiest in the world. Despite all the difficulties we experienced in Georgia, we fulfilled the promise that Mornar would be brave. I am happy for Mornar and Montenegrin football, because, well, we said and fulfilled: we will show that football is also played in Montenegro. And the elimination of Dinamo is history, a sensation – he said from the celebration in a hotel in Tbilisi after the match Zoran Đuraškovićcoach of the Mariners.
The creator of the Bar football miracle and the best period in the history of the Sailors, has a simple recipe for success.
– Trust! The most important thing is trust and to provide the players with the kind of relationship you wanted when you were in the boots. And there is no need to impose additional pressure on them. Football is a game after all. The better in football does not always win. And the rival wants to win, and it’s up to us to cover up ours and take advantage of the opponent’s weaknesses and flaws. We did it and we rejoice and celebrate. We are really celebrating – said Đurašković.
Mornar was a better rival than Dinamo in both games, he played smarter, more creatively, created more opportunities, and only good actions in accordance with another promise made by Đurašković: “Mornar will play likeable, attacking, because football is played for the audience. I told the players that for me, just by placing in our league on May 25, they won the Conference League, and now they should just enjoy the game”.
The most beautiful thing in that game was the goal, and it was taken care of by a rookie in the Sailor jersey, Darko Zoric. The offensive midfielder reacted brilliantly in the 57th minute, when he hit a powerful left-footed shot from 18 meters into the bottom right corner of Dinamo’s goal, and the goal was the crown of a great action by his teammates and the realization of the team’s dreams.
– I accepted Mornar’s offer because I knew they had a great team, and we showed that in this double match. And we showed courage, unity, and we all gave the last atom of strength. It was difficult, but we persevered, supported each other and deservedly made it to the second round. We are happy and now we will analyze Radnički, although I know that they are an extremely good team. They showed it in the last season, but also now in the preparatory games. But we will do our best in that double match as well – said Zorić.
That the double-digit number of appearances and goals in the representative selections of Montenegro, playing in famous clubs in Zorić’s biography are no coincidence, he demonstrated with the game against Dinamo, which he left due to injury in the 75th minute.
– Fortunately, it turned out that it was just a spasm in the last lodge, and I will be ready for the Labor Day. I asked for a change, because we need the most prepared on the field – concluded Zorić.
If we exclude the period of nine minutes before Dinamo’s leading goal in the 33rd minute, Mornar, playing 70 minutes with one more player, was a better team than Tbilisi, it’s a pity that they didn’t crown it with another victory. And he played in a modern way, starting the defense from the most advanced, the French Chris Ondonga – Yesand without fail they interrupted the action of the teenager with perfect placement – wise play in duels Balša Vukotić and captain Andrew Kaluđerovićwho “plowed” every inch of the hybrid terrain in Tbilisi.
– I am happy but also proud of my players, because it was a great success for the club and our football. We deservedly passed the favored rival, but we don’t want to stop there. I believe that with this team spirit, we have something to show in the next double match – promised Kaluđerović.
There is not much time to celebrate – visiting Radnička from Kragujevac in the 2nd round of the Conference League qualifiers is scheduled for Thursday at 20:00. The match is played in Leskovac, where the stadium meets European standards. The rematch is five days later, already on July 30 at the DG Arena.
Sailor is experiencing the best days in the club’s history, Dinamo from Tbilisi is already “booked”, followed by Radnički from Kragujevac
News
Source: www.vijesti.me
