Zagreb vs Norden MD19 Match Report
by Conner Munist
This was a huge game for the title race and with Vienna beating Lisboa the pressure was on Zagreb to get the three points. Zagreb after a disappointing cup performance still stuck to their 2-5-3 variation which has worked for them all season and Norden also stuck to their unique set up.
Norden had little to play for but after being robbed in a Cup by Vienna today they were aggressive and had a point to prove.
We saw early signs of Norden being dangerous on counter despite Zagreb holding most of the possesion. Zagreb seemed to be crossing alot especially with Barry’s new heading ability. In the 21st minute we saw this plan nearly work with Barry’s header smashing the cross bar. Zagreb continued to cross continuously getting very close each time with their aerial power but they couldn’t find the back of the net with McGavin also missing a clear chance with his head. First half finished 0-0 with Norden having 0 shots.
However, second half despite the absence of a captain Norden seemed rejuvenated putting pressure. That pressure would soon pay off as in the 50th minute, Aki PawPaw with a big mistake passes the ball to Harden at the edge of the box. Harden then feeds Tate who smashes the ball with his left foot into the bottom corner giving Norden the lead. A mistake which could cost Zagreb the title. Strangely despite being 1-0 down Zagreb couldn’t create much like the first half. Neagu who was subbed on offered very little and Norden seemed comfortable defending the 1-0 lead. Maybe if Cuzza Brown was subbed on Zagreb could have scored.
In the 80th minute Norden had the chance to finish the game but Harden uncharacteristically missed his 1v1 badly. Still with a chance for an important equaliser Zagreb pushed more attacking. In the last second of the game Neagu had the chance to score but missed, strangely the ref pulled back the advantage for a free kick. Zagreb were given another chance then to level and it seemed destiny for McGavin to score but he hit the crossbar for the game to end 1-0 to Norden. Huge loss which nearly gives Vienna the title. Zagreb going to have to hope for a miracle to win the league.
Man of the match Andrew Tate, great finish for the winning goal and perfect link up play all game
Flops of the match Two flops cause both basically cost Zagreb the title, PawPaw had his Gerrard moment, as for Neagu, generally awful as usual but the miss last minute cannot be ignored.
