Former Croatia internationals Mato Neretljak and Mihael Mikic completed their first season in Japan's J League on Saturday. The league was ultimately won by Kashimir Antlers by two points ahead of runners up Kawasaki Frontale. Mikic's Sanfreece Hiroshima finished in fourth position with the 30 year old right midfielder playing in 25 of their matches providing 8 assists.
Neretljak also played a prominent role with 13th place Omiya Ardia scoring 8 goals in 33 matches which is a outstanding contribution for a central defender. Neretljak is highly likely to stay on for another year as he is contracted till January 2011, although will no doubt recieve offers from bigger clubs. Mikic who is at lot newer to experiences in the Far East has had a prosperous first year and is also contracted for one more season.
Meanwhile Bosko Balaban scored his 7th of the season in Pananios's 2-1 defeat to OA Kavala. Daniel Cesarec also found the target moving onto 9 goals for the season in Asteras's excellant 2-0 win over AEK Athens.
