Dinamo Zagreb will take a important away goal into the second leg of their third round qualifying match for the Champions League against FC Sherriff. Dinamo recorded a 1-1 draw with Moldova Champions and will have Pedro Morales, Ante Rukavina, Sime Vrsaljko, Andre Kramaric and Arjan Ademi at their disposal in time for home match. Dinamo have not gone passed the third round stage of the competition for some time, but now look hot favorites to progress.There were a number of positives in the match. The teams defensive display most notably Matias Chago, Leonard Mesaric and Leandro Cufre could stand them in good stead for the future. Last season Dinamo appeared incapable of such defensive resilience. The major plus, however was the performance of goalscorer Sammir, who now appears able to take responsibility as the teams playmaker. The change of formation seems to have suited the talented Brazilian who has impressed Velimir Zajec since he took charge and has raised his game from last season. Chago and Adrian Callelo were both busy and have staked their claim to stay in the side despite Arjan Ademi's excellant performances in the European Under 19 Championships.
In attack Dinamo require a little more work. Miroslav Slepicka showed nice touches, but didn't produce enough efforts on goal. The return of Kramaric, Morales and the arrival of Rukavina will be important to Dinamo in the second leg. Dario Simic will hope to come into the centre of defence in Zagreb as Tomislav Barbaric was red carded. As Igor Biscan struggled in Slovenia, Zajec may give the 35 year old Croatia legend Simic has chance to show he can still play at this level. If Simic is fielded alongside former Roma, Monaco and Argentina player Leandro Cufre there will be a lot of high level experience to get Dinamo through the tie.
Only a day after Dinamo's first leg match Brazilian Dodo was sent on loan to Lokomotiva. The striker was not believed to be impressing Velimir Zajec, but will benefit from playing regularly with Dinamo's feeder club. Dinamo are believed to have sent Dodo away as Zajec prefers Andrej Kramaric and Ilija Sivonjic as cover to Ante Rukavina and Miroslav Slepicka.
