HNL1 ROUND 5

NK ZAGREB 2 ZAPRESIC 1 (Kristanovic 2/ Babic)
VARAZDIN 2 DRAGOVOLJAC 0 (Golubar, Dudic)
ISTRA 1 OSIJEK 2 (Alimi/ Pusic, Kvrzic)
LOKOMOTIVA 0 SIBENIK 0
CIBALIA 0 SPLIT 1 (Sedarusic)
KARLOVAC 0 RIJEKA 1 (Svrljuga)
HAJDUK 4 ZADAR 1 (Tomasov, Ibricic, Vukusic 2/ Pezo)
BEKUPO 0 DINAMO 2 (Rukavina, Sammir)

Hajduk Split stay top of the Croatian league after a thumping 4-1 win over Zadar. Ante Vukusic continued his scoring sequence netting twice. Dinamo also claimed a good victory beating Slaven Belupo 2-0. Ante Rukavina scored his sixth goal for his new club.

NK Rijeka kept up their good start by defeating Karlovac 1-0 thanks to in form Andro Svrljuga's strike. Split have also took to life well in HNL1. Split defeated Cibalia away from home thanks to Josip Sedarusic's goal. Varazdin also are showing promise and comfortably defeated Dragovoljac 2-0 with Golubar and Dudic netting.

NK Zagreb got back to winning ways with a 2-1 victory of Inter Zapresic. Zapresic are on horrific form under Ilija Loncarevic. Former Zagreb player Stjepan Babic scored first for Zapresic, but HNL1 leading scorer Ivan Kristanovic netted twice to turn the match around.

Sibenik are still struggling in front of goal drawing nil nil with a difficult Lokomotiva side. Osijek however finally have lift off under new coach Branko Karacic as they defeated Istra Pula.

DINAMO AND HAJDUK SET FOR EUROPA LIGA

Dinamo Zagreb and Hajduk Split have given domestic Croatian league football a boost by comfortably winning their final first leg Europa Liga qualifying games. Hajduk Split were outstanding in a 4-1 win over Unirea, whilst Ante Rukavina netted twice to help Dinamo defeat Gyor 2-0 away from home.

Hajduk and coach Stanko Poklepovic can be particularly pleased with their work this summer and during the season so far. Hajduk halved a squad of 30 plus players in June and have since injected youthful promise of players such as Ante Rezic, Ante Vukusic, Franko Andriasejvic, Dinko Trebotic and Duje Cop. Mario Brkljaca has also come good for Hajduk in recent weeks after two seasons spent in obscurity. Senijad Ibricic remains the teams star and is unlikely to move anywhere whilst Hajduk stay in Europa Liga competition. Although as a special player a extraordinary bid and opportunity to get to a big team won't be declined. Hajduk's recruitment of midfielder Erwin Bulku seems excessive, so Hajduk fans will hope Srdjan Andric is not pushed forward to fill Ibricic's role if the Bosnian international is suddenly sold on transfer deadline.

Dinamo meanwhile are still lacking in attacking despite the strong form of Ante Rukavina and the return of Pedro Morales. Cover is still threadbear however with Miroslav Slepicka, Ilija Sivonjic and Dodo floundering to impress. Inter Zapresic are crying out for a striker like Sivonjic or Dodo to return having suffered since they departed. Dinamo meanwhile could be becoming interested by Zapresic playmaker Antun Palic who impressed for the Croatia Under 21's and may do a deal. Dinamo have a midfield vacancy having released Ante Tomic and loaned out Domagoj Antolic.

ZAPRESIC TO ASK FOR LOANEES

Inter Zapresic are set to enquire with Dinamo Zagreb in midweek for a striker on loan having failed to score a goal in any of their games so far this season. New signing Arber Abililiaj has been a major disappointment and the club would benefit from transfering him back to Albania.

Zapresic were expected to target former player Ilija Sivonjic. However Sivonjic is currently banned from participating until club doctors understand why the player collapsed for a second time last week. Dinamo could send Dodo down the Zapresic, as Ante Rukavina, Pedro Morales, Miroslav Slepicka and Andrej Kramaric are all ahead of them in the striking pecking order at the Maksimir Stadium. However Slepicka is also believed to have fitness issues and alternative forward Mario Situm is also injured.

Dinamo also expected to recieve a call from Istra Pula enquiring as to the availability of Mathias Chago and Ante Tomic. Chago, has featured and impressed in Dinamo's games so far and it would be a surprise to see the 27 year old Cameroon international leave. However Ante Tomic has not played all season and has been inactive for some time now. A loan for Tomic would benefit both player and club. Apart from that it isn't thought any Dinamo player is available for transfer. In attack Istra may consider Asim Sehic, Bosko Stupic and Emir Hadzic sufficient, but are look for midfielders to make the play.

Sibenik have also not scored a goal. Having fixed the defence, they will turn their attention to signing a striker to help 18 year old youngster Antonio Jakolis, who is struggling to fill in the boots of departed Ermin Zec. Mario Juric, should prove good cover, but Sibenik still require one more. Few forwards are available, but Brazilian Eliomar stands out.

Cibalia are going nicely with two wins and draws and no goals conceded, but Stanko Mrsic is still believed to want a creative midfielder. Srebrenko Posavec, Mario Grgurovic or Miroslav Saric could become targets in the coming weeks to fill the vacancy. Rijeka could also add a midfielder and will be greatly attracted by the availability of former player Sinisa Linic.

BIG DEALS SET TO GO THROUGH

Croatian international Nikica Jelavic will make his move from Rapid Vienna to Glasgow Rangers this week once he completes his medical. Rapid granted the striker his move to Ibrox for around 5m Euro's. The Scottish Premier League is only a slight upgrade on the Austrian league due to the presence of Rangers and Celtic, however Jelavic is hoping his transfer will ultimately lead to a deal in the English Premiership.

Jelavic is the second Croatia player to transfer following midfielder Tomislav Dujmovic's switch from Lokomotive Moscow to Dinamo Moscow. Stipe Pletikosa is training with Tottenham Hotspur ahead of his arrival in England from Spartak Moscow. With one week before transfer deadline, Igor Budan is likely to sign with Cesana from Palermo. Dario Knezevic, meanwhile is still deciding on his new club from Livorno.

Meanwhile Greek Ethniki B side Levadiakos have bought the contract of Zdravko Popovic from Atromotis. The 26 year old will lead the sides attack in their bid for promotion.

WORK FOR HALILHODZIC

New coach Vahid Halilhodzic will not get very long to settle into his post at Dinamo Zagreb with an all important Europa Liga qualifier against Gyor and transfer deadline both on his agenda in the next fortnight.

Halilhodzic will need to make snap decisions on his squad as to who he wants to keep and who he wants to let go. He is expected to recieve two requests for loans this week from Istra Pula and Inter Zapresic. Zapresic want a striker, either Dodo or the currently health striken Ilija Sivonjic. Istra are looking to test Dinamo's judgement by asking for in form Mathias Chago, but could be sent out of practice Ante Tomic instead.

Halilhodzic also must decide whether to accept unknown properties targeted by Zoran Mamic (Slovakian Salata or Chile's Pinalla) or whether to look for more ambitious prospects. Dinamo are currently holding a potential bargaining tool in Miroslav Slepicka who continues to struggle for his best form at Dinamo Zagreb. Dinamo need both a striker and a defender and in the Czech Republic there are three players who could serve the club well for a long period.

Andrej Keric, 24 was the Czech leagues highest scorer in 2008/09 season scoring 16 goals for Slovan Liberec. He has already started this season on fine form with 3 goals in 4 games. Liberec are desperate for an offer as the striker is out of contract in the summer 2011. Should Dinamo offer recent Czech international Slepicka along with 1m Euro for Keric and his Croatian Under 19 colleague Renato Kelic they could make a deal which would solve two of there biggest problems.

Keric and Kelic also have potential to be sold and move to a much bigger league in future. Although Dinamo purchased Ante Rukavina, the player appears to prefer to play off a main striker. However Dinamo's other forwards Dodo and Slepicka have struggled to find the net. Slepicka has only 2 goals, whilst Dodo has not scored at all in 7 matches this season. Keric is a naturally scorer who compares in playing style to Ivica Olic and will add whole new dimensions to Dinamo's game. A front three of Pedro Morales, Ante Rukavina and Andrej Keric could take Dinamo that bit further in the Europa Liga. With Andrej Kramaric and Mario Situm covering, Dinamo would look a much better attacking proposition.

At centre back, Dinamo arguably have two aging defenders in decline. Igor Biscan and Leandro Cufre are both 32 and are unlikely to have their contract renewed in 2011. Renato Kelic has shades of Vedran Corluka. At 18 he has already broken into the Liberec team and has the captains armband at Under 19 level for Croatia. Dinamo's foriegn signing policy is currently causing fans to boycott the team and such players as Kelic and Keric may help to turn their head. For Keric, he may be miffed as to why 16 goals in Czech Republic has only gained him interest from Konjaspor. Two good seasons in Croatia however could do a lot more for him with regards attracting much bigger clubs as it did for Mario Mandzukic. Playing at Dinamo would also help him gain the attention of national team coach Slaven Bilic.

Should Liberec not bite, Dinamo alternatively could try Slepicka in a swap deal for Sparta Prague left back Manuel Pamic. Dinamo missed out on Pamic when the player went to Sparta. Although Luis Ibanez has talent in an offensive capacity, he has struggled at left back. Dinamo seem more than settled on right defense and right midfield, defensive midfield is working well and creative midfielders Sammir and Badelj are prize assets. Halilhodzic will quickly find however he needs a centre back and a striker, but agreeing to another foriegn buy will not help his popularity. In HNL1 Dinamo appear to have enough talent at Lokomotiva to tap into rather than considering purchasing from their Liga 16 counterparts. However left back Roberto Puncec could prove an asset for the future and could be worth signing from Varazdin.

Dinamo are unlikely to move for a second centre back till the winter, but Myttlldland's Kristjan Ipsa is worth monitoring as has impressed since moving to Denmark.

OSIJEK GET KARACIC

NK Osijek have appointed Branko Karacic as their new coach, after a poor start to the season cost Tomislav Steinbuckner his job. Karacic guided Sibenik to fourth last season as well as the final of the Croatian Cup. Osijek are still struggling to score goals, despite having five decent attackers on their books in Ivan Milicevic, Josip Barisic, Vedran Niksic, Anton Maglica and Igor Prjic. They also have Karlo Primorac, Marijan Vuka and Marin Skender training with them, but it isn't known if Osijek were look to them to solve some of their issues.

One club who will make a major gain is NK Varazdin, who look to agree a contract with midfielder Nikola Safaric. The experienced 29 year old will give a significant boost to the club who also signed Davor Vugrinec last month. Safaric was one of the best Croatian players left on the free agent market. Varazdin ideally need to move one player out to fund their season, with Josip Brezovec and Roberto Puncec currently there key assets.

It isn't expected Brazilian Eliomar or midfield playmaker Srebrenko Posavec will stay available for long either. Left back Ronald Siklic and forward Ivan Bosnjak also still have a lot to offer a HNL1 side.

HNL1 ROUND 4

RIJEKA 1 VARAZDIN 1 (Rodic/ Glavica)
DINAMO 4 KARLOVAC 2 (Sammir 2, Kramaric, Rukavina/ Ticinovic, Spisic)
SPLIT 3 SLAVEN BELUPO 0 (Oblinovic, Golubovic, Seradusic)
ZADAR 0 CIBALIA 0
SIBENIK 0 ZAGREB 1 (Jurendic)
OSIJEK 0 LOKOMOTIVA 0
ZAPRESIC 0 HAJDUK 5 (Anas, Vukusic 2, Tomasov, Cop)

Hajduk Split moved to the top of the Croatian league after a 5-0 pounding of out of form Zapresic. Hajduk's Ante Vukusic has been on excellant form since international duty and claimed two more goals. In form Marin Tomasov also collected one. Tomasov has a secure place at right wing, with Mirko Oremus dropping to right back. Stanko Poklepovic has also been blooding youngsters in recent weeks with Dinko Trebotic and lately Franko Andriasejvic being given a chance.

Hajduk moved ahead of Rijeka on goal difference, who nevertheless remain unbeaten. Rijeka were held to a 1-1 draw by Varazdin. Ivan Rodic scored for Rijeka, with Dejan Glavica netting for a second successful weekend for Varazdin. Slaven Belupo were surprisingly beaten by HNL1 danger side RNK Split. Ivan Katilinic's men have lost twice but thumped Varazdin two weeks ago and now overwhelmed Belupo 3-0. Split are benefitting at present through having a number of decent goalgetters. Romano Oblinovic and Bojan Golubovic both got the on the scoresheet.

No such luck however for Osijek or Sibenik, who would love to have RNK Split's firepower. Osijek once again came up short drawing 0-0 with Lokomotiva who will happily take a point. Sibenik have worser problems in attack losing out to Jurendic's goal for in form Zagreb. Zagreb are now in third place. Similarly to Rijeka and Hajduk they are also unbeaten. Sibenik are attempting to rectify their problems with signings, but thus far have only been able to strengthen in defence with Marko Kartelo and Ante Aracic signing last week. It is expected that ex Belupo striker Mario Juric will arrive in the coming week, alongside another unnamed forward. Cibalia and Zadar played out a goalless draw which does no real harm for either side.

Dinamo Zagreb got back to winning ways with a 4-2 win over Karlovac. Sammir continued his good form with two goals. Andrej Kramaric staked his claim for a place by netting after coming on as a second half substitute. Ante Rukavina also scored his second goal in two games. Pedro Morales was restored to the starting line up, whilst Ivan Tomecak also returned from illness. For Karlovac Mario Ticinovic scored on his debut following his loan move from Hajduk Split. Dinamo gave playing time to Dodo, but he was once again without a goal, this being his seventh match to fail to find the net. Zapresic may enquire this week about a long term loan with Dodo or Ilija Sivonjic.

Hrvatski Dragovoljac and Istra Pula are still without a win as both sides played out a 1-1 draw. Svarcic put Dragovoljac ahead, but Bosko Stupcic was on hand to equalise in the last minute. Both team have to recruit new players to stand any chance of staying up. If not for Osijek and Sibenik's slow start both sides would already be cut adrift. Istra will enquire this week with Dinamo on the availability of Mathias Chago. They are also missing Dario Bodrusic whose contract experience at the end of last season.