Behind the square – the price of growing up
Hajduk’s first official match in 2026 against Istria will be remembered as a classic “Zeman’s match”a match in which the Whites absolutely dominated the field, but in the end they left the field with their heads down. Although the defeat is painful, analysis indicates that this was “the price of growing up” an extremely young team in which as many as seven players have graduated from the club’s academy. Hajduk showed a game that, according to experts, is currently the most attractive in Croatia, but faced the reality that beauty in football does not always bring points, especially when six big chances are missed.
Deceiving stats: Domination without execution
The numbers from the match suggest a complete siege of Istria’s goal, but the final score of 1:2 tells a different story. Hajduk directed 22 shots on goalof which 17 were from inside the penalty area, while Istria retaliated with only 10 attempts. It is an incredible fact that the Whites have achieved 39 touches in the opponent’s sixwhile Istria had 20. xG (expected goals) was 2.18 for Hajduk versus 1.48 for Istria, which clearly shows who dictated the pace.
The fact that Hajduk created more great opportunities in the first half of this game than in four meetings against Istria during the entire last season is particularly noteworthy. However, efficiency failed; The Whites used only one of six big chances, while Istria realized two of three. The irony of the defeat was rounded off by the Icelander’s own goal against Istria, which was decisive in the end, although the sources state that the Whites actually “beat themselves”.
“Prom” defense and transfer stress
Hajduk’s back line was made up of players who are vividly described in the sources as guys who are “were late for prom”. Along with the experienced Krovinović, who was the only veteran at the age of 30, the defense suffered due to a lack of experience and coordination. Skelinwho has just returned from a severe ACL injury, showed exceptional talent and progression with the ball, but was noticeably lacking in competitive routine.
On the other hand, young people Mlačić he was under enormous pressure due to the transfer soap opera with Italian clubs that was resolved in the hours around the match itself. Sources state that his deconcentration was visible with the first goal, because a more experienced player would have caught the opponent in the backfield with just one step forward. Criticism was also directed at the club’s management, which defended Mlačić’s appearance in friendly matches in order to protect him from injury, which ultimately deprived him of the necessary focus and minutes for the official start of the season.
Skoko and Almena: Individual class above HNL level
Despite the defeat, the two players confirmed that they have the potential for the world’s biggest clubs. Jump impressed with his football intelligence, anticipation and ability “terrain scans”which stylistically brings him closer to the profile of players like Luka Modrić or Frenkie de Jong. His body movement and vision in a tight space allowed Hajduk to easily break through Istra’s high block.
At least was again named man of the match, playing what sources call “doctor’s match”. He made five out of nine successful dribbles and created five key passes, driving Istria’s defense crazy, which at one point had to “beat” him in order to stop him. Sources suggest that the club should invest all available money to buy out his contract, as a player of such profile on the wing is a rarity that pays off many times over.
VAR absurdities and referee “Bangladesh”
The match was also overshadowed by the six-minute VAR check on Hajduk’s own goal, which was harshly criticized by sources as “Bangladesh level”. Ambiguities about the rules and insecurity of the referees caused the momentum of the match to be completely broken in the moments when Hajduk was catching the score. Additional anger from the fans was caused by the decision of only seven minutes of stoppage time, despite the fact that only the VAR check lasted six minutes, and the opponent was actively keeping time.
Although the points went to Pula, the general conclusion is that Hajduk must not give up this time. In the long term, pushing young talents like Skoka, Hodak and Mlačić will bring financial stability and playing continuity, even if the price is some undeserved home defeats. The fans remain hopeful that “fortune” will return already in the next round against Gorica.
Foto: Screenshot
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