Former Vatreni: Time for Mišić to Play for Croatia
Robert Špehar, after Dinamo's 5-0 thrashing of Kauno Žalgiris, urges coach Bilić to call up Josip Mišić, Luka Stojković, and Dion Drena Beljo.
Robert Špehar, after Dinamo's 5-0 thrashing of Kauno Žalgiris, urges coach Bilić to call up Josip Mišić, Luka Stojković, and Dion Drena Beljo.
On Tuesday evening at Maksimir, Dinamo dismantled Lithuanian side Kauno Žalgiris 5-0 in the first leg of the third qualifying round of the Champions League, taking a giant step toward the playoffs. The convincing victory delighted former Croatian international Robert Špehar, who, in an interview with Net.hr, particularly highlighted the performance of Josip Mišić and sent a clear message to coach Slaven Bilić.
Špehar, now the coach of ŽNK Osijek, was full of praise for the Zagreb blues. "It was a rhapsody of Dinamo and Croatian football. I'm really glad about it. Dinamo lived up to their role as favorites and showed they're hitting form," Špehar told Net.hr. He added that a 5-0 win in a European match is always a big deal, regardless of the opponent's strength, and that the first SHNL victory against Slaven Belupo (2-0) clearly contributed to the performance.
Although he feels a bit sorry for his former NK Zagreb teammate, Kauno Žalgiris coach Željko Sopić, with whom he played in the 1994/1995 season, Špehar stressed that Dinamo's victory was fully deserved. "They showed dominance, they showed quality, and from the first to the last minute, there was no doubt who would advance to the Champions League playoffs," he emphasized.
He is particularly pleased with the form of Josip Mišić, whom he describes as the team's central figure. "It's a joy to watch Josip Mišić lead Dinamo's play. I'm glad that Zvonimir Boban, Dinamo's president, recognized that and kept him as the main man. Josip Mišić should just keep it up. Everything revolves around him," Špehar said.
He also addressed the criticism directed at the midfielder. "There are those who say Josip Mišić is no longer the player he was, that he's old, this and that... What old, that's just nonsense. Josip Mišić is like fine wine-he gets better with age," the former Vatreni player stated.
Špehar believes that now is the right time for Mišić to receive a call-up to the national team. "I think it's time for Josip Mišić to get a call-up to the Croatian national team," he said directly. Alongside him, he would like to see two other Dinamo players in the squad. "I expect a call-up for Josip Mišić and I expect a call-up for Luka Stojković," he added, and when asked about Dion Drena Beljo, he briefly replied: "And for him, of course."
Although he doesn't want to interfere with the coach's decisions, Špehar is clear: "These are three players who deserve Bilić's call-up to the national team. Josip Mišić deserves it especially, for some old call-ups he didn't get, but he deserved to receive them."
As for the match itself, Dinamo led 2-0 at halftime with goals from Miho Zajc in the 31st minute and Scott McKenne in the 33rd. In the second half, Mateo Lisica (51'), Luka Stojković (76'), and Lukas Kačavenda in the fourth minute of stoppage time added to the tally against the Lithuanian champions. The Croatian Football Federation congratulated Dinamo on the convincing victory and the significant step toward the Champions League playoffs.
The return leg will be played in Lithuania in a week's time, but Dinamo has practically already secured their place in the next round. After four matches at the start of the season, the Blues have three wins and a draw, and Špehar notes a clear improvement in their play compared to the tie against Thun.
