Zoran Nizic played an excellent match in a draw against Rijeka at Poljud. The captain was really reliable and confident in the crucial moments, there was not enough room for the opponent attackers around him, which gave an extra dose of confidence to his teammates.
"We could have won the game, but we were losing at one point, we came back and had a chance to score another goal, but we didn't in the end, anyhow, it is important that we kept the second position" Nizic said after the Adriatic derby.
The second half of the match was much more interesting than the first.
"In the first half we played a lot more cautiously, no team wanted to take too much risk, but we went for a win in the second, plenty of space opened in the field, which resulted in more chances".
Nizic pointed out the character that the team showed in this match.
"They made use of one of our mistakes, we have shown that we can return in the game even when we are losing against such a good opponent. After the equalizing goal we forced them in their half and I think there are a lot of positive things that we saw in this game" said the captain of Hajduk.
Toma Basic brought a lot of energy and freshness to Hajduk's midfield line after he entered the game as a substitute at the beginning of the second half. Two excellent chances followed his free kicks, but both didn't result in the winning goal.
"I think I entered the game in the right way even though it could be felt that I missed some more training. Too bad we didn't win, it's incredibe what their goalkeeper saved right before the end of the match after Caktas tried a header" Basic said after the game.
Rijeka took a lead in the 52nd minute, but after that goal Hajduk put even more pressure on their opponents.
"We didn't lose our temper after we conceded the goal, we focused immediately and went even more aggressive, we looked much better on the field. That goal didn't influence us, we quickly returned in the game, and I'm glad we have shown such character" added the midfielder and concluded:
"We are now turning to Lokomotiva, we must win and continue this good rhythm".
