2014-10-02: Celtic 1-0 Dinamo Zagreb, UEFA Cup

Match Pictures | Matches: 2014 – 2015 | 2014-15 Pictures

Trivia

• UEFA Cup, Europa League, Round 2
• Celtic second in table. Salzburg won two one.
• Deila projected in papers to be scathing of players diet and fitness. Going on a bit more about it than need be.
• Celtic ban Record journalist Keith Jackson for their article on Deila.
• Supposedly a match for potential trouble with the club making cautions to the support. Overall little to nothing. 17 arrests of Zagreb fans, only three detained at Celtic Park. So nothing. Celtic fans in the clear, papers trying to paint it as both sides. Best laughed off.
• Ex-Celt Lewis Toshney signs for Ross County.

Review

(TeddyB of KDS forum)
Ecstatic with the result (and am/have been firmly in the Deila camp), but thought we were pretty poor. Back 5 did real well, but front 6 were woeful—bad touches, bad decision-making, bad execution, etc.

Stokes and Brown probly best of the bunch, but that's not at all saying much. Tonev doesn't seem to offer much of anything, Wakaso at least runs about and covers a lot of ground but was poor going forward (had the ball in good positions numerous times but did nothing from any of them). Johansen and Brown are similarly limited—both can run about, but neither can retain possession, beat a man off the dribble or create. Commons and Stokes are Commons and Stokes—each capable of moments (Commons usually scoring, Stokes usually providing), but they're not giving opposing defenders sleepless nights before the match (far from it, actually).

At a certain point, I feel like there's only so much a manager can do. NL had a decent-looking European team when he had Wanyama and Hooper to build around—and a punching bag last year when he didn't. Similarly, I'm not really sure what one can expect RD to do with this collection. There's always things you can do better, and I think it's shown in our less aggressive/more pragmatic approach since Warsaw, but I honestly think you'd have to be a miracle worker to make the current squad into anything special.

We may well make it through the group, and I'm buzzing to see if we do, but given what we have at our disposal and how we played last night, we could just as likely go out and lose our next two games v Astra.

Anyhow, great result, great position after two matches and really looking forward to the rest of the group (take off for Romania four weeks from today ). That said, until we get some midfield/striking talent in, I just don't see us being anything more than a crap shoot in Europe. Great to be on 4 points (and could well be on 6), but it's not at all been impressive/convincing and we just as easily could be on zero.

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Stats

Celtic Dinamo Zagreb
Possession
55% 45%
90mins

Shots
11 20

On target
3 6

Corners
4 6

Fouls
12 15

Articles

Celtic 1-0 Dinamo Zagreb: Celts edge Europa clash

http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/spfl/celtic-1-0-dinamo-zagreb-celts-edge-europa-clash-1-3561265
by STEPHEN HALLIDAY AT CELTIC PARK

Updated on the 04 October
2014
00:16

Published 02/10/2014 21:58
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RONNY Deila may do things differently from Neil Lennon as Celtic manager but so far he shares at least one thing in common with his predecessor. In Kris Commons, he has his most reliable match winner.

Scorer: Commons (6)

The playmaker, on his return from injury, plundered the only goal after just six minutes of what proved to be a fraught Europa League tie for the Scottish champions.

They had to survive a series of nervy moments, mostly in the second half, and were again indebted to the rejuvenated figure of goalkeeper Craig Gordon as they preserved all three points and claimed the initiative at the top of Group D.

This was still some way short of the performance level which will earn Deila the faith of the Celtic fans, but it displayed a capacity to dig in for victory.

Celtic Park was intentionally half-empty, with the top tier of the stadium not being used in anticipation of the less than thunderous stampede for tickets. But while the Europa League may be an anti-climax for supporters who have become accustomed to big Champions League nights in Glasgow, those who did turn up managed to create a good atmosphere.

The mood was certainly enhanced by the flying start to proceedings for Deila’s men. It was a sweetly constructed and superbly finished goal, so typical of the creativity and imagination which Commons so often delivers for Celtic.

The 31-year-old dummied a pass from Emilio Izaguirre, allowing the ball to run into the path of Anthony Stokes. As Commons peeled off and stole in behind the wrong-footed Dinamo central defenders, Stokes picked him out with a perfectly weighted pass. Striding on to the ball, Commons drilled it low beyond goalkeeper Eduardo’s left hand into the corner of the net.

With John Guidetti ineligible and Stefan Scepovic injured, it was Stokes who led the line for the home side, while Commons was flanked by Alexandar Tonev and Mubarak Wakaso in the advanced midfield trio.

It was another opportunity for Tonev to try to make a positive impression, the on-loan Aston Villa winger having been singularly unimpressive in his previous appearances. He at least looked eager to get involved on this occasion and came close to doubling Celtic’s lead when he cut inside from the right and drove a 22-yard shot narrowly wide of Eduardo’s left-hand post.

Dinamo took time to settle but gradually found some composure and ambition in response to their early setback. Their first opening of the night came in the 18th minute, when Portuguese right-back Ivo Pinto surged forward and delivered a fine cross which his compatriot, Wilson Eduardo, headed over from around eight yards.

As the game became increasingly open and flowed from end to end, more than the home fans would have liked, Wilson came even closer to an equaliser ten minutes later. He dispossessed Stefan Johansen with a robust challenge and let fly with a dipping shot from 22 yards which smacked off Gordon’s crossbar.

There was a clear sense that Celtic might need more than one goal to win this contest and they should have made it 2-0 in the 32nd minute. Commons showed great energy and persistence to close down Eduardo inside the penalty area, forcing a mistake from the ’keeper who ****** the ball directly to him. It left Commons with the apparently simple task of squaring the ball to the unmarked Stokes for a tap-in on the edge of the six yard box. But, inexplicably and uncharacteristically, he overhit the pass behind his team-mate, leaving both of them holding their heads in disbelief.

Dinamo seemed further encouraged by that reprieve and both Pinto and Wilson came close with efforts from distance.

Tonev tried to get Celtic back on the front foot when he drifted infield again and drove in a low shot which was clutched by Eduardo. Dinamo were soon threatening again, Wilson seizing on a poor attempted clearance from Efe Ambrose and striking a fierce shot which forced Gordon into a fine save.

The fluid nature of the match was underlined just before half-time when Virgil van Dijk meandered forward to join the Celtic attack and tried his luck from 25 yards, his cleanly struck effort well dealt with by Eduardo.

Dinamo were almost caught cold right at the start of the second half when a lofted through ball from Commons allowed Johansen to race into the penalty area. Unfortunately for Celtic, the Norwegian midfielder could not get the ball under control properly, allowing Josip Pivaric time to make a crucial covering tackle.

The home side were struggling to sustain that kind of attacking momentum, while Dinamo looked increasingly dangerous. They should have taken advantage of poor communication in the Celtic ranks in the 54th minute, no-one tracking a move in which El Arabi Soudani set up Wilson with a free shot at goal which he wastefully hit too close to Gordon.

Celtic looked vulnerable and ever more anxious. They required Gordon to be at his most alert when he plunged low to his right to touch Marcelo Brozovic’s 20-yard shot behind for a corner. In a bid to shore up his team in midfield, Deila responded by withdrawing Commons and bringing on Beram Kayal.

He was followed into the fray by Leigh Griffiths. In a rare appearance for the striker, his most notable contribution was to hold the ball up in the corner in the closing seconds as Celtic survived a late Dinamo onslaught.

Celtic: Gordon, Denayer, Ambrose, van Dijk, Izaguirre, Tonev (Berget 88), Johansen, Brown, Wakaso (Griffiths 78), Commons (Kayal 69), Stokes. Subs not used: Zaluska, O’Connell, Fisher, Henderson.

Dinamo Zagreb: Eduardo, Ivo Pinto, Sigali, Simunic, Pivaric, Ademi, Brozovic, Antolic (Coric 75), Soudani, Cop (Henriquez 60), Wilson Eduardo (Pjaca 84). Subs: Jezina, Paulo Machado, Goncalo Santos, Vukojevic.

BBC

By Alasdair Lamont BBC Scotland's senior football reporter at Celtic Park

Kris Commons scores only goal on six minutes
Three impressive saves from Craig Gordon
Celtic with four points from two games in Group D

Celtic withstood significant second-half pressure for a hard-fought Europa League victory over Dinamo Zagreb.

Goalkeeper Craig Gordon was inspirational, making three great saves as the Croatians sought an equaliser.

Celtic had moved in front with the game's first chance – Kris Commons rounding off a slick move with a clinical, angled finish on six minutes.

And that early goal secured a valuable win to leave Celtic well placed on four points after two games.

Interview – Celtic manager Ronny Deila

With a double-header against Romanians FC Astra, who prop up Group D after two defeats, to follow, Ronny Deila's side can be satisfied with their campaign so far, though defensive frailties persist.

The clean sheet may belie that, but Gordon – just as he was in the opening draw away to Salzburg – was sensational, saving brilliantly from Wilson Eduardo on two occasions and once from Marcelo Brozovic.

And when he was beaten – by Wilson Eduardo – the crossbar came to his rescue.

As is so often the case at the other end for Celtic, Commons was pivotal to the creation and execution of the decisive goal.

His cute step-over dummy allowed the ball to find its way to Anthony Stokes and the pair's inherent understanding came to the fore as the striker played a first-time pass back to Commons, who rifled a shot low past Eduardo.

That set the tone for a pulsating first-half, which at times raged from end-to-end, with the only surprise that no further goals ensued.
Kris Commons looks on as his early shot finds the corner of the net

Commons looks on as his early shot finds the corner of the net

It took Dinamo a good 20 minutes to contribute to that, but when they did Wilson Eduardo was central to their best play.

Having sent a free header over the top, he then thudded a marvellous 25-yard strike against the frame of the goal and Gordon reacted smartly to push away the Portuguese striker's fizzing volley.

In between those efforts, Celtic passed up a glorious opportunity to double their lead – Commons' poise on this occasion deserting him as he failed to find Stokes after a panicked touch from the goalkeeper gifted them possession in front of the otherwise unguarded net.

Aleksandar Tonev and Virgil van Dijk required Eduardo to do rather better with shots from distance but after the break the visiting keeper was virtually untroubled.

Nonetheless, his team-mates could not find a way past his opposite number, ensuring the Croatians left empty-handed and Celtic moved alongside Red Bull Salzburg at the top of the group.

The pick of Gordon's stops was again from Wilson Eduardo when the Scotland international threw up an arm to save from a one-on-one situation and the 31-year-old was soon diving at full-stretch to divert a powerful Brozovic strike.

Celtic team spirit pleases manager Ronny Deila

Manager Ronny Deila praised goalkeeper Craig Gordon and Celtic's resolute attitude after a 1-0 Europa League victory over Dinamo Zagreb .

Gordon made three terrific stops as the home side protected an early goal from Kris Commons.

"Craig was unbelievable," said Deila. "We have him to thank for conceding zero goals and winning the game.

"In the end it was fantastic team spirit. We have to take that with us but we need better passing."

The only goal came in the sixth minute when Emilio Izaguirre's pass, Commons' dummy and Anthony Stokes' return ball set up the influential playmaker to slam home a precise finish.

In a first half chock-full of goalmouth incidents, visiting striker Wilson Eduardo hit the crossbar and had a fierce volley well saved, while a dreadful touch from Zagreb keeper Eduardo should have been punished, with Commons and Stokes in close attendance.

The Croatian champions dominated for long spells after the break but Gordon would not be beaten, thwarting Wilson Eduardo again and pushing away a shot from Marcelo Brozovic.

"Celtic have had good goalkeepers in the past and that is important," added Deila. "It is an important place to have good players.

"He was a prospect to come in before I was the manager but I knew he was a fantastic goalkeeper who was out for a long time with injury.

"He can't do much better than he has shown. He can work on his kicking but he is a fantastic keeper and very calm."

Celtic are on four points in Group D, along with Red Bull Salzburg, and one ahead of Dinamo Zagreb.

With a double-header against FC Astra, who are yet to get off the mark, to come next, Deila is confident of making progress.
Celtic held on for a 1-0 win in Glasgow

Celtic are unbeaten following two games in Group D

"We have a good chance of getting the 10 points I think we will need," he said.

"It is important for us to test ourselves against good teams but we need to have longer periods like the first half."

Visiting head coach Zoran Mamic thought his side deserved to take something from an entertaining fixture.

"When you see the 90 minutes, we were the better team," he said. "But football is about goals and we didn't score, so I have to say congratulations to Celtic.

"In the last game against Astra, we didn't have as many shots on goal but won 5-1. I was sure we were going to score in the second half but it just didn't happen.

"I'm sure it will be better for us when we play Celtic in Zagreb. I think that could be a decisive game in the group and we showed we have the quality to beat Celtic."

Stokes, without a European goal in three years, led the attack for Celtic and his partnership with Commons provided the game with its decisive moment.

"It was a bit of a graft but we got there in the end with good team work," said the Irishman.

"I think I've always had a good understanding with Kris and before the ball even came to him I knew he was going to leave it and it was just a matter of me putting it into the space."
Also related to this story

BBC

Live Text Commentary
Full time

Full Time Match ends, Celtic 1, Dinamo Zagreb 0.
90:00 +3:19 Full time

Full Time Second Half ends, Celtic 1, Dinamo Zagreb 0.
90:00 +2:55 Booking

Booking Anthony Stokes (Celtic) is shown the yellow card.
90:00 +2:45

Marko Pjaca (Dinamo Zagreb) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
90:00 +2:45

Foul by Anthony Stokes (Celtic).
90:00 +1:35

Corner, Dinamo Zagreb. Conceded by Anthony Stokes.
90:00 +1:29

Attempt blocked. Josip Simunic (Dinamo Zagreb) header from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Marcelo Brozovic with a cross.
90:00 +1:15

Corner, Dinamo Zagreb. Conceded by Virgil van Dijk.
89:51

Corner, Dinamo Zagreb. Conceded by Jason Denayer.
89:35

Josip Simunic (Dinamo Zagreb) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
89:35

Foul by Anthony Stokes (Celtic).
88:25

Attempt blocked. Ivo Pinto (Dinamo Zagreb) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
88:20

Attempt blocked. Marko Pjaca (Dinamo Zagreb) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Ángelo Henríquez.
87:16

Leonardo Sigali (Dinamo Zagreb) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
87:16

Foul by Anthony Stokes (Celtic).
87:11 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Celtic. Jo Inge Berget replaces Aleksandar Tonev.
86:27

Attempt saved. Marcelo Brozovic (Dinamo Zagreb) right footed shot from a difficult angle and long range on the left is saved in the top centre of the goal.
85:49 Booking

Booking Jason Denayer (Celtic) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
85:35

Ángelo Henríquez (Dinamo Zagreb) wins a free kick on the left wing.
85:35

Foul by Jason Denayer (Celtic).
84:09 Booking

Booking Arijan Ademi (Dinamo Zagreb) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
84:04

Foul by Arijan Ademi (Dinamo Zagreb).
84:04

Stefan Johansen (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
83:33

Offside, Celtic. Stefan Johansen tries a through ball, but Anthony Stokes is caught offside.
83:02 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Dinamo Zagreb. Marko Pjaca replaces Wilson Eduardo.
82:38

Attempt missed. Soudani (Dinamo Zagreb) left footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Josip Simunic with a headed pass following a set piece situation.
81:38

Soudani (Dinamo Zagreb) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
81:38

Foul by Virgil van Dijk (Celtic).
80:37

Ivo Pinto (Dinamo Zagreb) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
80:37

Foul by Anthony Stokes (Celtic).
80:18

Attempt saved. Soudani (Dinamo Zagreb) left footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Ante Coric.
79:41

Attempt missed. Anthony Stokes (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is too high.
77:59

Attempt missed. Leigh Griffiths (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box misses to the right. Assisted by Beram Kayal.
77:17 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Celtic. Leigh Griffiths replaces Mubarak Wakaso.
74:45 Booking

Booking Leonardo Sigali (Dinamo Zagreb) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
74:43

Foul by Leonardo Sigali (Dinamo Zagreb).
74:43

Anthony Stokes (Celtic) wins a free kick on the left wing.
74:07 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Dinamo Zagreb. Ante Coric replaces Domagoj Antolic.
73:49

Domagoj Antolic (Dinamo Zagreb) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
73:49

Foul by Beram Kayal (Celtic).
72:11

Foul by Leonardo Sigali (Dinamo Zagreb).
72:11

Anthony Stokes (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
71:52

Attempt blocked. Arijan Ademi (Dinamo Zagreb) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Soudani.
69:47

Attempt missed. Wilson Eduardo (Dinamo Zagreb) right footed shot from outside the box is too high. Assisted by Domagoj Antolic following a fast break.
68:46

Foul by Soudani (Dinamo Zagreb).
68:46

Emilio Izaguirre (Celtic) wins a free kick on the left wing.
68:21 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Celtic. Beram Kayal replaces Kris Commons.
67:38

Corner, Dinamo Zagreb. Conceded by Craig Gordon.
67:34

Attempt saved. Marcelo Brozovic (Dinamo Zagreb) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Domagoj Antolic.
64:58

Attempt missed. Aleksandar Tonev (Celtic) right footed shot from the left side of the six yard box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Anthony Stokes with a cross following a corner.
64:20

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Ivo Pinto.
63:39

Foul by Josip Simunic (Dinamo Zagreb).
63:39

Kris Commons (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
62:10

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Leonardo Sigali.
62:07

Attempt blocked. Aleksandar Tonev (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Kris Commons.
61:23

Dangerous play by Ángelo Henríquez (Dinamo Zagreb).
61:23

Virgil van Dijk (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
59:28 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Dinamo Zagreb. Ángelo Henríquez replaces Duje Cop.
59:04

Hand ball by Kris Commons (Celtic).
58:49

Attempt blocked. Domagoj Antolic (Dinamo Zagreb) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Soudani.
56:01

Attempt missed. Soudani (Dinamo Zagreb) header from the centre of the box is just a bit too high. Assisted by Domagoj Antolic with a cross following a corner.
55:32

Corner, Dinamo Zagreb. Conceded by Scott Brown.
54:25

Attempt missed. Marcelo Brozovic (Dinamo Zagreb) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right following a corner.
53:59

Corner, Dinamo Zagreb. Conceded by Craig Gordon.
53:57

Attempt saved. Wilson Eduardo (Dinamo Zagreb) left footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Soudani.
53:14

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Ivo Pinto.
51:58

Marcelo Brozovic (Dinamo Zagreb) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
51:58

Foul by Mubarak Wakaso (Celtic).
50:35

Attempt saved. Domagoj Antolic (Dinamo Zagreb) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Marcelo Brozovic.
47:00

Attempt blocked. Mubarak Wakaso (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Stefan Johansen.
46:04

Foul by Soudani (Dinamo Zagreb).
46:04

Emilio Izaguirre (Celtic) wins a free kick on the left wing.
45:00

Second Half begins Celtic 1, Dinamo Zagreb 0.
45:00 +1:07 Half time

Half Time First Half ends, Celtic 1, Dinamo Zagreb 0.
44:01

Attempt missed. Soudani (Dinamo Zagreb) left footed shot from outside the box misses to the right. Assisted by Marcelo Brozovic.
43:22

Offside, Celtic. Kris Commons tries a through ball, but Anthony Stokes is caught offside.
43:00

Attempt saved. Virgil van Dijk (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Stefan Johansen.
38:03

Foul by Arijan Ademi (Dinamo Zagreb).
38:03

Kris Commons (Celtic) wins a free kick on the right wing.
36:51

Offside, Dinamo Zagreb. Domagoj Antolic tries a through ball, but Soudani is caught offside.
35:46

Attempt saved. Wilson Eduardo (Dinamo Zagreb) right footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the bottom right corner.
34:23

Attempt saved. Aleksandar Tonev (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Scott Brown.
33:53

Attempt missed. Wilson Eduardo (Dinamo Zagreb) right footed shot from outside the box is just a bit too high. Assisted by Ivo Pinto with a cross.
32:29

Foul by Marcelo Brozovic (Dinamo Zagreb).
32:29

Jason Denayer (Celtic) wins a free kick on the right wing.
31:37

Attempt missed. Ivo Pinto (Dinamo Zagreb) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses the top left corner. Assisted by Wilson Eduardo.
30:05 Booking

Booking Domagoj Antolic (Dinamo Zagreb) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
30:01

Foul by Domagoj Antolic (Dinamo Zagreb).
30:01

Anthony Stokes (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
27:46

Foul by Arijan Ademi (Dinamo Zagreb).
27:46

Kris Commons (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
27:27

Wilson Eduardo (Dinamo Zagreb) hits the bar with a right footed shot from outside the box. Assisted by Marcelo Brozovic.
24:36

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Ivo Pinto.
22:25

Attempt missed. Kris Commons (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left. Assisted by Mubarak Wakaso.
20:56

Foul by Soudani (Dinamo Zagreb).
20:56

Mubarak Wakaso (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
20:39

Josip Pivaric (Dinamo Zagreb) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
20:39

Foul by Scott Brown (Celtic).
19:40

Attempt missed. Mubarak Wakaso (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left. Assisted by Virgil van Dijk.
18:55

Foul by Marcelo Brozovic (Dinamo Zagreb).
18:55

Scott Brown (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
18:03

Attempt missed. Wilson Eduardo (Dinamo Zagreb) header from the centre of the box is too high. Assisted by Ivo Pinto with a cross.
16:30

Marcelo Brozovic (Dinamo Zagreb) wins a free kick on the left wing.
16:30

Foul by Anthony Stokes (Celtic).
14:37

Offside, Dinamo Zagreb. Eduardo tries a through ball, but Soudani is caught offside.
11:31

Arijan Ademi (Dinamo Zagreb).
11:31

Stefan Johansen (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
9:35

Foul by Ivo Pinto (Dinamo Zagreb).
9:35

Emilio Izaguirre (Celtic) wins a free kick on the left wing.
6:51

Attempt missed. Aleksandar Tonev (Celtic) right footed shot from long range on the right misses to the right. Assisted by Anthony Stokes.
5:29 Goal scored

Goal! Goal! Celtic 1, Dinamo Zagreb 0. Kris Commons (Celtic) left footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Anthony Stokes.
3:58

Ivo Pinto (Dinamo Zagreb) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
3:58

Foul by Mubarak Wakaso (Celtic).
0:00

First Half begins.
0:00

Lineups are announced and players are warming up.

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