Zagreb plotting another surprise - 7M sport

Zagreb plotting another surprise

Posted Thursday, October 22, 2009 by PA

Dinamo Zagreb defender Etto hopes to build on their surprise win away to Timisoara last time out when they visit Ajax in their third Europa League group game.

Dinamo's 3-0 win at Timisoara in their last Europa League outing ended the Croatian team's seven-game wait for a European away victory.

Currently second in Group A with a win and a loss following a home defeat by Anderlecht in their opening match, Dinamo travel to Amsterdam to face a side who have failed to win so far, drawing both of their games.

And Etto hopes his side can continue the momentum provided by the win in Romania's second city.

"We expect to win, that is what we aim for," the Brazilian told his club's website. "Winning in Amsterdam would carry us through the rest of the European campaign with extra confidence.

"We will look at detailed analysis of Ajax but we are aware they are a very good team. They have changed some players but their style of play has not changed too much. We must prepare to face Ajax at their best."

Etto believes the Ajax clash will represent a chance to play a more open type of game compared to the more turgid and attritional domestic matches.

"The Ajax game will be more open and it will be a different fixture to the usual games. Obviously we always aim to win but you can never take any game for granted.

"But I guarantee we will give everything we have to attempt to repeat the great performance against Timisoara."

Etto also took a moment to back team-mate and compatriot Sammir, who has recently been subjected to criticism from fans as well as journalists.

"Sammir's quality is unquestionable," he said. "In three years he has demonstrated his value to the team. Against Timisoara he was one of our best players, so to criticise him now is not fair. But he is too professional to be affected by criticism."

Ajax boss Martin Jol did not suffer any new injury problems in the weekend win over Willem II, though the game will still be too soon for midfielder Gabri. The former Barcelona man returned after eight months out in a reserve game on Monday but will not be rushed back.

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