Seven rounds into this year’s ACT NPL competition. Traditional heavyweights Canberra Croatia FC are in familiar territory – on top of the league standings!
Last weekend, Croatia easily accounted for Tuggeranong United 5-0. This victory was courtesy of a brace by Nicholas Pratežina and singles to Thomas James, Riley Zsuzsa, and Daniel Sparrow.
The victory allowed Croatia to leap back to the top of the competition standings. They now lead second-placed Tigers FC with a game in hand.
Despite the massive win, Canberra Croatia coach Dean Ugrinić wasn’t about to get carried away. He said his troops could have done better.
“We weren’t at our best, following an outstanding performance last Wednesday against the same opposition,” he stated.
“But it’s a testimony to the depth of the squad that we’re still able to achieve a great result despite a number of changes to the starting line up,” continued Ugrinić.
“We managed to score five but could have easily scored more!”
Ugrinić admitted he was delighted with his team’s start to the 2025 season. This is given the large turnover of players from last season.
“Some great recruitment, the promotion of several players from last season’s U23s squad and some seasoned high-quality players has enabled us to build a dynamic, fast and enthusiastic team,” explained the Canberra Croatia coach. The team is flying at this moment of time.
One Game Away From National Stage
The team from the Nation’s Capital is just one match away from qualifying for the final 32 round of the Australia Cup.
The Reds will come up against Queanbeyan City at McKellar Park on Saturday week. If they are victorious, it will be the third time in the nationwide knockout tournament’s history that Canberra Croatia will have qualified for the national stage.
“The Australia Cup provides clubs with an opportunity to showcase their players on the national stage,” said Ugrinić.
“We deserve our place in the final 32 after several wonderful performances. We’re looking forward to the challenge a game like this presents.
“It’ll be a wonderful occasion for our players, club officials and indeed our supporters against a passionate and committed opposition,” added Ugrinić.
But before that match, Ugrinić’s team will shift their focus to this weekend’s always highly anticipated ‘Croatian Derby’ against sister club the O’Connor Knights.
The Knights defeated the regional outfit Yoogali 5-1 at the Hawker Football Centre last weekend. Lukman Ahmed-Shaibu netted a hat-trick, Niko Krešić scored one, and an own goal rounded out the thrashing.
The win propelled the Knights into fourth spot, after languishing at the foot of the ladder a fortnight ago.
The game will be staged at Croatia’s Deakin Stadium on Saturday, with kick off set down for 5:30pm.