The Zadar Gazette
Match21 Nov 2026
Zvonimir Kovacevic wins it after the whistle should have gone
90 minutes played. Zvonimir Kovacevic found the finish in time that only existed because of earlier delays, and Sesvete went from a point to nothing inside one movement.
Squad23 Nov 2026
Remember the name: Stipe Corluka
He is 18, he is averaging 7.03, and older professionals have started passing to him in the difficult minutes. That last part is the real scouting report.
Squad23 Nov 2026
Tempers go at Zadar
Ivan Cvijanović was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
The terraces23 Nov 2026
The crowd has taken to Stipe Corluka
At 18 he is being sung about by people twice his age, which is an affection a signing has to earn over years and a local kid gets for turning up. It is also the hardest thing in football to live up to.
Match21 Nov 2026
Zvonimir Kovacevic the difference as Zadar beat Sesvete
Ask anyone on the way out what separated the sides and you will get one name: Zvonimir Kovacevic. 1‑0 against Sesvete, and the applause at the whistle was mostly his.
Squad23 Nov 2026
Marin Karabatić gets it from the manager
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
In brief
- Squad Zadar count the cost of losing Mate Sutalo
- Player ratings Stipe Corluka takes the honours
- Player ratings Ivan Bilic never got going
- Player ratings Off the bench and decisive: Zvonimir Kovacevic