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Preview of Tottenham Trip to Dinamo Zagreb in Europa League

By Aaron Coe

Tottenham Hotspur's English striker Harry Kane (R) scores the opening goal during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 first leg football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Dinamo Zagreb at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on March 11, 2021. (Photo by Alastair Grant / POOL / AFP) (Photo by ALASTAIR GRANT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur's English striker Harry Kane (R) scores the opening goal during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 first leg football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Dinamo Zagreb at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on March 11, 2021. (Photo by Alastair Grant / POOL / AFP) (Photo by ALASTAIR GRANT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Tottenham Hotspur’s English midfielder Dele Alli (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s first goal but goal given as own goal by Fulham’s English defender Tosin Adarabioyo during the English Premier League football match between Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage in London on March 4, 2021. (Photo by NEIL HALL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Expectations and Prediction for Tottenham at Dinamo

As is almost always the case with Tottenham Hotspur over the last two seasons, the team that scores first is most likely to win. While Tottenham has lost a ton of points from winning positions this season – including three this past Sunday – an away goal before Dinamo can get on the board would really help put the match to bed.

A single goal from Spurs would mean that Dinamo needs four goals to win the match-up, which seems quite unlikely. Knowing the importance of the first goal, expect Dinamo to come out with extreme aggression both on and off the ball. In the last match, Dinamo had 20 fouls called against them and several – including a dubious one in the box – that were not whistled.

The Lilywhites should not expect to get any protection from UEFA and the officials and should expect a rough and tumble contest. There are going to be any number of full-bloodied tackles during the match, the hope is no one gets injured and Tottenham can get out in front and get Dinamo to drop back and play to keep the score respectable.

Respectable is not what Tottenham wants, rather they want to wipe the floor with the Croatians. Spurs are known for not being the team that wins the big games and wins them big. This is just the next opportunity to show Tottenham can win big games and win big games in a big way. It is clear the best defense for Tottenham – regardless of the opposition – is a good offense. When Tottenham is successful pressuring in the front it helps in the ball recovery and creating those odd-numbered opportunities that can lead to goals.

Tottenham Hotspur wants to score early and often against Dinamo and send a statement to the other seven teams left in the tournament. While the Spurs may not already have the silverware they can still show they are ready for the moment with a big win.

In the end Tottenham score early and often, but still does not get the shutout we seek and the game is closer than we want at 1-3, leaving the overall match Spurs on aggregate 5-1.

Next. Questions for Tottenham to Answer at Dinamo. dark

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