Chapter 127: Champions!

2003/2004 Season, Croatian League Round 34. Dinamo Zagreb vs Osijek. A wave of cheers echoed through Maksimir Stadium, mixed with loud, passionate chants. After a disastrous previous season, when the Mostečki brothers nearly led Dinamo Zagreb into a relegation battle, the club was in chaos. But Dinamo Zagreb remains the overlord of Croatian football!In just one year, they completed a transformation—from rebuilding to reigning supreme. This team, built around young talent, was initially doubted by many—especially head coach Bešić and his group of young players. But through match after match, they delivered a flawless season—34 rounds undefeated. These young players not only defended the honor of Dinamo Zagreb with their outstanding performances, but also drew massive attention. In the players' tunnel. Both teams lined up. Štimac took over as captain and stood at the front of the line. With Davor Šuker's retirement, a new captain needed to be appointed. Bešić named veteran Štimac as the new captain, with fullback Srna as vice-captain, and Šuker as third captain. This move clearly signaled Bešić's intent to once again youthify the team. With this season's success, Bešić earned overwhelming support—his proposals were gradually accepted. His popularity among Dinamo Zagreb fans reached unprecedented levels. "Let's go! Final match—give it everything!"Štimac roared, leading the team onto the field. As the players stepped onto the pitch, the crowd's cheers grew even louder. "Štimac! The new Dinamo Zagreb captain, just like with the national team, he's the last man standing. With Šuker's retirement, the responsibility to lead these young men now falls to Štimac and Jarni!" The crowd erupted—whether because of the legacy of Croatia's golden generation or Štimac's new role as captain—he was cheered passionately. The stadium DJ continued introducing players as they entered the pitch. "Luka Modrić! Croatian midfield prodigy—his steady performances were key to Dinamo's excellence. Thanks to his brilliance, he's already seen as Croatia's next great midfielder! And today, Modrić finally dons the number 10 jersey, the symbol of the team's core!" Whoa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Luka Modrić!!Luka Modrić!!Luka Modrić!! The crowd roared with joy. Under their chants, Modrić's expression turned serious. Clearly, they were determined to win this match. Each player was introduced, but the Dinamo fans seemed to be waiting for something more... "Next up," the DJ took a deep breath and announced loudly,"An unmatched attacking force! Dinamo's absolute offensive core this season—34 matches, 31 goals, 15 assists! And only 18 years old!" The fans' eyes lit up—they stared at the tunnel exit. And the moment that figure appeared, the stadium exploded in thunderous applause. Whoaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!! Deafening cheers!Thunderous claps!Shaking stands! All of it was proof—just how much they adored this player. Even the DJ, swept up in the excitement, raised his voice, mimicking famous Croatian commentator Klaušević's tone: "The golden left foot may have said goodbye to football, but the No. 9 has not!" "Let us welcome the new No. 9! A number that belongs to Dinamo Zagreb—and also, to Croatia!" With another deep breath, the DJ roared into the mic: "Number 9——!!!" The fans erupted in unison. A cheer that seemed to transcend time—charged with deep meaning. From the depths of their souls, they screamed: "Šuker!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!——" Dinamo's team bus driver, Kredivači, stood silently watching. He saw Šuker walk out from the tunnel, raising a clenched fist. Same blue jersey.Same number 9.Same name—Šuker. In that moment, his eyes welled with tears. For a second, he saw a phantom image over young Šuker's body. Two eras.Two Šukers.Merged into one moment. Clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap!!! The applause went on and on. Even as the match was about to begin, it didn't stop. Fans clapped their hands raw—but couldn't contain their excitement. And with that atmosphere, the championship match kicked off. "Modrić spreads the ball wide, Šuker draws the fullback, Srna overlaps down the flank—cutback! Šuker shoots!! Ohhhh~ just inches wide!" Commentator Klaušević smiled: "Šuker's first shot already posed a serious threat. Still brilliant. Still hungry for goals!" Šuker grimaced—he missed by just a bit! "Again!"He shouted. Seeing Šuker in top form, Dinamo entered full attack mode. Osijek tried to hold the line, but Šuker's constant pressure created big problems for them. "Ball to Šuker again—he feints! Osijek's fullback hesitates—he won't stick a leg out. He knows he'll be beaten if he does." "Double team coming—Šuker chips it!" "Srna's through again—cross to the center! Mandžukić!! Brilliant!" In the box, Mandžukić held off the defender, jumped, and smashed the ball into the net. "What a connection from the left wing!" "Šuker draws defenders, Srna overlaps perfectly, and Šuker's chip pass was inch-perfect. Srna delivers, and Mandžukić's aerial power finishes it off." "Since mid-season, Mandžukić has been phenomenal—he even benched Davor Šuker at times." "And now, Osijek has no way to stop this towering striker!" 12th minute—Dinamo leads 1:0. One step from the title. The crowd cheered wildly. "You jumped so high!" Srna laughed, rubbing Mandžukić's head. Srna had aimed for the back post, where Vlaević was unmarked—but Mandžukić intercepted it mid-air and scored. "I love those high crosses—lets me use my jumping," Mandžukić grinned. He'd found his form, fit well with the team. As a classic target man, he could bulldoze defenses—or hold up play for Šuker's runs. "Šuker! I'll be your wall!" "Just stay in position. Don't run around," Šuker snapped. Mandžukić chuckled. He trusted Šuker more than anyone else on the team. If Šuker said he'd score... Then he would. And at the 25th minute—he did. Šuker faked and weaved down the wing, using Srna's run to pull defenders, then cut inside. He broke through on the flank and charged into the box. One move beat the center-back. As the goalkeeper rushed out, Šuker dragged the ball wide, dodged the keeper, adjusted, and slotted the ball in. "Goal!! Šuker scores again—his tally now at 32 goals this season!" "He dribbled past three—including the keeper—with effortless class!" "Give him an inch—he gives you a goal!" "Dinamo leads 2:0!" "The goal scorer—Number 9..." Commentator Klaušević called out. In bars across Zagreb, fans yelled in unison: Šuker!!!!!!!!!!—— Cheering wildly. At that moment, it felt like Šuker had never left them. Yes! The number 9 is still here!Šuker is still here! As the second half began, Dinamo eased off the attack, shifting to a midfield-control strategy. They already had the lead—and the championship in hand. "Dinamo controlling possession. Osijek's will seems broken. Since the 70th minute, the pace has really slowed." Commentator Klaušević admired these Dinamo youngsters. Not just talented—but wise. When it was time to attack—they were fierce. When it was time to hold—they adjusted instantly. No rashness. No recklessness. Unlike most young players who don't know when to stop—these boys played like seasoned pros. Sometimes full of youthful energy, sometimes calm and composed. As Dinamo dictated the tempo, time ticked away. Finally, the whistle blew. Full-time! Dinamo Zagreb are 2003/2004 Croatian League Champions! The best team of the season—undefeated! A golden season built by youth. "These young men have done something incredible! I believe next season they'll bring even better football!" "Dinamo's boys! Šuker, Modrić, Mandžukić, Vukojević, Srna, Dujmović, Pranjić—go! Lift your trophy!" On the podium, when Dinamo's youth lifted the trophy... The overcast sky parted—a ray of sunlight bathed them in light. Moved, commentator Klaušević said: "The past is behind us—but life goes on. We cannot live in memories—we must look forward." "Davor Šuker's story is over." "But today—we begin a new chapter. I believe it will be just as magnificent." "These young players—so gifted, so talented—I believe, one day, just like in 1998, they'll make the Croatian Rhapsody echo across the world again!" "Grow, children!" "I'll be there—when you wear the checkered jersey—for your loudest cheer!" Cheers, applause, and songs filled Maksimir Stadium. Šuker, Modrić, and the others lifted their first Croatian League trophy.