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FOOTBALL EUROPE: Modriča stumble opens gate to rivals

/noticias.info/ FK Modriča have made a miserable start to 2008 in Bosnia-Herzegovina with three straight defeats leaving them vulnerable at the top of the Premijer Liga table.

Wilting form
Four points ahead at the winter break, it is only the fluctuating form of their rivals that has allowed Slaviša Blažević's men to hold on to pole position after a woeful start to their spring campaign. They lost 3-1 at NK Čelik, 1-0 at home against champions FK Sarajevo and then showcased their malaise with a 4-0 defeat at NK Orašje which has helped throw the title race wide open again.

Čelik hopeful
Čelik have been one of the main beneficiaries of that declining form, and are now level with NK Široki Brijeg, a point adrift of Modriča, in third. "I think we have the quality and strength to succeed in this fight for first place," said coach Ivo Ištuk. "Of course, we know Modriča won't give up their position easily and we know Široki Brijeg have similar ambition."

Mid-table scrum
Both Čelik and Široki Brijeg may do well to focus on the teams below them. Sarajevo, who have been strengthened with the arrival of left-back Ninoslav Milenković are four points behind Čelik in fourth, with FK Sloboda Tuzla one of six clubs within three points of them, allowing for a fair amount of change in the coming months.

Down and out
FK Željezničar are also among the chasing pack having started the new year with two wins before losing 1-0 at struggling FK Leotar in Trebinje. Leotar have started the spring with three straight wins and are climbing out of relegation danger, with NK Jedinstvo now looking like favourites to join rock-bottom NK Žepče in the second division next season. notas_de_prensa_archivo