Fulham have upper hand at break

Fulham 0, Dynamo Zagreb 0 (half-time)

Only conceding three goals in the next 45 minutes will rob Fulham of a place in the third round of the UEFA Cup tonight.

The half-time scoreline between the Cottagers at Dynamo Zagreb at Loftus Road was 0-0, meaning Fulham’s 3-0 aggregate advantage leaves them in a seemingly-insurmountable position.

Dumitru Mitu, by far the Croats’ most dangerous player at the Stadion Maksimir a fortnight ago, unleashed a fine 30-yard drive 11 minutes before the break.

Van der Sar dived somewhat hesitantly and pushed the ball round his right-hand post.

But his reaction five minutes later was completely instinctive, racing from his goalline to dive bravely at Olic’s feet and end the visitors’ attack.

Sava missed a sitter from a yard out just before the break, stretching to meet Boa Morte’s drilled cross but making minimal contact with the ball.