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Siroki Brijeg stand tall again |
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NK Široki Brijeg claimed their second Bosnia-Herzegovnian title in three seasons despite losing their final league game 2-0 at home to NK Žepče.
Late slip
Ivica Barbarić's men were sure of success with two matches remaining. "We have been great all year, except in the last two rounds, when we had already won the league," said the coach. "Our aim now is to get past the UEFA Champions League first qualifying round.
Sarajevo disappointed
FK Sarajevo settled for second spot and entry to the UEFA Cup first qualifying round – alongside NK Orašje, who overcame Široki Brijeg in the two-legged Bosnia-Herzegovnian Cup final - but will have regrets after letting their title chances slip. "We have to be satisfied with second place," said coach Husref Musemić.
Zrinjski third
Deposed champions NK Zrinjski finished third but will compete in Europe next term having qualified for the UEFA Intertoto Cup, while FK Modriča and FK Slavija Sarajevo did well to come fourth and fifth respectively.
Grim seasons
Further down the table, NK Željeznicar, FK Sloboda Tuzla and NK Čelik had seasons to forget. Despite being billed as potential champions, the latter two signed off uncomfortably close to the relegation zone, while joint-sixth position was disappointing for Željeznicar.
Positive signs
NK Travnik and FK Budućnost Banovici were relegated at the end of a campaign which has been promising in some respects. While attendances have been less than impressive, the behaviour of supporters has improved and fair play has been more in evidence on the pitch.
Stable season
It has also been an unusually stable year for coaches. The top five started and ended the term with the same man in charge – Barbarić at Široki Brijeg, Musemić at Sarajevo, Blaž Slišković at Zrinjski, Mitar Lukić at Modriča and Milomir Odović at Slavija.
Top scorers
Finally, top scorer in 2005/06 was Petar Jelić who registered 18 times for Modriča. He was six goals clear of his closest rivals - Damir Tosunović scored 12 for Orašje, and Mirza Mešić the same number for Žepče and NK Posušje.
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