The Blues' first match in Champions League group stage history, a point against a very good Ajax side, brilliant performance, game control and dominance, but also missed opportunities. These are the basic sequences from the match that was also marked by Mark Viduka. The brilliant Maksimir striker didn't have his evening, missing a big chance in the middle of the second half. Unfortunately, some fans harshly saw him off with loud whistles for that...

In that situation, in the 68th minute, visiting defender Frank de Boer made a mistake, Silvio Marić played through Robert Prosinečki with a brilliant pass, he passed to Viduka, who sent the ball straight at the goalkeeper from the penalty area in a great chance. Practically in the next minute, coach Zlatko Cico Kranjčar substituted Viduka, bringing on then-teenager Mihael Mikić from the bench.

Krunoslav Jurčić was absent from the Blues' lineup due to yellow cards, and Prosinečki was also questionable. However, the blue "Cosmica" still managed to find strength and lead the team into the big clash. Prosinečki shot very well already in the 2nd minute, but the ball flew over the goal.

The Blues created a brilliant move in the 24th minute, Marić shot from the edge of the penalty area, and goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar saved under the crossbar. In the very next action, Edin Mujčin ran into the penalty area, Danny Blind brought him down, but to everyone's surprise the referee didn't point to the penalty spot.

Mario Tokić then attempted a shot from 25 meters, but the ball flew slightly wide of the goal. At the end of the first half, the Dutch also threatened, Tijjani Babangida broke through alone in front of the penalty area, but Dražen Ladić prevented the goal.

There was also a controversial situation in the 50th minute, Frank de Boer brought down Joško Jeličić, but the referee didn't react to this incident either.

The Blues went on to beat Ajax 1-0 in Amsterdam in the continuation of the competition, earning seven points overall and finishing second in the group, but that still wasn't enough to advance to the quarter-finals. Only two second-placed teams from the six groups qualified further. Croatia were separated from advancement by just small margins...