FUTSAL

CB DOWNTOWN WIN THEIR FIRST “KUTIJA”: ONE SET PIECE, 40 MINUTES OF FIRE, AND A TITLE TO REMEMBER

tsg_news December 30, 2025

In a packed Dražen Petrović Basketball Center, CB Downtown claimed its first-ever Kutija šibica crown, edging Franko’s 1–0 in the final of the tournament’s 54th edition. The decisive moment came in the 28th minute: a well-rehearsed set piece and a composed finish by Toni Legčević.

The final brought an intriguing clash of teams with strong local identities, but very different profiles. Franko’s arrived with a solid Dubrava core and plenty of support in the stands. Downtown—representing a café from Gredice—stepped onto the court with a distinctly futsal-shaped squad, featuring several players connected to MNK Torcida, and the confidence of a team that grew stronger with every match.

From the opening whistle, the game had the classic Kutija final feel: intense duels, quick transitions, shots from distance, and constant searching for a lapse in the opponent’s rotations. Franko’s started boldly, Downtown answered through counters and dead-ball situations, and the defenses—helped by a few strong saves from the goalkeepers—kept the score locked at 0–0 until the break.

As the minutes passed, the tempo naturally dipped—three games in three days leave their mark, and the stakes were too high for reckless risks. Then came what modern small-sided football so often delivers: a set piece.

In the 28th minute, Franco Jelovčić delivered a corner with a pre-planned combination, and Toni Legčević arrived at the right moment to tuck it away for 1–0. It proved enough for the title.

After conceding, Franko raised the risk in search of an equalizer. But Downtown did what champions do: they protected the middle, blocked shots, and managed the clock intelligently through possession and disciplined recovery runs. There were no shootouts this time—Downtown held on to the narrow lead and lifted the trophy.

After the final, the organizers presented individual awards:

Player of the Tournament: Toni Legčević

Best Goalkeeper: Ivan Jelić

Top Scorer: Luka Pisačić (Mobitel Popravljaona & Windor) – 11 goals

In the third-place match, Juicy Maraska defeated Mobitel Popravljaona & Windor 6–2.

In the women’s competition, MNK MC Plus Agram won the title with a 2–0 victory over ŽNK Dinamo Zagreb, while in the veterans’ category, CB Sport & SC Flegar & Zloćo I.P. triumphed 1–0 against Raja iz Sarajeva.

A particularly emotional moment followed the win: Downtown’s players dedicated the victory to Jean-Michel Nicolier, the French volunteer and Croatian defender who fought in the defense of Vukovar.