October 31, 2019 – Dinamo and Rijeka routinely advanced to the quarterfinal of the Croatian Football Cup, while Gorica eliminated Hajduk in the most interesting match of the round of 16.
Gorica and Hajduk met in the biggest game of the round of 16 on Wednesday in Velika Gorica, which saw the home team top Hajduk 2:1 to reach the Cup quarterfinal for the first time in their history, while Hajduk has been eliminated from the round of 16 for the third time.
However, the last time Hajduk fell in the round of 16 was as the title defenders nine years ago to Istra, led by Zoran Vulic. They were also eliminated in the round of 16 in 1995 when they were shocked by Marsonia.
Gorica took the lead in the 64th minute from a 25-meter free-kick by Kristijan Lovric, and came one step closer to the victory in the 85th minute when Joey Suk scored from the counter to make it 2:1. A glimmer of hope for Hajduk was brought by Stanko Juric in the 88th minute for 2:1, though Hajduk was unable to score again.
There were no surprises in the match between Dinamo and Opatija, so much so that Dinamo secured the victory in the first half when all three goals of the match were scored.
The Croatian champion led with a goal by Damian Kadzior in the eighth minute. Mario Gavranovic’s penalty in the 29th minute increased Dinamo’s lead to 2:0, while another goal by Gavranovic the 36th minute made it 3:0.
In the final round of 16 match, the title defenders Rijeka defeated Varazdin 2:1
Rijeka led 2:0 with goals from Petar Mamic in the 47th minute and Alexander Gorgon in the 54th minute, while Leonard Vuk scored in the 83rd minute to make it 2:1.
Lokomotiva had no problem against the third-seeded Vinogradar and won 3:0 for a spot in the quarters.
Slaven Belupo topped BSK Bijelo Brdo 2:0 to secure their spot in the next round, and Sibenik beat Belisce 2:1.
Osijek already advanced to the quarter last week after celebrating against Zadar 3:0.
Round of 16 results on Wednesday, October 30
Opatija – Dinamo 0:3
Gorica – Hajduk 2:1
BSK Bijelo Brdo – Slaven Belupo 0:2
Sibenik – Belisce 2:1
Vinogradar – Lokomotiva 0:3
Istra 1961 – Inter Zapresic 1:2
Varaždin – Rijeka 2:1
On Wednesday, October 23
Zadar – Osijek 0:3
Source: HRT
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