Split, Croatia – Hajduk Split’s women’s team emphatically booked their place in the semifinals of the Croatian Football Cup with a commanding 6-0 victory over Gorica on Wednesday at Poljud Stadium. The resounding win showcased Hajduk’s attacking prowess and defensive solidity, setting the stage for a highly anticipated semifinal matchup.
From the opening whistle, Hajduk dictated the tempo, consistently pressing Gorica and creating scoring opportunities. The breakthrough came in the 20th minute when Antonia Dulčić delivered a precise cross from the left flank. Gabrijela Prkačin rose highest to head the ball back into the center, where Laura Vlastelica expertly finished from close range, giving Hajduk a 1-0 lead. Just five minutes later, the advantage was doubled.
Sara Herceg extended Hajduk’s lead in the 25th minute, capitalizing on a corner kick. The ball fell to Ana Bakalar, who quickly played it back into the danger area, allowing Herceg to power a header past the Gorica goalkeeper. Hajduk continued to pile on the pressure, and the third goal arrived in the 39th minute. Dulčić once again provided the assist with a well-placed cross, and Prkačin this time finished the move with a clinical header.
Before halftime, Hajduk further solidified their dominance. In the 45th minute, Janja Čanjevac received the ball on the left side and unleashed a powerful strike from approximately 12 meters out, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. The score at the break was a convincing 4-0 in favor of the home side.
The second half saw Hajduk maintain their relentless attack, even as coach Damir Matulović made substitutions to rest key players ahead of an upcoming derby match against Dinamo. The fifth goal arrived in the 54th minute, courtesy of a brilliant individual effort from Čanjevac. She skillfully dribbled past defenders on the left wing before delivering a pinpoint cross for Gabrijela Prkačin, who calmly slotted the ball into the net. Prkačin’s performance earned her recognition as the standout player of the match.
Lana Kukavica completed the rout in the 67th minute, capitalizing on a corner kick taken by Iva Bukač. A scramble in the penalty area ensued, and Kukavica was quickest to react, firing the ball home from close range to make it 6-0. Despite numerous changes, Hajduk maintained a high tempo and control throughout the remainder of the match.
Hajduk’s dominant performance underscores their ambition in the Croatian Cup. The team’s cohesive play, clinical finishing, and tactical flexibility were on full display against Gorica. The victory sets up a semifinal clash against either Agram, Međimurje, or Dinamo, depending on the outcomes of the remaining quarterfinal matches.
For Hajduk, this win isn’t just about cup progression; it’s a statement of intent. The team is clearly building momentum and demonstrating the quality needed to compete for major honors. The ability to rotate players and still maintain such a high level of performance speaks volumes about the depth of the squad.
The Croatian Cup provides a valuable pathway to European competition, adding extra significance to Hajduk’s run. Fans will be eager to see how the team performs in the semifinals and whether they can ultimately lift the trophy. The club’s official website, ŽNK Hajduk Team, provides further details on the squad, and schedule.
Next up for Hajduk is the highly anticipated derby against Dinamo. The match promises to be a fierce contest, and the outcome could have significant implications for the league standings. Hajduk will undoubtedly glance to carry the momentum from this cup victory into that crucial encounter.
Photo: Robert Matić / hajduk.hr
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