Istra 1961 have secured a place in the quarter-finals of the Croatian Cup. In the round of 16, they defeated Zagorec from Krapina and Neretva from Metković, thereby ensuring their participation among the eight best teams.
Jan Paus-Kunšt stated that psychologically, it is sometimes much easier to play against a stronger opponent than against a team like Neretva. He recalled last year's defeat to Kurilovac away, which, he said, he experienced on his own skin. He emphasised that the team handled these two matches much more maturely. "The Cup is played like a single match where anything is possible," Paus-Kunšt added. He stressed that they entered the match with maximum respect and the result followed. "The green and yellows had complete control of the events on the pitch from the first minute," he said. The Metković side showed their teeth on several occasions, but the Istra players scored the first goal at the right time. The visitors had a chance on a half-counterattack one minute before Istra scored, and Rozić hit a brilliant free kick.
Manager Javier Cabello started with eight new starters compared to the match played four days earlier in Koprivnica. Paus-Kunšt stated that they are thin on players and do not have many players who do not play in the league. "Anyone can replace anyone at any moment," he said, adding that the manager gives equal importance to every player. Cabello asked them to try to solve the match as quickly as possible, but Paus-Kunšt emphasises that the performance is much more important than the result.
The quarter-finals of the Croatian Cup are scheduled for March next year. So far, five clubs are known to compete in the quarter-finals, and the names of the remaining two clubs will be revealed on 14 November. The list of clubs for the quarter-finals will be finalised on 2 December, after which a draw will take place to determine the pairs and home advantage. Paus-Kunšt stated that Mladost Ždralovi, who beat Slaven Belupo, are in the mix, while BSK, Segesta and Slavonija are still in contention as they need to play their round of 16 matches. "We want to go as far as possible in the Cup," Paus-Kunšt said.
Isaac Tomich scored his league debut goal in Koprivnica on Friday, and against Neretva he reached five goals in the Cup. He has levelled the top spot on the scorers' list with Vilim Gec from Segesta.
