Croatia Cup

The Hrvatski nogometni kup (English: Croatian football cup), also colloquially known as Rabuzinovo sunce (lit. 'Rabuzin's Sun'), is an annually held football tournament for Croatian football clubs and is the second most important competition in Croatian football after the HNL championship. It is governed by the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) and usually runs from late August to late May. Cup winners automatically qualify for next season's UEFA Europa League, except when cup winners are also Prva HNL champions, in which case their berth in the Europa Conference League goes to the best-placed team in the Prva HNL who have not qualified for the UEFA competitions through their league performance.

The cup was established in 1992, after Croatian clubs had abandoned the Yugoslav First League and Yugoslav Cup competitions following the breakup of Yugoslavia. As of the most recent 2021–22 season a total of 31 cup seasons were held. The competition has historically been dominated by the two Eternal Derby sides—the most successful club is Dinamo Zagreb (formerly known in the 1990s as HAŠK Građanski and Croatia Zagreb) who appeared in 23 finals and won 16 titles, followed by Hajduk Split who won 8 titles out of 13 finals they appeared in.

Either Dinamo or Hajduk appeared in all but three cup finals (in 1999, 2006 and 2020) and only three other clubs have won the cup—Rijeka (six wins), Inter Zaprešić (one win) and Osijek (one win). Although clubs can qualify for the cup via regional county cups, which are usually contested by second-, third- or fourth-level sides, Uljanik Pula in 2003 was the only team in the history of the competition to have reached the cup final from outside the top level.

The "Croatia Cup" is an annual soccer tournament held in Croatia, showcasing the country's passion for the sport and its rich soccer heritage. This prestigious tournament brings together top teams from various regions of Croatia, as well as international clubs, creating a highly competitive and thrilling atmosphere.

The Croatia Cup is known for its high level of competition, attracting both professional and amateur teams who vie for the coveted title. The tournament features a knockout format, where teams compete in intense matches, displaying their skills, tactics, and teamwork on the field.

The tournament takes place in various cities across Croatia, allowing fans from different regions to experience the excitement of the games. The matches are held in state-of-the-art stadiums, providing a fantastic setting for players and spectators alike.

The Croatia Cup not only showcases the talent of Croatian teams but also provides an opportunity for international clubs to test their skills against strong opponents. This international presence adds an extra layer of excitement and diversity to the tournament, making it a truly global event.

The tournament attracts a large number of passionate soccer fans from Croatia and beyond, creating a vibrant and electric atmosphere in the stadiums. The supporters bring their flags, scarves, and chants, creating an unforgettable ambiance that fuels the players' performances.

In addition to the thrilling matches, the Croatia Cup offers a platform for young talents to shine. Scouts and talent agents from various clubs and national teams closely follow the tournament, looking for emerging stars who could potentially make a mark in the soccer world.

The Croatia Cup is not only a celebration of soccer but also an opportunity for players, fans, and communities to come together and share their love for the sport. It promotes unity, sportsmanship, and the spirit of competition, making it a highly anticipated event in the Croatian soccer calendar.

Overall, the Croatia Cup is a prestigious and exciting soccer tournament that showcases the best of Croatian soccer talent, while also providing a platform for international clubs to compete. With its thrilling matches, passionate fans, and vibrant atmosphere, the tournament is a must-see for soccer enthusiasts and a testament to Croatia's love for the beautiful game.