What Is 2004 Croatian Football Super Cup

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2004 Croatian Football Super Cup was held on July 10, 2004, between Dinamo Zagreb, the 2003–04 Prva HNL champions, and Hajduk Split, the 2003–04 Croatian Cup winners. Dinamo Zagreb won the match 4–3 after extra time, securing their third Super Cup title.

Key Facts

The 2004 Croatian Football Super Cup was played on July 10, 2004.
Dinamo Zagreb won the match 4–3 after extra time.
Hajduk Split qualified as the 2003–04 Croatian Cup winners.
Dinamo Zagreb entered as the 2003–04 Prva HNL champions.
This was Dinamo’s third Super Cup title in club history.

Overview

The 2004 Croatian Football Super Cup was the 10th edition of Croatia’s annual season-opening football match, contested between the winners of the previous season’s top-tier league and domestic cup. Held on July 10, 2004, the game featured Dinamo Zagreb, champions of the 2003–04 Prva HNL, and Hajduk Split, who had won the 2003–04 Croatian Cup.

This edition was notable for its dramatic conclusion, with the match extending into extra time after a tied regulation score. Dinamo Zagreb emerged victorious with a 4–3 win, claiming their third Super Cup title and setting the tone for their dominant domestic campaign in the upcoming season.

Dinamo Zagreb qualified by winning the 2003–04 Prva HNL title with 78 points from 33 matches, finishing seven points ahead of second place.
Hajduk Split earned their spot by defeating NK Slaven Belupo 2–1 in the 2004 Croatian Cup final on May 26, 2004.
The match was played at Stadion Maksimir in Zagreb, Dinamo’s home ground, giving them a significant home advantage.
Attendance was approximately 12,000 spectators, lower than average due to mid-summer scheduling and regional travel constraints.
Referee Ivan Bebek officiated the match, issuing three yellow cards and managing a physically intense contest throughout 120 minutes.

How It Works

The Croatian Football Super Cup is an annual fixture that traditionally opens the football season in Croatia, pitting the previous season’s league champions against the cup winners. If one team wins both titles, the cup runner-up participates instead.

Format: A single match is played, with 90 minutes of regulation time, followed by 30 minutes of extra time and penalties if needed to determine a winner.
Participants: The Prva HNL champions face the Croatian Cup winners; if one team wins both, the cup finalist takes the opposing spot.
Venue: The match is typically hosted at the home stadium of the league champions, as seen in 2004 when Dinamo hosted at Maksimir.
Timing: Played in early July, the Super Cup serves as a pre-season curtain-raiser before the regular league campaign begins in late July.
Trophies: The winning team receives the Super Cup trophy and is recognized as the domestic season opener champion, though it carries no UEFA qualification.
Historical context: First held in 1992, the Super Cup has been contested 14 times as of 2023, with Dinamo Zagreb leading with 7 titles.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares key aspects of the 2004 Super Cup with other recent editions to highlight its significance:

Year	Winner	Score	Runner-up	Key Detail
2004	Dinamo Zagreb	4–3 (a.e.t.)	Hajduk Split	Decided in extra time; highest-scoring Super Cup since 1996
2003	Hajduk Split	1–0	Dinamo Zagreb	Hajduk’s first Super Cup win since 1994
2002	Dinamo Zagreb	2–1	Hajduk Split	Played in Split; lowest attendance in Super Cup history
2001	HNK Rijeka	1–0	Dinamo Zagreb	Only Super Cup win by a non-Dinamo/Hajduk team
2000	Dinamo Zagreb	2–0	Šibenik	Šibenik qualified as cup runner-up after Hajduk won double

This comparison shows that the 2004 match stood out due to its high score and dramatic extra-time finish. Unlike the tightly contested 2003 and 2002 editions, the 2004 game featured aggressive attacking play, with seven goals scored—the most in a single Super Cup match since 1996. It also marked a shift in momentum for Dinamo Zagreb, who regained supremacy after losing the previous year’s edition.

Why It Matters

The 2004 Croatian Football Super Cup was more than just a pre-season exhibition; it symbolized the ongoing rivalry between Croatia’s two most storied clubs and highlighted the competitive balance in domestic football. The match reinforced Dinamo Zagreb’s dominance while underscoring Hajduk Split’s resilience despite the loss.

Boosted Dinamo’s confidence heading into the 2004–05 season, which they would go on to win, securing another league title.
Highlighted the growing popularity of pre-season fixtures in Croatian football, contributing to increased broadcast interest.
Provided valuable match fitness and tactical testing for both teams ahead of UEFA competition qualifiers.
Strengthened the rivalry narrative between Dinamo and Hajduk, enhancing fan engagement and media coverage.
Set a precedent for high-scoring, entertaining Super Cups, influencing future team strategies in the fixture.
Contributed to the commercial growth of the Croatian Football Federation through ticket sales and sponsorship visibility.

Ultimately, the 2004 Super Cup remains a memorable chapter in Croatian football history, illustrating how even a single pre-season match can carry lasting significance in club legacies and national football culture.