Drums, flares, and faithful fans brave the chill
The Croatian drums rang out around Deakin Stadium. Red flares lit the night sky. Flags waved, banners flew, and chants echoed across the pitch as the Canberra Croatia faithful braved the bitter 3-degree chill to support their side.
But not even the passion of the home crowd could push their team over the line against a clinical and composed MetroStars outfit in the Round of 32 of the Hahn Australia Cup.
For the third time in their proud history, Canberra Croatia reached the national stage – but once again fell short of advancing to the elusive Round of 16.
MetroStars strike early and often
The visitors wasted no time imposing themselves. In the 32nd minute, Thomas Visser danced through defenders before cutting the ball back for Noah McNamara, who finished confidently to make it 1–0.
Just minutes into first-half stoppage time, the MetroStars struck again. A well-placed corner found number 7 Hamish Gow—twice named the club’s Best and Fairest – who rose highest to head home their second goal.
Things went from bad to worse in the second half. Only three minutes in, MetroStars netted a third, effectively killing any hopes of a comeback.
In the 79th minute, emotions boiled over as Canberra Croatia were reduced to ten men following a red card. Just two minutes later, MetroStars capitalised again – an unmarked attacker scoring after a low cross found space behind a depleted backline.
A closer look at the numbers
The scoreline may have suggested domination, but the first-half stats told a more balanced story:
- Possession (HT): Canberra 41%, MetroStars 59%
- Shots on Target (HT): Canberra 3, MetroStars 2
- Total Shots (HT): 7 each
- Crosses: Canberra 10, MetroStars 8
- Fouls and Discipline: 8 fouls and 2 yellow cards each
By full-time, though, the visitors pulled away decisively:
- Possession: Canberra 36%, MetroStars 64%
- Shots on Target: Canberra 3, MetroStars 6
- Total Shots: Canberra 9, MetroStars 15
- xG: Canberra 0.37, MetroStars 2.01
- Final Third Entries: Canberra 46, MetroStars 85
MetroStars, who have conceded just 15 goals in 19 South Australian league games, once again showed why they’re one of the strongest defensive sides in the country.
Supporters show why the club is bigger than the score
While the result may not have gone their way, the atmosphere in the stands was second to none.
From juniors serving as ball boys and girls, to the famous Croatian drum reverberating through Deakin, the club’s community came out in full force. Red flares lit the night sky, and the noise didn’t stop even as the fourth goal went in. It was a celebration of pride, heritage, and unity.
Speaking after the match, vice-captain Mathew Grbeša reflected on a difficult night.
“Listen, probably not much we want to talk about unfortunately,” he said. “Credit to the MetroStars—they’re a great team. I mean, I think they can really do some things. So unfortunately, it was a tough night for us”
Still, the experienced leader kept things in perspective:
“It’s great to be here, we’ll get back to the drawing board and see how we go.”
Looking ahead, Grbeša stressed the importance of focus and resilience.
“We just go back to basics, back to what we want to do and how we want to play,” he said. “It’s a tough pill to swallow, but you’ve still got to work towards the B League – so now the focus goes back to the season and the final games.”
A cup exit, but a league to win
While the Cup dream ends for 2025, Canberra Croatia’s domestic season remains nothing short of phenomenal.
The side currently sits top of the NPL Canberra table, leading by nine points with a massive +45 goal difference—a testament to both their attacking firepower and defensive discipline. With several rounds remaining, the team looks firmly on track to finish the regular season as champions and secure qualification for the national NPL finals.
For players and fans alike, Wednesday’s defeat won’t define the season—but rather fuel the push for more silverware and a return to the national stage next year.
Full-Time Score:
Canberra Croatia 0 – 4 MetroStars
Images: Greg Collis – CBR Sports Photography
