Dundalk thrashed in Croatia tonight

Varteks 5 Dundalk 0

Dundalk's UEFA Cup aspirations were shattered as they were trounced in Croatia.

Goalkeeper John Connolly kept the FAI Cup holders in the match early on with a string of good stops before Huljev shot Varteks in front on 28 minutes.

Hrman added a second goal from a stunning free-kick four minutes later to end the game as a contest.

Home captain Mumlek rowed in with a penalty nine minutes after the break before Karic added the fourth on 69 minutes.

Sklepic hit a fifth goal in stoppage time to leave Dundalk will no hope for the return leg at Tolka Park on August 29.