Top-seeded Verdasco defeated Russian wild card Andrey Kuznetsov 6-2, 6-2, while second-seeded Cilic defeated American Wayne Odesnik 6-4, 6-0. Later in the day, Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine defeated Carlos Berlocq of Argentina 6-4, 6-4.

Verdasco saved all six break points he faced and converted three of seven break chances. Home favorite Cilic broke Odesnik five times and served eight aces.

'I needed a few games in the beginning to adjust. I played very well when I needed it,' Cilic said.

Fernando Verdasco will take on fellow Spaniard Marcel Granollers, while Marin Cilic will face defending champion Alexandr Dolgopolov in the semifinals of the Croatia Open on Saturday.

For the first time since the inaugural tournament in 1990, the top four seeds will compete for a place in the final.