December 15, 2020 - The Croatia women's handball team topped Germany in a decisive match for a spot in their first-ever European Championship semi-final!
Coach Nenad Šoštarić's side achieved historical placement in the semi-final of the European Championships in Denmark on Tuesday, which also automatically secures them a spot at the World Championships, which will be played in December next year in Spain.
Croatia could advance to the semi-final in three scenarios tonight - with a win, draw, and even defeat, but not by more than one goal.
Croatia and Germany were equal at the start of the match, with a 4:4 score by the 10th and 8:8 in the 20th.
Three minutes before the end of the half, Croatia goalkeeper Pijevic was brilliant in goal for 10:10 in the 27th minute. The first half ended at 12:12.
Croatia led by two goals two minutes into the second half for 14:12 in the 32nd. Pijevic followed with a save in Germany's next attack.
In the 35th minute, Croatia reached the biggest advantage of the match - 15:12, and up by four in the 37th (16:12)! Croatia was on fire - reaching a 5-goal advantage a minute later!
In the 44th minute, Croatia led by 6 goals for 19:13. With under 10 minutes to go, Croatia maintained a 5-goal advantage - 22:17 in the 52nd.
With two minutes to go, Croatia led 22:20, and with one minute - 23:20!
Croatia defended Germany's final attack to end the game 23:20!
Croatia entered the Euros as the ultimate underdog, and coach Šoštarić had many problems with injuries and the selection of players before they left for Denmark. However, even with a weakened squad, Croatia shocked favorite Hungary in the first round, then the world champions the Netherlands and Serbia in the remaining group stage games.
Croatia opened the second round with a victory against another favorite, Romania, and then suffered their first defeat against a mighty Norway last Saturday.
Croatia’s best result at the Euros thus far is fifth place in 1994.
To read more about Croatian handball, follow the Federation's official website.
To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.
