January 17, 2022 - Croatia crushes Ukraine 38:25 in the final Group C match of the EHF Euro 2022 in Szeged, Hungary. Croatia's fate in the second round, however, depends on the outcome of the France-Serbia match later tonight. 

The Croatia men's handball team met Ukraine in the last round of Group C at the 2022 European Championship in Szeged, Hungary.

Bad news arrived before the match about two other infected players. Namely, David Mandić and Željko Musa received positive COVID-19 results, and Matej Mandić, Lovro Mihić, Marko Mamić, Zvonimir Srna, and Leon Šušnja had already been in isolation. Domagoj Duvnjak is still out and Halil Jaganjac could not play against Ukraine due to a minor concussion.

Recall, Croatia fell to France in the first match of Group C on Thursday and topped Serbia on Sunday to stay in the game for the second round. Croatia's spot in the second round, however, does not just depend on them. They must wait for the outcome of the match between France and Serbia. A victory or draw leads Croatia to the second round from second place in Group C. Croatia would be knocked out of the tournament if Serbia wins between two and six points. 

However, if everything goes as planned, Croatia will play in the second round, which includes two groups of six national teams. The two best teams from Group C intersect with the two best teams from Group A and Group B. 

Recap

The first goal of the match came in the 2nd minute when Lucin scored for 1:0 Croatia. Ukraine equalized moments later (1:1). Ukraine made it 1:2 in the 3rd minute. Martinovic equalized at 2:2. 

Ukraine retook the lead coming into the 4th minute for 2:3 and Lucin quickly equalized at 3:3. Martinovic made it 4:4 in the 7th minute. Maric made it 8:8 a minute later.

Ivic scored for 6:6 in the 9th minute. Jelinic scored for the Croatia lead in the 11th for 7:6, and Lucin for +2 moments later (8:6). 

Maric put Croatia ahead by 3 goals in the 13th minute for 9:6. Cupic scored from 7 meters for 10:7 a minute later. Lucin scored for 11:8 in the 15th! 

Sipic scored for 12:9 in the 17th and again for 13:10 a minute later! Martinovic scored from 7 meters for 14:10 with 9 minutes to go. 

Ukraine came back to just -1 with 3 minutes to go in the first half (14:13). Gadza made Croatia a bit more comfortable for 15:13 and Jelinic for 16:13 in the 28th. Gadza made it +4 for 17:13 with a minute and a half to go. Croatia scored in the final second of the first half for 18:13. 

Martinovic opened the second half with a goal for 19:14.  Lucin increased the score to 20:14 in the 33rd. 

Martinovic scored for 21:14 and Jelenic for 22:14 in the 35th. Ukraine had gone 5 minutes without a goal. Martinovic scored or 23:16 in the 38th minute - and it was 24:17 a minute later! Sipic made it 25:17 in the 40th. 

Sipic scored his 5th goal for 27:19 in the 42nd minute. Jelinic scored for 28:20 in the 43rd minute. Martinovic made it 29:20 in the 45th minute. 

Sipic scored for 30:21 in the 47th minute. Gadza scored for 31:22. Glavas scored from 7 meters for 32:22 - a comfortable 10 point lead. Glavas scored again from 7 meters for 33:23. 

Sipic scored for 34:24 with just over 5 minutes to go. Grahovac made it 35:25 in the 55th. Glavas scored for 36:25 with 4 minutes to go and again for 37:25 with 3 to go. 

Grahovac scored again for 38:25 with a minute left 

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

January 13, 2022 - The Croatia men's handball team fell to France 22:27 in the first match of Group C at the EHF Euro 2022 in Szeged.

The Croatia men's handball team met France in its first match in Group C at the European Championship, which is being held in Hungary and Slovakia. Coach Hrvoje Horvat led the team in Szeged, Hungary, where they had Croatian support from the stands.

Croatia entered this championship with many changes caused by the coronavirus. Luka Cindrić and Marino Marić did not play in tonight's match as their negative COVID-19 tests did not arrive in time. They are expected to be ready against Serbia in two days.

Croatia started with Mandić and Čupić on the wings, Šipić as the pivot, Jaganjac on the left, Gadža in the center, and Martinović on the right. Pesic started in goal. 

Recap

France scored the first goal to lead in the 50th second of the match. Martinovic scored Croatia's first goal for 1:1 in the 2nd minute. 

France led 1:3 in the 4th minute and it was 1:4 for France in the 5th. Mandic came back for 2:4 moments later. It was 2:5 for France in the 7th and 2:6 for France a minute later. 

After Croatia's missed opportunities, France led 2:7 in the 9th. Cupic finally scored for 3:7 Croatia in the 11th minute. 

A brilliant save by Pesic in the 12th minute kept Croatia in the game. Gadza scored for 4:7 in the 15th minute. 

It was 4:9 for France before Croatia made it 5:9 in the 19th. Pesic made an incredible save for a Croatia counter in the 20th for 6:9. 

Cupic scored from 7-meters for 7:10 in the 22nd minute. Croatia picked up the momentum as the first half came to a close, taking advantage of France's mistakes. Martinovic scored for 8:10 in the 23rd. 

It was 8:12 for France with 4 minutes to go. Cupic scored from 7 meters again for -3 (9:12). 

Mandic made it 10:12 with less than two minutes left in the first half.  Sipic scored for 11:13 going into halftime. 

France opened the second half with a goal in the 31st for 11:14, and it was 11:15 in the 32nd.

Sipic scored for 12:15 which was followed by a France penalty for 12:16. Martinovic scored for 13:16 in the 36th. Susnja scored for 14:17 a minute later. 

Sipic scored for 15:18 in the 40th. Susnja scored his second goal for 16:19 in the 42nd. Cupic scored for 7 meters for 17:20 a minute later. 

Lucin scored on a counter for -2 (18:20) and again for 19:21 in the 46th minute. Mandic was excluded with a red and blue card in the 46th minute which changed the dynamic of the game.

France scored from 7 meters for 19:22. Cupic scored from 7 meters for 20:23 with 7 minutes to go. Cupic scored again for 21:25 with 4 minutes on the clock.

Lucin made it 22:25 with two minutes left.  The match ended 22:27 for France. 

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.  

January 12, 2022 - The Euro 2022 Croatia handball player list has been set ahead of Croatia's first match against France on Thursday. 

After eleven days of preparations and two Croatia Cup matches against Russia, the Croatia handball team traveled to Hungary for the European Championship, reports HRS.

Luka Šebetić's injury, the positive COVID-19 tests for captain Domagoj Duvnjak and Luka Cindrić, and the minor injury of Marko Mamić, largely disrupted preparations in Osijek. As the situation with Duvnjak and Cindrić was quite uncertain, Tin Lučin later joined the national team.

The new temporary captain of the national team is Ivan Čupić.

On Tuesday, the epidemiologist gave the green light to Domagoj Duvnjak, but Luka Cindrić is still positive and will remain in isolation in Osijek until further notice. Unfortunately, COVID-19 left a mark on captain Duvnjak and he will continue his therapy in Croatia and join the national team later. Therefore, coach Hrvoje Horvat decided to take all 19 players he had at his disposal during the preparations to Hungary. Seventeen were on the bus to Szeged on Tuesday.

Those who test positive must have two negative tests in 24 hours before they can start training or playing. Croatia will face France on Thursday, then Serbia on January 15, and finally, Ukraine on January 17. Only the top two teams from each of the six groups advance.

Depending on the condition of Domagoj Duvnjak and Luka Cindrić, coach Horvat can invite another player later. 

Euro 2022 Croatia handball player list 

IVAN PEŠIĆ – TVB 1898 STUTTGART
MATE ŠUNJIĆ – US IVRY HANDBALL
MATEJ MANDIĆ – RK PPD ZAGREB
DAVID MANDIĆ – RK PPD ZAGREB
LOVRO MIHIĆ – ORLEN WISLA PLOCK
IVAN ĆUPIĆ – RK PPD ZAGREB
FILIP GLAVAŠ – HC TRIMO TREBNJE
MARIN ŠIPIĆ – RK PPD ZAGREB
LEON ŠUŠNJA – ORLEN WISLA PLOCK
ŠIME IVIĆ – SC DHfK LEIPZIG
IVAN MARTINOVIĆ – TSV HANNOVER-BURGDORF
LUKA CINDRIĆ – BARCA
DOMAGOJ DUVNJAK – THW KIEL
MARKO MAMIĆ – SC DHfK LEIPZIG
ZVONIMIR SRNA – RK PPD ZAGREB
HALIL JAGANJAC – RK NEXE
ANTE GADŽA – HC VARDAR 1961
NIKOLA GRAHOVAC – RK PPD ZAGREB
TIN LUČIN – ORLEN WISLA PLOCK

Professional Staff

HRVOJE HORVAT, COACH
IVANO BALIĆ, TRAINER
NINOSLAV PAVELIĆ, GOALKEEPER TRAINER
MILJENKO RAK , CONDITIONING TRAINER
GORAN KRUŠELJ, PHYSIOTHERAPIST
MATIJA RAJNOVIĆ, PHYSIOTHERAPIST

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.  

January 8, 2022 - After beating Russia in the first match on Friday, Croatia fell to Russia on Saturday in the Croatia Cup in Osijek.

The Croatia handball team had its second dress rehearsal ahead of the European Handball Championship, which starts on January 13. For the second time, Croatia met Russia in the Croatia Cup as the final friendly match of their preparations. In the first match, Croatia convincingly won 30:24.

Croatia was meant to meet Bosnia & Herzegovina in the Croatia Cup though they pulled out last-minute due to COVID-19. 

Croatia is still without the injured Luka Šebetić, and Domagoj Duvnjak and Luka Cindrić are in COVID-19 isolation. 

Recap

Croatia led 2:0 in the first minute of the game. Russia equalized at 2:2 in the 4th minute. Jaganjac put Croatia back in the lead for 3:2 in the 7th minute and again for 4:2 a minute later. 

Russia equalized at 4:4 in the 9th minute. Martinovic scored for 5:5 in the 11th minute. 

Croatia finally went back in the lead in the 17th minute for 6:5. Mandic made it 7:5 in the 19th. Mihic made it 8:8 in the 23rd minute. 

Jaganjac scored his 5th goal of the game for the Croatia lead in the 24th minute - 9:8. 

Mihic made it 10:9 with 5 minutes to go in the first half. Jaganjac scored for 11:10 with two minutes to go, and Mihic put Croatia up by 2 for 12:10 with a minute to go. 

Mihic scored for 13:10 and it was 13:11 going into halftime. 

Martinovic opened the second half with a goal for 14:11. Jaganjac made it 16:13 in the 6th minute of the second half. Gadza scored for 17:13. 

Jaganjac scored his 8th goal of the match for 18:15 in the 9th minute. Sipic scored for 19:16 one minute later. 

Mihic scored for 20:18 in the 16th minute. Russia took the lead with 10 minutes to go for 20:21. Sipic equalized for 21:21 one minute later. 

It was going goal for goal, and Martinovic scored for 22:22 and 23:23. 

Russia was up by 2 in the 26th minute (24:26). Jaganjac made it 25:26 moments later. It was 26:27 going into the final minute of the game. 

Russia scored to make it the final 26:28. 

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.  

January 7, 2022 - Because COVID-19 plagued the Bosnia and Herzegovina national handball team, Croatia handball met Russia to open the Croatia Cup in Osijek on Friday. 

As Russia's appearance at the tournament had been agreed upon earlier, the Croatian Handball Federation reacted quickly and arranged two friendly matches against Russia instead. The first was played on Friday, January 7, and the second to be played on Saturday, January 8, at the same time.

Croatia was left without Luka Šebetić due to an injury, while captain Domagoj Duvnjak and Luka Cindrić are in COVID isolation. Marko Mamić was ruled out of the Croatia Cup to prevent further injury. 

Russia was once an international handball powerhouse. In the last 30 years or so since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia has won eight medals from major competitions. The last one, however, was a long time ago, in Athens at the Olympic Games when they won bronze.

Russia is in a very interesting group at the European Championship, along with Norway, Lithuania, and one of the two hosts, Slovakia. Their first round is played in Košice. 

Recap

Russia scored the first goal of the match for 0:1 at 1:41. Cupic equalized for 1:1 10 seconds later, before Russia took the lead again on a quick counterattack. Mandic made it 2:2 at 2:30. Martinovic scored for 3:2 in the 6th minute and a Mandic goal made it 4:2 in the 7th. 

Martinovic made it 5:2 before Russia finally scored for 5:3 in the 10th minute. Martinovic scored again for 6:3 a minute later!

Cupic made it 7:4 in the 12th and it was 8:4 for Croatia moments later. A Jaganjac lob made it 9:4 in the 14th. Mandic made it 11:7 in the 19th minute. 

Martinivoc hit the upper left corner for a goal in the 24th minute (12:9), again for 13:9 one minute later, and again for 14:10 in the 26th! 

Croatia's star continued to find the back of the net - Martinovic bent it around the keeper for 15:12 with 2 minutes to go in the first half. 

The first half ended 15:12 for Croatia. 

Croatia scored the first goal of the second half in the first minute for 16:12. Glavas scored from 7 meters for 17:12. 

Martinovic scored from 7 meters for 18:13 in the 5th minute. Mihic scored his first goal of the match in the 7th minute for 19:15. 

Sipic scored for 20:16 in the 10th minute and again for 21:17 one minute later.  

Gadza scored for 22:18 in the 13th minute. Jaganjac scored a rocket for 23:19 in the 15th minute. 

Martinovic scored his 10th goal of the game in the 17th minute for 24:20. A quick Croatia counter made it 25:20 in the 18th. 

Jaganjac scored again for 26:20 for Croatia's biggest advantage of the game. Jaganjac scored for 27:22 in the 22nd minute. 

Goalkeeper Mate Sunjic saved a Russia penalty in the 24th minute. 

With 3 minutes to go, Croatia was up by 5 points (28:23). 

A fab play by Glavas made it 29:23. Glavas scored again for 30:23 with 2 minutes to go. Russia scored the final goal of the game which ended 30:24. 

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.  

January 5, 2022 - Captain Duvnjak and Cindrić tested positive nine days before Croatia begins their European Handball Championship campaign. 

The Croatian Handball Federation released a statement that revealed that Domagoj Duvnjak and Luka Cindrić had tested positive for coronavirus nine days before the European Handball Championship, reports Gol.hr.

Duvnjak only joined the national team on January 1 due to his obligations in Kiel, while Cindrić has been preparing with Croatia for longer. It is not known where they became infected. Duvnjak complained of back problems from day one and missed training.

"Although the preparations of the Croatian men's senior national team for the Croatia Cup and the European Championship are taking place with the strictest epidemiological measures, the coronavirus has, unfortunately, penetrated our ranks, like many other national teams and clubs.

This morning's PCR tests, which are part of the commitment to the European Handball Federation before coming to the competition, revealed that two Croatian handball players are positive. They are Domagoj Duvnjak and Luka Cindrić. They are feeling well so far and have milder symptoms. Of course, according to the prescribed protocol, they were placed in isolation. All other players and professional staff members are negative and continue with regular training. Just in case, tomorrow morning, January 5, everyone will have PCR testing again," HRS reported on Tuesday. 

"We have no luck with that. We are implementing the measures envisaged in this situation. We conducted antigen testing, today a PCR test. The two players are positive, and the tests have justified their purpose.

Interestingly, these antigen tests were negative, we thought we were sure of that, but still, positive results arrived. Therefore, we will isolate the players and test ourselves later. Fortunately, there are milder symptoms, and I hope that they will get out of it quickly, but we can never be sure that they will be able to play," said the doctor of the national team Tomislav Kukina.

There is no need to waste words on how important the duo is for Croatia's game, especially Domagoj Duvnjak, who has led the national team for years. At the same time, the excellent performance by Barcelona player Luka Cindrić was expected at this Euro after injuries kept him out of Croatia' squad in the last year. However, they may both miss the competition. In the best-case scenario, they could return by the start of the championship if they receive the prescribed isolation of fewer than ten days and, in addition, must have a negative test. Both are vaccinated because players who have not received both doses cannot play in the Euro according to EHF rules.

Coach Hrvoje Horvat can call Igor Karačić or Domagoj Pavlović instead of Luka Cindrić.

As Duvnjak was planned to be used on the left outside, coach Horvat will have to think carefully about who to call if Duvnjak cannot play. The ideal options are Stipe Mandalinić and Ivan Slišković, who play very well at their clubs.

France and Serbia have also been affected by the coronavirus. As a result, both national teams canceled friendly matches ahead of the Euros. 

Due to injuries, France is deprived of three Olympic champions (Timothey N'Guessan, Nedim Remili, and Luka Karabatic). In addition, they may be without a fourth, goalkeeper Vincent Gérard, due to family issues, while Elohim Prandi was violently attacked on December 31, 2021. 

A total of nine positive cases among the invited players, including pivot Théa Monara, was revealed on Sunday.

The only good news for France is the return of four infected players, including Nikola Karabatic, who started training separately on Sunday.

Serbia also received positive tests on Tuesday. Infected players Vladimir Cupara and Bogdan Radiojevic and coach Toni Gerona, goalkeeper coach Dimitrija Pejanovic, physio Petar Radulovic and head of the delegation Milorad Krivokapic are in isolation and have milder symptoms.

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

December 31, 2021 - The Euro 2022 Croatia handball player list has been defined by coach Hrvoje Horvat ahead of the competition in Hungary and Slovakia, played from January 13 to 30, 2022.

The Croatian men's senior handball team coach Hrvoje Horvat has announced the final list of players for the European Championships in Hungary and Slovakia, which will be played from January 13 to 30, 2022. This list includes players for the final preparations, including the Croatia Cup in Osijek.

There are 18 players on the list. In addition to three goalkeepers, two wingers, and three pivots, there are also eight outside players. After the final preparations in Osijek, which start on New Year's Eve and last until January 11, the coach will decide which 16 players he will use for the first round of the competition. There are five more handball players on the reserve list who can be called later if needed. All of them continue to train in their clubs and have confirmed to the coach their readiness to jump in at any time in case of injury or illness during the final preparations or the European Championships.

Croatia will play two matches within the Croatia Cup in addition to training in Osijek before the Euros. Croatia will play against Bosnia and Herzegovina on January 6 at 16:45 and against Russia on January 8. Both countries are participating in the European Championships in Hungary and Slovakia.

The final list for the 2022 European Championships:

1. IVAN PEŠIĆ – TVB STUTTGART
2. MATE ŠUNJIĆ – US IVRY HANDBALL
3. MATEJ MANDIĆ – RK PPD ZAGREB
4. DAVID MANDIĆ – RK PPD ZAGREB
5. LOVRO MIHIĆ – ORLEN WISLA PLOCK
6. IVAN ČUPIĆ – RK PPD ZAGREB
7. FILIP GLAVAŠ – HC TRIMO TREBNJE
8. LEON ŠUŠNJA – ORLEN WISLA PLOCK
9. MARIN ŠIPIĆ – RK PPD ZAGREB
10. NIKOLA GRAHOVAC – RK PPD ZAGREB
11. DOMAGOJ DUVNJAK – THW KIEL
12. LUKA CINDRIĆ – BARCA
13. HALIL JAGANJAC – RK NEXE
14. ZVONIMIR SRNA – RK PPD ZAGREB
15. MARKO MAMIĆ – SC DFHK LEIPZIG
16. ANTE GADŽA – HC VARDAR 1961
17. IVAN MARTINOVIĆ – TSV HANNOVER – BURGDORF
18. LUKA ŠEBETIĆ – HC MOTOR

Reserve players:

1. MARIN ŠEGO – MONTPELLIER HB
2. MARINO MARIĆ – MT MELSUNGEN
3. IGOR KARAČIĆ – HC LOMZA VIVE KIELCE
4. ŠIME IVIĆ – SC DFHK LEIPZIG
5. TIN LUČIN – ORLEN WISLA PLOCK

Croatia handball staff:

HRVOJE HORVAT, COACH
IVANO BALIĆ, COACH
NINOSLAV PAVELIĆ, GOALKEEPER COACH
MILJENKO RAK, CONDITIONING COACH
DANIJEL BRAJKOVIĆ, CONDITIONING COACH
GORAN KRUŠELJ, PHYSIOTHERAPIST
MATIJA RAJNOVIĆ, PHYSIOTHERAPIST
SILVIA JURATOVAC, MT THERAPIST
KREŠIMIR ROTIM, DOCTOR
TOMISLAV KUKIN, DOCTOR
IVICA UDOVIČIĆ, DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL TEAM
IGOR VORI, SPORTS DIRECTOR OF MEN'S TEAM
IVICA MARAŠ, SPOKESPERSON AND TEAM MANAGER
ZDRAVKO MIRILOVIĆ, TECHNICIAN

Source: HRS

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

December 30, 2021 - The Croatia handball Euro 2022 prep continued with a friendly match against Slovenia on Wednesday night in Celje.

On Wednesday, the Croatia men's senior national team suffered a heavy defeat in a friendly match against Slovenia in Celje (33:26). It was the first meeting after three hard training days in the second phase of preparations in Poreč. Nevertheless, Slovenia sent a serious warning to Croatia. The team will have two days off before final preparations in Osijek.

Both national teams were incomplete and missing players from the Bundesliga. In addition, Zvonimir Srna left Zagreb earlier in the day due to an illness (not coronavirus). In any case, Slovenia showed more and deservedly celebrated the win as payback for the defeat they suffered against Croatia in Novigrad / Cittanova in early November.

Neither team was ready for solid, aggressive defense from the very beginning. Luka Cindrić put Croatia ahead for the first eight minutes. Slovenia then took the lead and lost their advantage only once.

Like the first meeting recently in Istria, Slovenia entered Croatia's 6-7 meters when they wanted and scored. In the 12th minute, Slovenia was up by 2 for the first time (8:6). However, Croatia did not give up and was always 1-2 goals behind. Croatia made eight technical errors in the first half and constantly offered Slovenia a new opportunity to stay ahead. 

Croatia failed to equalize in the last minute of the first half, and Jože Baznik brought Slovenia to +2 at halftime (17:15). Croatia conceded 17 goals again in one half, which speaks volumes about the defense.

Slovenia easily went ahead by 5 points at the beginning of the second half. However, Croatia caught up after about ten minutes.

In the first 15 minutes of the second half, Croatia scored only 4 goals. Slovenia was more aggressive, concentrated, and took advantage of Croatia's mistakes. In the last five minutes, Slovenia was up by 7 for 30:23 and managed to maintain that lead almost without much effort until the end.

Slovenia's top scorers were Blaž Janc and Gašper Marguč, with seven goals each. Croatia's top scorers were Luka Cindrić and Luka Šebetić, with five goals each.

Croatia had only 48 percent of the attacks (Slovenia 56 percent). Slovenia scored 7/7 counters (Croatia 4/4). Croatia had 13 technical errors / lost balls to Slovenia's 12. Slovenia played 6 minutes with a player less, and Croatia 14. 

HRS

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December 13, 2021 - The Croatia women's handball team lost to Austria 23:27 in their 3rd and final match of the main group 4, and with two victories and four defeats, ended its run at the 25th World Women's Handball Championship in Spain.

Given that Covid-19 knocked out three key handball players, along with some injuries, Croatia couldn't do more.

"I don't know how many fouls, 7-meter throws, and technical errors; I don't know which team can be beaten with so many errors. I am disappointed, I am sad, the only positive thing in all this is that we got some new names that we will be able to use in the future. An experience for all of us, and the result I would sincerely like to forget as soon as possible. I stand behind all of us, we can’t always be on top, but this is not where we belong. I hope that Covid will disappear quickly and that we will be able to return to normal life," said Captain Katarina Ježić.

"We seemed to be too tired. Austria was also tired, but they came in with more desire and determination. We fought and wanted to, but they were more determined in their intentions and key moments. Unfortunately, we started badly and ended badly," added Ivana Kapitanović.

Ćamila Mičijević and Dora Krsnik are still in isolation in Castellon, and the results of their PCR tests are pending, which determine their return to Croatia. However, both national team players are feeling well.

"This is all part of sports: illness, this situation, and injuries are part of sports. We need to expand the roster. Unfortunately, we do not have too much quality, but playing in major competitions is important. The essence of everything is continuity, and the result will come out of it," said coach Nenad Sostaric.

"I don't know what to tell you, but I feel miserable. In the match preparation, we talked about its importance, and we said that we knew that Austria would squeeze the middle and that our wings must decide. Whether we want to admit it or not, we must be aware that our wings are very average compared to the European level and have big problems here. There was a total blackout in one part of the first half. Everything bad came together in that story. Unfortunately, we all need to be aware of this together. In Denmark, what we did is a miracle; miracles do not happen every day. To get close to the top, all players must be in one hundred percent form, and we must act as a team one hundred percent. Unfortunately, we were not here in any of those segments," added Sostaric.

On Monday, Croatia will return to Zagreb on a flight from Valencia via Frankfurt. Their planned arrival at Zagreb Airport is 7:20 pm.

Source: HRT

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

December 10, 2021 - The Croatia women's handball team lost to Spain 23:27 (9:12) in the decisive match which would only lead them to the quarterfinals with a victory. Croatia will play against Austria on Sunday, though the match carries no weight. 

When the PCR test results arrived an hour and 15 minutes before the game, the Croatia coach received the final confirmation that he had all the players available, except those who have been in isolation due to the coronavirus, including Mićijević, Dežić and Krsnik.

Ana Debelić scored the first goal of the match in the third minute. Croatia took the lead with a goal by Blažević for 3:2, but Carmen Martin equalized to 3:3, and brought the first lead to Spain in the ninth minute from the counter (3:4).

Blažević was accurate for 5:5 from a penalty in the 12th minute, but Spain took a 5:9 lead in the 18th minute. 

Blažević reduced the score to 6:9 from another seven-meter throw in the 20th minute, Fernandez brought Spain to +4 in the 24th minute, and a minute later Debelić scored from the counter for 7:10.

Blažević scored a penalty for 9:11 and Croatia attacked from only one goal behind, but Fernandez brought Spain to 9:12, which was the final result of the first half.

The second half started with a Spain goal for 9:13, and in the 34th minute, Spain was up 10:15. Two goals by Larissa Kalaus followed, and in the 38th minute, Carmen Martin scored from the penalty spot for 12:17 and forced Šoštarić to take a timeout. 

Blažević scored for 14:17 and Croatia came back to 2 goals behind. Carmen Martin brought Spain back to 14:18 and in the 43rd minute, Blažević's shot landed on the crossbar. It was then 15:19 for Spain. 

It was 17:21 in the 46th minute, but in the 47th minute, Spain went up +5 (17:22) and then +6 ( 17:23). Kalaus was excluded in the 54th minute and Campos scored from the penalty spot for 19:25. 

Croatia then lost hope, and in the 55th minute, Gassama scored for 19:26. It was soon 19:27 for Spain. Šoštarić then called a new timeout, after which Croatia scored four goals in a row for the final 23:27. Croatia at least mitigated the defeat but was left without a spot in the quarterfinals.

Valentina Blažević (7) and Ana Debelić (4) were the best for Croatia, and Barbosa (6) led Spain. 

Source: HRT

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