The press conference after Croatia defeated France at the World Handball Championship mostly focused on Poland, as they will be Croatia`s rivals in the semi-finals. Ivano Balic asked reporters not to write any more lies about his alleged mistress, because this abrupts the much-needed calmness in the squad. He then left the press conference.

Although the match against France was more a matter of prestige, then the score, selector of the Croatian handball team Lino Cervar did not hide his satisfaction, because every team loves to win.

- We are pleased, beside the fact that yesterday`s match was nothing more than a matter of prestige – Cervar commented on the match.

Polls play with the same line-up

After all eight wins, Croatia no longer has the right to a defeat, because there is no second try in the semi-finals and the opponent will not be easy. Poland has been playing with the same line-up at the past several competitions, which means they play very well and know each other well.

- The match will be tough. I have already analysed their match against Norway and it is up to us to prepare ourselves well. They play very well in the 6-0 defence and quickly move to transition, which is highly dangerous – Lino said.

Cervar was joined by the heroes of Tuesday`s match, Venio Losert and Blazenko Lackovic, who introduced their view of the match against France, adding a few words about their next opponents.

- The French had a tough time, and when they shot, excellent Venio was at the goal who did a great job. We need to prepare ourselves for Poland – Blazenko Lackovic Lac said.

Like the rest of the team, Venio was pleased with the achievements so far, but believes they should leave it all behind and turn to upcoming matches.

Nobody is a favourite

- I believe we should be pleased, but also need to leave it behind. As far as the Polls are concerned, they are not the favourites and we are not either. The Polls have very good shooters who have had plenty of room so far, because the opponents mostly played the 6-0 defence, so we will see how they will do with our defence – the hero of yesterday`s match explained.

Gathered reporters were wondering how much credit new squad member, young Marko Kopljar had, who scored two goals against France, out of 10 shots.

- I don`t divide the players to young and old, because they are all one big family. A coach with common sense should support a 2.10 metre player and get past 2/10 statistics – Lino Cervar justified Kopljar, who was trouble for Karabatic and Narcisse.

Croatia will starts its way towards the final on Friday at 20:30 hours, at Zagreb`s Arena sports hall, while everyone who does not have the tickets for this handball spectacle should stop looking, because they were all sold out.