PHOTO: Croatia Ready to Conquer Handball World

The deciding match is behind Croatia. Croatia has proven that it is ready for great things in their match against Spain.

Of course, before 12  thousand energetic fans, and a few million watching on television, it is hard to think that Spain could do anything but honourably lose. But they did not even manage that, it ended 32:22.

Atmosphere in arena as extra energy for Croatia

The Spaniards certainly entered the match psychologically weaker, after a convincing loss against Sweden, with this match being especially important for them. The loss threw them to the last of three positions, and will not carry points into the next round. That means the end of the competition for them.

The way to beat the Spaniards lay in the defence, which was the best so far for Croatia. You could see will on the players, the true will when they seem in unbeatable and powerful.

Duvnjak was a small surprise, who gained an advantage before Balic. The starting defence was 3-2-1, for which the Spaniards did not have an answer six years ago. It worked, because the first attack was defended, and Valcic scored immediately.

Croatia looked furious in the hot atmosphere, the defence was top, and it all looked perfect. In that madness of the Spaladium, an important goal was scored for 2:0. Spain did not have time to rest, the pressure that Croatia was creating in defence was huge. However Entrerios scored for Spain from a distance and opened the match for the Spaniards, but Duvnjak returned for 3:1.

Pero and Blaz returned, and the match looked phenomenal

It is hard to describe how Croatia played in those moments. Duvnjak was excellent, he did not feel fear, he scored, and the game was faster than anyone remembers it. That it why it was 5:2. However we should mention that luck was on Croatia’s side because Spain’s shot hit the post. However, after the post was not hit, Alilovic stopped them, which enabled Cupic’s counter attack for 6:2.

In these moments of helplessness, Balic entered the match for Croatia. This is when problems started to occur for Spain, because they did not know who to guard, because Duvnjak and the world’s best player constantly changed positions.

However the speed of the match was somewhat slowed down by Denis Spoljaric’s suspension, however Croatia only received one goal, and then a Spanish player was also suspended. Then rough play started, in order to break the rhythm of the Croatian team.

It threw Croatia off the beat slightly, who gave up two balls letting Spain creep back up to 8:5.

Referees obviously do what they like, IHF and EHF cannot do anything

This is why Lino called a time out, he had to cool down the players’ heads and inform them of their mistakes that they must not repeat.

“We are fighting like animals, and we spill everything stupidly giving balls away. Are you normal? Enough with that” shouted Lino, mostly influencing Lackovic who scored two goals from two shots. This is what Croatia needed, welcome back Blaz.

Unfortunately, the referees decided not to let Croatia gain too much, and suspended two players, leaving only four on the court. The result was 11:7. The Spaniards did not score during this time, and Croatia increased their lead to 14:7, and it was a delight to watch them play. Unfortunately the referees did not like this, and continued to suspend Croatian players.

The Croatian team was too strong psychologically, because they are used to bad treatment from the referees. Croatia counter attacked against Spain, blocked, goalkeeper defended, and Croatia scored. The result is an incredible 17:10. But it is equally as shameful what the referees were doing. The question must be asked, who allows such things in the world of handball?

Romania threatened, but Croatia was playing with Spain

The first half ended 18:11, because luckily Croatia was stronger, despite the 12 minutes of suspensions they received. However it is strange that a team receive such treatment. The referees shape wins for Germany, and want to return Spain back into the match. Somebody in the IHF should react.

In the continuation, Spain changed their defence, they pulled back to 6-0 and slowed down Croatia’s game, but soon Croatia found an answer for that game, because Spain cannot score with a good defence. The result is 19:12 in the 34th minute.

Croatia soon adapted to the Spanish defence, but the referees were not understandable, a shame for their profession, because it is incredible how they gave Cupic a suspension. Of course, this let the Spaniards creep back to a 6 point disadvantage.

When the Romanian referees threatened via Spain again, Balic and Alilovic woke up. Croatian players scored two goals and defended two goals, and Croatia’s 16 minutes of suspensions was not felt, the score remained +6 goals for Croatia.

In the mean time, Lino certainly looked at the grandstands where Goran Sprem was sitting. Mateo Hrvatin bowed down to pressure and missed two certain shots. Sprem probably would not have missed them. Despite those misses, and being equal as far as the number of players is concerned, Croatia simply started playing and it was 25:17 in the 49th minute. Even the Romanians can do nothing.

The Croatian players played around until the end. Duvnjak and Lackovic were fascinating, the game-play was truly beautiful. It is hard that even the biggest critics of Lino Cervar or the players could find any complaints. The Spaniards were frozen to a ten point disadvantage. Who could resent the prognosis of Croatia being on the throne of the world in Croatia.

Take a look at the photo galleries: Croatia vs Spain - First Half and Croatia vs Spain - Second Half.