Croatia made it to the semifinals for the first time in eight years with a dramatic one-point victory over Hungary in the quarterfinals of the 29th IHF World Men’s Handball Championship in 2025.
Croatia beat Hungary 31-30 in the quarterfinals of the tournament at Zagreb Arena in Croatia on the 28th (local time).
The 15,600 home fans who filled Zagreb Arena cheered wildly as Croatia, co-host of the tournament along with Denmark and Norway, became the first to advance to the semifinals.
사진 확대 Photo by Croatia and Hungary in the quarterfinals of the 29th IHF World Men’s Handball Championship 2025, Photo by Source = International Handball Federation
There was a fierce battle throughout the game. With no prediction of the match until 10 seconds before the end of the match, Marin Sipic led Croatia to the semifinals with just one shot on a pass that Croatia’s goalkeeper Ivan Pesic caught and connected with the ball.
Croatia, led by coach Dagur Sigurdsson’s, suffered from injuries to key players even before the game. David Mandic was absent due to a hand injury, and more than half of the team played with injuries in the second half of the game, but the players did not give up until the end.
The game showed a tight flow from the beginning. Croatia scored first, but Hungary quickly came from behind to take a 5-4 lead around the 11th minute, widening the gap to 8-5 in the 16th minute. Croatia tied it at 15-15 just before the end of the first half with a strong performance that included two long-range shots from Philipp Glavas.
Croatia’s goalkeeper Dominik Kuzmanovic saved the team early in the second half with consecutive saves, but Hungary was on the verge of winning by opening the lead to 24-21 around the 47th minute. Croatia, however, fired back miraculously in the final five minutes.
At the 30–30 tie, Hungary continued to attack for victory until 43 seconds before the end, but were blocked by Croatia’s strong defense and goalkeeper Pesic. And just before the end of the match, Sipic’s winning goal was scored to confirm Croatia’s victory.
The win marks Croatia’s best performance since finishing fourth in 2017. Fans are excited about whether Croatia, which reached the semifinals, will be able to reach the final.
[Kim Yongpil, MK Sports Reporter]