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January 25, 2025After four games in which they have failed to showcase what is possible with their breadth of talent, Dagur Sigurdsson’s Croatia completely dismantled Iceland in a sold-out, 15,200 Arena Zagreb on Friday (24 January) night.
Their six-goal win has put them equal on six points with Iceland and Egypt and on course for a possible quarter-final spot with the final round of main round games to take place on Sunday (26 January).
MAIN ROUND, GROUP IV
Croatia vs Iceland 32:26 (20:12)
With his side 10 goals behind (28:18) and 12 minutes to go, Iceland’s Aron Palmarsson took the ball from yet another restart and implored his side to keep going.
They had just gone behind by double-digits a minute earlier (27:17) and while they may not have admitted it at the time, the game was over as a contest.
Considering their performances so far in Zagreb, which had seen a disappointing loss against Egypt and wins against Argentina, Bahrain and Cape Verde, the Croatian whirlwind which came into town was a surprise for many – with coach Dagur Sigurdsson springing another surprise, naming captain Domagoj Duvnjak on the bench, alongside the returning David Mandic.
Croatia quickly blew away any thoughts of an Iceland win – which would have been their fifth in a row – or, indeed, any further thoughts of Croatian underperformance here at home as one of the co-hosts of the 2025 IHF Men’s World Championship.
It was a victory built on defence, led from the front by Marko Mamic in an aggressive 5-1 formation, stunting an Iceland side known for its quick transition. Their coach, Snorri Gudjonsson opted to not start with Palmarsson or Gilsi Kristjansson, with Janus Smarason directing proceedings, but their early lead (2:1) would be as good at it got for them.
Croatia quickly turned the screw, as usual Dominik Kuzmanovic inspiring his team who were sublime in attack, creating gaping holes in the Iceland defence as they staked their claim to the game, completing a 3:0 run in the eighth minute (5:2) to go clear.
First Palmarsson, and then Kristjansson, were introduced but they could not get anywhere with their potential assists, breakthroughs or even long-rangers with any real consistency.
Duvnjak, yet to make his court appearance, was acting as an assistant coach, giving Sigurdsson tips and throughout the 60 minutes, helping his players both on and off court.
With the turnovers racking up and the usually-dependable Viktor Hallgrimsson not able to make a save, Bjorgvin Gustavsson came on to steady the ship (12th minute), but it merely slowed the one-way flow as coach Gudjonsson take an early time out a minute later to catch his breath.
As if to highlight what Croatia have been missing, Duvnjak finally came on in the 22nd minute and immediately set out his stall, firing a pass to Mandic who provided the assist to Ivan Martinovic for the in-flight.
Croatia were playing champagne handball and the crowd were chanting, “Duva, Duva”.
Martinovic ended the first half with six goals, while Kuzmanovic ended with nine saves, all contributing to an eight-goal (20:12) lead.
The only doubt about the game was whether Croatia could continue at the level throughout the next 30 minutes and that was answered quickly enough as they pushed to go ten-clear in the 33rd minute (32:13), but missed the opportunity.
They got there with the last quarter remaining (27:17), but a late comeback from Iceland reduced the deficit.
Now, the co-hosts will have to equal whatever Iceland and Egypt do in their final round of games on Sunday.
Job done. For now.
hummel Player of the Match:Â Dominik Kuzmanovic (Croatia)