The Croatian national handball team lost to Germany with a score of 29:32 in the match played on Thursday evening in Arena Zagreb.
It was the second friendly match that Croatian handball players play as part of the preparations for Euro 2026, which they started with a victory against North Macedonia 26:23.
The match took place in an even game during almost all 60 minutes, without major advantages of any team. After an even first half, Germany led by three goals at the end of the first half.
In the sequel, Croatia immediately got back into the game, thanks to two goals from Martinović and great reactions from Slavić at the goal. With a 6-2 series, Croatia took control of the results and held the lead until the last five minutes, when Germany finished the game with its 6-2 series for the final 32:29.
They were the most effective in the Croatian national team Mario Šoštarić and Ivan Martinović with six goals each, while Tin Lučin added five. For Germany, Juri Knorr, Johannes Golla and Renars Uščins scored five goals each. The goalkeepers of Croatia, Matej Mandić and Dino Slavić, made a combined 15 saves (Mandić eight, Slavić seven).
The return match is played on Sunday, January 11 in Hannover, from which the national team members will continue to Malmö, where Group E will play the first round of the European Handball Championship 2026. In Group E, in addition to Croatia, there are also Sweden, the Netherlands and Georgia.
Croatia – Germany: Four scout handball players in the national team
(www.jabuka.tv | Photo: Goran Stanzl/Pixsell)
