Croatia claim bronze and the ticket to France 2017

Christian O'Sullivan and Sander Sagosen congratulates Croatia with victory in the bronze finalsKrakow, Poland 20160131. Handball Euro 2016 for men. Norway-Kroatia 24-31 Christian O'Sullivan and Sander Sagosen congratulates Croatia with victory in the bronze finals Photo: Vidar Ruud / NTB scanpix

After a four-year absence, Croatia made it to the EHF EURO podium again, beating Norway 31:24 in the bronze medal match

Zlatko Horvat scored eight goals and Ivan Stevanovic added several crucial saves late in the second half as Croatia beat Norway 31:24 (15:11) in a very physical bronze medal match in Krakow’s TAURON Arena on Sunday.

With the win they not only added another bronze to the men’s national team’s records but also booked a direct ticket to the World Championship 2017 in France.

For Croatia it was their third bronze (after 1994 and 2012) and in total their fifth medal (they won silver in 2008 and 2012) in EHF EURO history.

“I am very happy to win this medal. After the defeat against France nobody believed in us, then we produced a miracle and today we got the bronze medal,” said Manuel Strlek.

“This one of the best moments in my handball life. We were mentally strong and played for each other. Thanks to all the fans, who supported us.”

Croatia’s Domagoj Duvnjak was awarded best player of the match.

Norway, who were led by the tournament’s all-star centre back Sander Sagosen with five goals, failed to get their maiden European Championship medal, but they still achieved a record placement, bettering the 6th place they had reached in 2008. READ MORE about Croatia claim bronze and the ticket to France 2017

 

Source:  pol2016.ehf-euro.com / Norway Today