Croatia plays dramatic final against Iceland to take European bronze!

The Croatian handball team won the bronze medal at the European Championship, defeating Iceland in a dramatic final by a score of 34-33!

This is the seventh medal for Croatian handball players in the history of European championships, with the fourth bronze (2026, 2016, 2012, 1994), along with three silvers (2020, 2010, 2008). It was also the 16th medal for Croatian handball players from major competitions, the second in a row after last year's silver from the World Championship. Iceland remained with one bronze from the 2010 European Championship.

Croatia entered the medal match without Dominik Kuzmanović, who had problems with a virus, so Dino Slavić stepped in instead.

It started a bit chaotic on both sides. In the first five minutes, Croatia shot three shots from the line and hit the frame of the goal, fortunately the Icelanders didn't start well either. They hit the post twice, and Matej Mandić had two saves.

After an unconvincing opening from both sides, Croatia was the first to break away. In the sixth minute, the Croatian handball players took the lead with a two-goal difference (3-1), in the tenth minute it was +3 (5-2), in the 13th we had four (8-4), in the 18th minute a five-goal difference (11-6), and a minute later the biggest six-goal surplus (12-6).

A decline in our game followed, Iceland changed goalkeeper, Pall Bjorgvin Gustavsson came in and made several saves. The Icelanders made a 4-0 run and in the 23rd minute reduced the deficit to two goals (12-10).

By the end of the half, they were two goals behind four more times, but Croatia went into halftime with a three-goal lead (17-14).

Tin Lučin was brilliant in the first half with six goals, and Veron Načinović scored four. On the other side, Ingi Omar Magnusson scored six goals, five from seven meters.

At the opening of the second half, Croatia missed the first three attacks, fortunately Iceland scored only one goal. On the wings of Matej Mandić, who combined two great saves, Croatia again reached a four-goal lead in the 38th minute (20-16), and a minute later it reached +5 (21-16) after Martinović scored into an empty net.

Iceland was left without Viggo Kristijansson at that moment, who received a red card for a harsh foul on Martinović.

Twenty minutes before the end, Croatia again had a five-goal lead (23-18), and with a five-goal lead they entered the last 10 minutes (28-23). When Marin Jelinić scored for 29-23 nine minutes before the end, it seemed that everything was over.

However, Iceland did not give up and with one minute and 30 seconds left, they reduced the deficit to just two goals (33-31). After Glavaš missed a seven-meter shot, Iceland reduced the deficit to a goal 65 seconds before the end. Fortunately, Glavaš redeemed himself and secured the victory with a goal for 34-32 40 seconds before the end. In the end, the final score was 34-33.

Croatia was led to victory by Tin Lučin with nine goals, Veron Načinović scored six, and Ivan Martinović five goals. Matej Mandić made eight saves in the end. Iceland's top scorer was Ingi Omar Magnusson with 12 goals, 10 from 7-meter throws. Gisli Kristjansson added six goals.

CROATIA - ICELAND 34-33 (17-14)

HERNING. Jyske Bank Boxen; Referees: Andreu Marin and Ignacio Garcia (Spain)

CROATIA: M.Mandić, Slavić; Šoštarić 3 (3), Klarica 1, Ćeško, Maraš 2, Raužan, Mamic, Cindrić, D.Mandić 4, Lučin 9, Martinović 5, Šušnja, Glavaš 1, Jelinić 3, Načinović 6

ICELAND: Gustavsson, Hallgrimsson; Rikhardsson 5, Smarason 1, V.Kristijansson, Elisson 4, G.Kristjansson 6, Gislason, Magnusson 12 (10), Gunnarsson, Vidarsson 2, Thorkelsson, Anarsson 1, Gudjonsson, Thrastarson 2, Olafsson

Expulsions: Croatia 10 minutes; Iceland 14 minutes

Seven-minute penalties: Croatia 3/5, Iceland 10/10

Source: HRT