- by croatiaweek
- January 28, 2026
-
in
Sport
(Photo credit © Anze Malovrh / kolektiff)
Croatia have secured a place in the semi-finals of the EHF EURO 2026 after a tense and dramatic 27–25 victory over Hungary on Wednesday night in Malmö.
In a match that tested both nerve and resilience, Croatia overturned a half-time deficit to claim a crucial win and finish top of their group.
The result sends Dagur Sigurdsson’s side into Friday’s semi-final, where they will face the second-placed team from Group I.
Croatia found themselves trailing for much of the encounter and went into the break 15–13 down after struggling to contain Hungary’s early momentum.
(Photo credit © Anze Malovrh / kolektiff)
Despite defensive pressure and missed chances, Croatia remained composed and gradually worked their way back into contention.
The turning point came late in the second half. Croatia took the lead for the first time in the match in the 46th minute, shifting the momentum decisively in their favour.
From that point on, the team showed greater control, improved defensive discipline, and clinical finishing in key moments.
Croatia’s offensive effort was evenly distributed, with Mario Šoštarić, Luka Klarica, David Mandić and Tin Lučin all finishing as joint top scorers, each netting four goals.
(Photo credit © Jozo Cabraja / kolektiff)
However, the decisive factor came between the posts. Dominik Kuzmanović, who was deservedly named Player of the Match, delivered a series of vital saves when Croatia needed them most. He stopped nine shots in total, several of them at crucial stages, halting Hungary’s momentum and giving his teammates the platform to push ahead.
By finishing first in their group, Croatia avoided a tougher draw and now look ahead to Friday’s semi-final against either Denmark of Germany.
