Late surge sees Iceland eliminate Croatia

GROUP I

Croatia vs Iceland 30:35  (18:16)

• a 6:0 unanswered run between the 46th and the 55th minutes was the pivotal moment of the match, bringing Iceland their second win at the EHF EURO 2024
• Croatia have lost their third match in a row in the main round, their second longest losing streak in history at the EHF EURO, and are out of contention for a place in the semi-finals
• back after missing the previous two matches, Croatia centre back Domagoj Duvnjak scored four goals, becoming the second best scorer for his country at the EHF EURO, with 158 goals, 30 less than leader Ivan Cupic
• wings Bjarki Mar Elisson (eight goals) and Odinn Thor Rikhardsson (six goals) were Iceland’s top scorers, combining for 14 goals in the match, 10 of which came in the second half
• Iceland’s goalkeeper, Björgvin Pall Gustavsson, who saved 12 shots for a 35 per cent saving efficiency – and scored an empty net goal – was named the Grundfos Player of the Match, sponsored by Grundfos

Run-and-gun style suits Iceland better than Croatia

A shoot-out in a fast-paced match does not necessarily help Croatia, as Goran Perkovac’s side is not built for such matches, especially against a physical team like Iceland. This is exactly what Iceland thought in the first half, when they were down two goals after 30 minutes, 16:18, preparing for another 30 minutes of running and gunning.

Down two players – Ýmir Gíslason, who was sent off, and influential centre back Gisli Kristjansson, who hobbled away after scoring his third goal – Iceland forced their way to their maiden win in the main round. Their defence limited Croatia to only 12 goals in the second half, and they converted eight of their nine fast breaks.

The return to victory comes after a long wait which was clearly frustrating a side with huge potential. Iceland can now eye a top-10 finish to the EHF EURO 2024.

Photos © Kolektiff Images