Handball: Croatia halts Polish hosts in EHF EURO 2016
PR dla Zagranicy
Nick Hodge
28.01.2016 08:30
Croatia stunned Poland on Wednesday night with a 37-23 victory, depriving the hosts of a place in the semi-finals of the EHF European Men's Handball Championship in Kraków.
Croat Marino Maric in action against Poland on Wedneday in the EHF European Men's Handball Championship in Kraków. PAP/Jacek Bednarczyk
Hope had been running high for the home team, with Poland the clear favourites.
The Croats needed a victory margin of eleven goals, a tall order for the visitors. But they pulled it off.
“This is amazing, it is like a dream,” enthused Croatia's Manuel Strlek after wrapping up the match.
“Before the match we said in the locker room: 'Let's go guys, let's play a good match and try to win and if there will be an opportunity we will take it'. And there was. We played a fantastic game.”
For the Poles there was only heartache and dreams of what might have been.
“Nothing went as it should have gone,” Polish player Piotr Chrapkowski reflected.
“I would like to apologise to all the fans – those in the arena and those watching the game in front of the TV screens.
“Our play was dramatic in every possible way. It's hard to say what happened.”
Croatia will now face Spain in their semi-final. (nh/pk)
Source: pol2016.ehf-euro.com