Germany will play in the Euros final on Sunday, following a 31–28 victory in tonight’s semi-final against Croatia. After a high-scoring first half, Germany’s defence reached world-class levels in the second half – and that is where the match was decided.
Croatia head coach Dagur Sigurdsson’s attack on the EHF during Thursday’s press conference in Herning may well have fuelled even greater hunger among the Croatian players, who always play with immense heart for their country. Sigurdsson’s epic press conference undeniably added extra spice to this encounter.
Those who expected a low-scoring affair between two defensively strong teams were instead treated to something entirely different in the first half. The score at half-time was 17–15 in Germany’s favour. How did that happen? Full throttle from both teams and very few saves from either Andreas Wolff or Dominik Kuzmanović.
Croatia played a lot of seven-on-six, with Ivan Martinović at centre back and Luka Lovre Klarica at right back, which caused problems for the Germans. On the other hand, Croatia struggled to contain Juri Knorr, who at times produced some truly fine handball.
The key question ahead of the second half was whether Croatia would have the stamina to go the distance. Germany, with a slightly deeper squad, seemed more likely to do so.
German defensive wall changed the conditions
Germany’s start to the second half was brutal. Thanks to outstanding defensive and goalkeeping performances, they pulled away to a 21–16 lead, forcing Sigurdsson to call a timeout. One has to wonder if there is a better defensive team in the world than Germany, at least when they defend the way they did, especially in the opening stages of the second half.
Things improved only marginally for Croatia thereafter. They managed a few more saves, but continued to struggle defensively. The Croatian team, passionately urged on by a fanatical Croatian crowd, did everything they could to close the gap, but never quite managed to create real tension in the closing stages. But if there is one thing you always know about the Croatian national team, regardless of the occasion, it is that they never give up – and they did not this time either. Germany were simply the better team on the day.
Germany won 31–28 and can now look forward to the final on Sunday – the national team’s first Euro final in ten years.