Disappointment is still present after the semifinal loss, but Croatia are determined to finish the championship on a high. Ahead of the bronze medal game, Luka Cindrić is clear about what will decide the outcome.
“It’s about mentality,” the Croatian playmaker tells GoHandball.
Croatia came painfully close to a final, and the defeat is still fresh in the minds of the players. But in elite handball, there is little time to dwell on setbacks, especially with a medal still at stake. For Luka Cindrić, the focus has quickly shifted toward the opportunity that lies ahead.
“Of course we are a bit disappointed after yesterday’s game, but in this sport you always have to find some energy and positive things. We have the opportunity to finish this tournament with a bronze medal, and that would be amazing for us. So far it has been a really good tournament, we’ve fought against very good teams and shown character. I think this team deserves this kind of game, and I believe we can find extra motivation,” Cindrić says.
Pressure building
Standing in the way is Iceland, a familiar opponent and one that Croatia knows will come fully prepared. Their previous meeting in the main rund was tight, physical and decided by the smallest of margins. According to Cindrić, the key once again lies in how the team handles the pressure.
“For sure it’s about mentality. We’ve shown it in hard moments – somehow we step up and manage to win games. But Iceland are a very good team and they will be super motivated. I expect a similar game to the one we played in the main round. We won by one goal then, and it was a very difficult game,” he explains.
Beyond the immediate goal of winning bronze, Cindrić also sees a bigger picture. Croatia have been questioned in the past, especially after their last medal came on home soil. This time, the circumstances are very different, and that matters.
“It means a lot for all of us. After the last medal, a lot of people said it was easy because we played at home. But now we are here, and we’ve shown that we can do amazing things away from home as well. This team definitely has a bright future,” Cindrić concludes.