The European championship constant, Croatia was severely shaken in their opening game. Georgia had a fair chance in a completely even game with five minutes, then Croatia proved stronger with 32–29.
Group E action started with an important duel, still Croatia was the clear favourite.
Giorgi Tskhoverbadze, well known for Croatia with his current club adress, RK Zagreb provided an equally hard and precise delicacy for Georgia to lead 2–1.
Attacking errors hindered Croatia while Georgia had creative solutions and undisturbed areas to put the ball in the net.
Enough was enough for Dagur Sigurdsson with a timeout at 5–9 and yet the resilient back court players fixed a six goal advantage at most.
No safe lead, Georgia was easily brought out of balance with some more power in the Croatian lineup, well before half-time the game back into full excitement mode, 15–14.
Clever wing options from Giorgi Dikhaminjia and some unexpected shots kept Georgia well in the game.
Combinations were still excellent for 23–21 approaching mid-second half. For Croatia the uncoherent defense continued to be troublesome the match was completely open entering the last ten minutes.
Mario Sostaric (eight goals) executed safely and Ivan Martinovic stepped in with team captain responsibility. Even with passive warning, Tin Lucin took a good call to 30–28 and Sostaric could deliver guaranteed maximum points to the fans in the stands with three goals up.
Croatia–Georgia 32–29 (15–14)