EHF EURO 2026: Croatia beat Switzerland to keep semi-final hopes alive

Croatia advanced their chances of reaching the semi-finals of the EHF EURO 2026 handball championship with a crucial 28–24 victory over Switzerland on Sunday. The win keeps the reigning world silver medallists firmly in contention within a tightly contested group.

A Slow Start Overcome

Croatia faced early challenges, struggling to establish their rhythm and experiencing a scoring drought lasting nearly nine minutes. Trailing by as many as four goals, captain Ivan Martinović was brought into the game to provide stability and leadership. The team gradually regained composure, increasing their defensive intensity and improving their offensive flow to close the gap.

Turning the Tide

Switzerland’s tactical shift to a seven-against-six formation proved ineffective against Croatia’s response, as the team capitalized with quick goals. By halftime, Croatia had seized the momentum, leading 13–11. Zvonimir Srna was a key contributor to the Croatian attack in the first half, while goalkeeper Dominik Kuzmanović delivered crucial saves.

Did You Know? Croatia trailed by four goals early in the match before rallying to secure a 28-24 victory.

Dominant Second Half and Tournament Implications

Croatia solidified their control in the second half, maintaining their advantage through defensive strength and improved offensive efficiency. Dominik Kuzmanović continued his strong performance, ultimately being named Player of the Match with a total of seven saves.

Expert Insight: This victory is critical for Croatia, placing them in a strong position within a highly competitive group. Their success hinges on maintaining this level of play and potentially benefiting from results elsewhere in the tournament.

The win places Croatia alongside Iceland, Slovenia, and Sweden at the top of the group, all with four points. Switzerland and Hungary remain at the bottom with one point each.

Looking Ahead

Croatia’s next match is a crucial encounter against Slovenia on Tuesday at 18:00. Simultaneously, Switzerland will face Iceland, and Sweden will play Hungary. A victory against Slovenia, combined with favorable outcomes in the other matches, could significantly improve Croatia’s chances of reaching the semi-finals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the final score of the match?

The final score was Croatia 28 – Switzerland 24.

Who was named Player of the Match?

Dominik Kuzmanović was named Player of the Match.

When is Croatia’s next match?

Croatia’s next match is on Tuesday at 18:00 against Slovenia.

With several teams tied at the top of the group, what factors will ultimately determine Croatia’s fate in the EHF EURO 2026?