2020 Women’s Handball Euro: Croatia to play for bronze medal after defeat to France
- by croatiaweek
- in Sport
(Photo credit © Uros Hocevar / kolektiff)
HERNING, 18 December 2020 – Croatia will play for the bronze medal at the 2020 European Women’s Handball Championship in Denmark after losing to France in today’s semi-final.
Croatia, who were playing in their first-ever semi-final, were outplayed by a strong French team, going down 30-19.
(Photo credit © Uros Hocevar / kolektiff)
After trailing early in the match, the French would soon find their stride in the first half, capitalising on a number of mistakes and putting up a strong defence that would keep Croatia scoreless for large periods of the half.
(Photo credit © Uros Hocevar / kolektiff)
(Photo credit © Uros Hocevar / kolektiff)
A goal from distance on the buzzer gave France a 15-5 lead at the break.
(Photo credit © Uros Hocevar / kolektiff)
Croatia came out in the second half looking much more purposeful than they did in the first half and they would narrow the lead early on from 10 to 7 goals.
France, however, would show their experience, and when it looked as if Croatia was starting to apply some pressure to the scoreboard they would respond.
(Photo credit: Jozo Cabraja / kolektiff)
Tea Pijevic in Croatia’s goal was once again impressive, making a number of saves throughout to give her side some hope but it was not to be Nenad Šoštarić’s team’s day.
Tea Pijevic (Photo credit © Uros Hocevar / kolektiff)
Croatia will play the loser of the Denmark and Norway semifinal in the bronze medal match on Sunday at 3:30 pm.
(Photo credit: Jozo Cabraja / kolektiff)
Croatia has exceeded all expectations so far at the tournament, beating Hungary, world champions The Netherlands, and Serbia to win Group C and then beating Romania and Germany in the Main Round. Their only loss before today was against Norway.
