2021 World Men’s Handball Championship: Croatia defeats Angola

by croatiaweek
January 17, 2021
in Sport

Team Croatia during the IHF World Championship 2021 Egypt, Angola vs Croatia, Borg El Arab Sports Hall, Alexandria, Egypt, 17.01.2021, Mandatory Credit © Jozo Cabraja / kolektiff

ALEXANDRIA, 17 January 2021 – Croatia has recorded its first victory at the 2021 World Men’s Handball Championship in Egypt with a 28-20 win over Angola.

Angola, however, would make Croatia hard work for their victory. A late Ivan Čupić goal sent Croatia into the break 12-11 up but Angola were the better side for the much of the first half, leading for large parts of it.

Manuel STRLEK (26) during the IHF World Championship 2021 Egypt, Angola vs Croatia, Borg El Arab Sports Hall, Alexandria, Egypt, 17.01.2021 (Photo Credit © Jozo Cabraja / kolektiff)

In the second half, Croatia started to find some form which has evaded them to date, particularly in defence. Goals to Ilija Brozović, Ivan Martinović, Marin Marić and Čupić saw the lead at one stage stretch to five goals.

Manuel Antonio Domingos NASCIMENTO (10), Ilija BROZOVIC (34), Chicola Claudio (14) during the IHF World Championship 2021 Egypt, Angola vs Croatia, Borg El Arab Sports Hall, Alexandria, Egypt, 17.01.2021 (Photo Credit © Jozo Cabraja / kolektiff)

As the match went on Croatia started to look more and more dangerous and the end it was a comfortable victory. Čupić was Croatia’s top scorer with 6 goals.

Marko MAMIC (30), Hebo Rome Antonio Diogo (5) during the IHF World Championship 2021 Egypt, Angola vs Croatia, Borg El Arab Sports Hall, Alexandria, Egypt, 17.01.2021 (Photo Credit © Jozo Cabraja / kolektiff)

Croatia, who drew 29-29 with Japan in their opening match, now move to second in the table behind unbeaten Qatar who they will face in their final group match on Tuesday. The winner will claim no.1 place in the group.

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