PHOTOS: Croatian futsal team get reception after historic bronze medal

(Photo: Drago Sopta/HNS)

Croatia’s national futsal team has been formally received at Banski dvori following their historic bronze medal at the UEFA European Futsal Championship, marking one of the greatest achievements in the sport’s history for the country.

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković hosted the reception, congratulating the players and coaching staff for their outstanding performance and recognising their contribution to Croatian sport and international reputation.

The delegation was led by Croatian Football Federation (HNS) President Marijan Kustić and included players, coaching staff and senior sports officials.

Among those present were Minister of Tourism and Sport Tonči Glavina, Croatian Olympic Committee Secretary General Siniša Krajač, HNS Secretary General Josip Tomaško, technical director Stipe Pletikosa, team manager Iva Olivari and HNS spokesperson Tomislav Pacak.

Addressing the team, Prime Minister Plenković praised the evolution of futsal and the team’s composure and determination throughout the tournament.

He highlighted the dramatic bronze-medal match, particularly the victory over France decided by penalties, calling it a moment of exceptional sporting courage.

Although futsal is not currently an Olympic sport and therefore falls outside the usual legal framework for state awards, Plenković confirmed that the government, in cooperation with the Ministry of Sport and the Croatian Olympic Committee, would find a solution to ensure the team receives a state reward.

He described the players as outstanding ambassadors for Croatia and thanked them for bringing joy to people across the country.

(Photo: Drago Sopta/HNS)

HNS President Marijan Kustić described the bronze medal as a historic success, noting that futsal has become the most-watched indoor sport in Croatia.

He reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to continued investment in futsal, highlighting significant infrastructure and sports funding over recent years in cooperation with the government.

(Photo: Drago Sopta/HNS)

Minister Tonči Glavina emphasised that Croatia’s futsal success is largely built on domestic clubs, local coaches and home-grown talent. He expressed optimism about the team’s future, pointing out their young average age and strong team cohesion demonstrated at the championship in Slovenia.

Croatian Olympic Committee Secretary General Siniša Krajač congratulated the players on their fighting spirit and resilience, while head coach Marinko Mavrović underlined the unity and belief that defined the team’s journey, supported passionately by Croatian fans in Ljubljana.

Team captain Franco Jelovčić thanked the government and the HNS for their support, expressing hope that this first medal will be the foundation for even greater achievements in the future.