Croatia opened the main round of the European Championship with a hard-fought 30–29 win over Iceland, in a match that delivered a fierce battle and two very different halves. In the end, the Croatians showed greater composure in the decisive moments to claim two hugely important points.
The first half was played at a high pace with plenty of goals. Croatia set the tone from the opening whistle and led from start to finish, never allowing Iceland to take the lead at any point. The margin mostly hovered around two or three goals, and the “Cowboys” went into the break with a commanding four-goal advantage, 19–15.
Iceland came out strongly after halftime. The “Fishermen” struck with a quick 3–0 run and, in the 38th minute, an Omar Ingi Magnuson penalty brought them within one (19–20). What followed was a goal-for-goal exchange, but Croatia soon re-established control and rebuilt a three-goal cushion.
Iceland tried to threaten with their trademark transition game, but without major success. Croatia slowed the tempo, disrupted their opponents’ attacks with frequent stoppages, and prevented the Icelanders from fully finding their rhythm.
Croatia withstood a late “Vikings” push, and the key moment came in the 58th minute when Mateo Maraš struck superbly from nine metres to make it 29–26, effectively sealing the outcome. Iceland did manage to cut the deficit in the final seconds, but not enough to avoid defeat as Croatia held on for a narrow victory.
Mateo Maraš led Croatia with seven goals, while Odin Ríkharðsson and Omar Ingi Magnússon scored eight each for Iceland.
Iceland – Croatia 29:30 (15:19)
Mandatory Credit © Jure Erzen / kolektiff