Croatia star is doing better: Suddenly there is hope for Duvnjak’s World Cup comeback

As of: January 22, 2025 2:00 a.m

There was a threat of a tragic end to a magnificent international career: But according to Sportschau information, the lightning comeback of Croatia star Domagoj Duvnjak beckons.

Christian Hornung

ARD expert Johannes Bitter had already said in the Sportschau World Cup podcast “Handball auf die 1” after his long-time Hamburg teammate’s calf injury: “I would like him to announce his retirement and say: I’ll do one more tournament. He deserves that.”

Stephanie Müller-Spirra / Dominik Klein / Johannes Bitter, Handball on the 1 – the sports show podcast for the Handball World Cup, January 19, 2025 12:52 a.m

“Dule always put the team first”

The 36-year-old Duvnjak was injured on Friday against Argentina. Initially it was said that he could no longer intervene in the World Cup, which was also being held in Croatia until the final. Sports show podcaster Dominik Klein suffered with: “Very bitter. Dule always sacrificed himself for the national team, he always put the team first.”

But now there could be a happy ending during the current tournament: Duvnjak’s calf should get better. It was reported from the Kiel leader’s medical environment that a return would be possible if Croatia reached the knockout games.

Seven podiums, but never gold

So there remains a small hope that Duvnjak can fulfill his last big dream: The world handball player from 2013 has been on the podium seven times at the World and European Championships as well as the Olympic Games – but so far it has never been enough for gold.

ttn-9