On the third day of the European Handball Championship, Croatia clearly won the top game in Group B against Spain. Austria also got off to a successful start on Friday (January 12, 2024). There was drama between Serbia and Iceland, who fought for a draw with two goals in the last 20 seconds.
In the top game of the day, Spain and Croatia met – the two favorites to win Group B. It was also a new edition of the 2020 European Championship final, which the Spaniards won back then – this time the Croatians surprisingly prevailed – and clearly : 39:29 (18:14) was the final score for the team led by Kiel’s Bundesliga star Domagoj Duvnjak.
Ivan Martinovic from MT Melsungen was the man of the game in Mannheim with eight goals, while his teammate Mario Sostaric was only less successful once.
For Spain, which reached the final of the last four European Championships and won the title in 2018 and 2020, it was the worst defeat in their European Championship history. Jordi Ribera’s team now has to win the two games against Romania and Austria to advance. But even more important: If the Spaniards move into the main round together with the Croatians, they will not take any points with them; Croatia would have two in their account.
Bylik and Frimmel convince at Austria
Austria with Nikola Bilyk from Kiel defeated the former great power Romania with 31:24 (15:14) in Mannheim, thus preserving its chance of progressing. Bylik scored four goals, the Austrians’ most successful scorer was Sebastian Frimmel from the top Hungarian club Pick Szeged with six goals.
Drama against Iceland – Serbia gives up victory
The eternal secret favorite Iceland with numerous Bundesliga legionnaires saved a 27:27 (11:10) against Serbia in Munich, and was even previously behind with 24:27. A Serbian loss of the ball, after two goals, ensured that the equalizer was achieved shortly before the final siren, which caused great celebration among the 3,500 Icelandic fans who had traveled with them.
Previously it was a game of missed chances on both sides, especially in the first half the goalkeepers were particularly outstanding, both teams only hit 48 percent of their shots (despite some of the best opportunities).
In the late game of Group C, Hungary narrowly won against Montenegro with 26:24 (14:14).