Frustration ran high after the opening match of the European Handball Championship, where the Spaniards were effectively outplayed by Croatia, 29-39. An unprecedented stat set the tone: Spain’s goalkeepers did not record a save for the first 50 minutes, a detail that underscored defensive and transitional struggles rather than pure misfortune. The result left the team facing an uphill climb as the group phase continued.
With matches looming against Romania and Austria, Spain still hoped to advance, but their path depended on going through the remainder of the group and relying on outcomes elsewhere. The prospect of earning a semi-final berth depended on key results, including potential deviations from earlier expectations against stronger teams like France, Germany, Iceland, or Serbia. The narrative on the court emphasized resilience and a need to reset quickly with the tournament far from decided.
Spain entered the game with a shaky defensive setup. The opening minutes exposed a vulnerability against close-range six-meter shots, especially during the early Balkan exchanges. Goalkeepers Gonzalo Pérez de Vargas and Sergey Hernández faced relentless pressure, unable to alter the momentum built by Croatia’s attacking pace. The defense, initially porous, faced sustained testing as the Croatians capitalized on quick transitions and varied shooting angles.
⚔️The competition unfolds, and the European Championship begins for the Spanish national team #HispanosRTVE @RFEBalonmano
Early in the match, responses from the Spanish side were mixed, with forwards and backs exchanging chances as the tempo fluctuated. A moment of intensity came from the coaching staff as the team sought to recalibrate the defense and attack balance, aiming to disrupt Croatia’s rhythm and find a steadier offensive flow. The squad’s early setback was a clear signal that adjustments would be necessary to stay competitive against the field.
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Further complications emerged as Iñaki Peciña was forced off after four minutes, followed by another defensive specialist, Miguel Sánchez-Migallón, who appeared to be dealing with the emotional weight of the moment. Questions arose about possible lineup adjustments and who would step in to stabilize the back line or provide fresh energy in attack as the game progressed. The staff faced the challenge of balancing experience with opportunities for emerging players to contribute against a formidable opponent.
The start saw a sequence of goals for Croatia and a period of heavy attacking pressure from Spain, producing the first significant separation in the score around the fifth minute (1-4). By the 13th minute, the scoreline stood at 5-10, and Coach Ribera responded by widening the attack with seven players on the court in an attempt to generate sharper cutting actions and quick ball movement to destabilize the Croatians.
♂️Heroes wanted Candidates: #HispanosRTVE
The Spanish squad remained determined with 25 minutes left to play, seeking a turnaround that would demonstrate their resilience and team depth. The broadcasted moments showed the players pressing forward with renewed intention, hoping for a breakthrough to narrow the gap and sustain a competitive contest.
Offensively, Spain found some improvement as Imanol Garciandia crafted a sequence of three goals in a row, cutting into the Croatian lead and signaling the potential for momentum. The influence of senior players like Joan Cañellas became more evident, contributing crucial plays as the team aimed to rejoin the balance on the scoreboard.
Despite these positives, the defense continued to leak, and Spain faced two penalties, with the second penalty for an invasion by Ángel Fernández proving costly. The late second-quarter moment came when Tin Lucin capitalized on a late sprint to secure the last attack of the half, leaving the score at 14-18. The team faced a harsh question: would a tighter defensive approach, perhaps a 5-1 formation with Kauldi Odriozola pressing higher, be the key to reclaiming lost ground?
Spain returned from the break without a goalkeeper and pressed to intensify their attacking tempo, but the changes did not immediately translate into sustained success. A pivot-based approach, featuring Dani Dujshebaev and Abel Serdio, offered pockets of hope, yet the attack remained inconsistent, and a series of rushed possessions culminated in an increasing deficit. By the 34th minute, a timeout from Ribera underscored the urgency to halt Croatia’s momentum and refocus the game plan.
29-39 | The Spanish team faced a substantial margin as the clock ran down at the SAP Arena in Mannheim, a venue that hosted intense Group B action on the opening day of the European Championship. Croatia controlled play for long stretches, repeatedly finding answers to Spain’s attempts to disrupt their rhythm. The collective effort from the Croatian defense and attack ultimately frustrated the Spanish game plan, despite moments of individual brilliance from players like Cindric, who executed with precision against varied Spanish defensive looks.
In the end, the scoreboard told the full story: 29-39. The match left the team with ample room for reflection and a clear mandate to recover quickly and refocus on upcoming fixtures, including preparations for a clash with Romania. The result reinforced the reality that every position matters in this format, and the road to a potential second-stage tie would require disciplined defense, faster transitions, and smarter shot selection in future outings.
The data sheet reflected Croatia’s efficiency across the board. Spain’s Pérez de Vargas led the goalkeeper duties, supported by a lineup that included Aleix Gómez, Maqueda, Casado, Dani Dujshebaev, Ángel Fernández, and Figueras in the starting group, with Garciandia, Serdio, Cañellas, Tarrafeta, and Odriozola contributing throughout. Croatia countered with Ivic in goal and a fortified rotation that included Sostaric, Martinovic, Nacinovic, Srna, Jelinic, and Cindric among others, supported by Lucin and Glavas as pivotal contributors. The first-half adjustments and second-half persistence highlighted the contest as a battle of depth and stamina, a reminder of the high level in European handball.
Referees: Horacek and Novotny (CZE). Peciña received a two-minute suspension early for Spain; Duvnjak and Lucin were cautioned for Croatia. The match was played in front of a large crowd and showcased the intensity of top-level handball as Group B kicked off in earnest.
Events: The match coincided with the first day of Group B of the European Championship, and the SAP Arena in Mannheim bore witness to a high-stakes evening of handball with the Spanish side seeking a strong start and Croatia asserting their control over the contest. The result would influence momentum and strategy for the remaining group stage games as teams prepared for the next rounds.