Croatia defeated Belarus 33-24 in what was undoubtedly the most lopsided round of 16 match from this year’s World Championships. Croatia led from the start and their reserves played for about 3/4 of the match as Ivan Čupić, Mirko Alilović, Marko Kopljar, Domagoj Duvnjak, and other key players saw little time played very little. Croatia were without Manuel Štrlek who broke his hand against Spain, and once again, Blazenko Lacković.
The Cowboys managed to quickly pull away to a 5-2 lead thanks to some good counterattacks and powerplay goals. Although Belarus was playing well in open play, they could not cope early on with the quickness of the Croatian attacks and gave away easy goals as the lead increased to 10-4 15 minutes in. By the time the game gad reached 20 minutes, Slavko Goluza was already giving the starters a break and allowing the benchwarmers to get a chance. The Cowboys led 21-9 at halftime as they showed why they’re undefeated and medal favorites.
The second half was a walk in the park for Croatia. The defense dropped off and lost their intensity as Belarus was able to keep pace with Croatia’s reserves but never came near to closing the deficit. Luka Stepančić led the team with six goals, Ivan Ninčević scored five, and Ivan Čupić scored four in just 14 minutes of playing time. Drago Vuković was named player of the game with two goals and six assists. Alilović had another impressive outing, posting a 48% save percentage. Filip Ivić, who played most of the second half, put up a 28% save percentage.
Quotes
Slavko Goluza: “It was our goal to get a lead as early as possible to have the opportunity to rest some players in our first line-up. And we clearly reached this goal.
– I was angry at the end. The younger players were not listening to me. I told them to stand closer to the goal and shoot, they would not listen. But no matter what, they will be good and ready against the French if needed.
– Against the Frenchman will play even better. I can not wait for that game. We all know how important it is. Do not worry, we respect the French team. We’ll come in with a smile to the match, we will fight and give more than 100%. I am confident in my players. We have a tremendous motive.”
Drago Vuković: “I am a little bit sorry that we beat Belarus so greatly especially for my friend Siarhei Rutenka, who I’ve known for a long time. Now we have a tough match against France ahead. We are not afraid, and intend to win.”
Croatia will take on fellow handball powerhouses France on Wednesday at 3:30 PM ET in the quarterfinals. For the first time this tournament, revenge will be on the minds of the Croats, rather than their opponents. France, who are the reigning World Champions, knocked Croatia out of the 2012 Olympics and beat them in the finals of the 2009 World Championships and the finals of the 2010 European Championships. France beat Iceland 30-28 in their round of 16 match.
In a perfect world radosevic would have stayed for another two years and then you sell him for double the price. But we all know the current situation of hajduk and how they need money to fund this sinking ship.
Did Hajduk even get 3 mill for Radosevic? It’s pretty well known that I am no Hajduk fan (to say the least), but I am a little dissapointed to see him leave the league. I mean, good for him getting off that sinking ship, but I would have liked to see him develop a little longer and try to help to keep the league as competitive as possible. But, I certainly don’t blame him, and Hajduk needed the quick cash.
Radosevic move definitely the most exciting move so far. Will be exciting to see him and Badelj compete for the DM spot for the next few years
@Zach
Callelo tweeted thank God I’m joining a new team. Just shows how much he hated Dinamo, and how bad things are there.
Pranjic signing isn’t too big for me. Saw that he left, but didn’t really think it newsworthy since he’s in the twilight of his career. Hopefully the guy earns a nice paycheck and does something good for the club, but we won’t be seeing much more of him.
@Zach
Fair enough.
Lets keep the gun culture exactly the way it is!
Seems to be working great…
Also, Radosevic to Napoli seems all but done and Callelo has been sold to Siena
And the 1st amendment was written before the internet so I guess we should scrap that one too
People tend to forget that when the 2nd amendment was written people we’re using single shot muskets, and not automatic rifles. I think the times have-a-changed…
Celta Vigo complete loan signing of Pranjic
The Croatia midfielder joins the Liga outfit on a six-month deal from Sporting, with an option to make the move permanent in the summer.
@Charlie
I can see what you are trying to say, and you are correct. How you are saying it though, doesn’t help.
@Ante B
Big deal, 2nd amendment then, point still stands but you side stepped the issue as good as the US government does, they taught you well!
How many more children must die at school? Obviously you think that is fine as you don’t think gun laws are a problem. USA is a joke.
The worst hangover i had was when i drank 10 liter of beer all chugged ever glass chugged, 10 shoots of travarica, that was great, when i was 16 i drank a bottle of rum those were the days i wish i had a time machine
It’s as fun but the recovery time takes double now. When I was 21, I wasn’t hungover. At 31, I summon all the saints and priests to help me rid me of one.
Never too young to drink i started at age 12 my first pijanstvo it was great! from age 13-21 after that its not as fun you just drink
We definitely partied like we did 10-15 years back. Me and Fisto went to the garaza and killed two ribeye steaks with some sides and talked till 5 a.m.
I was hurting the next day but the hangover was well worth it.
What the fuck was that?!?
Jeboteeeeeee!!!
Uzas!!!!
Classic.
Best part after we killed the bottle, we wanted more shots.
“Sorry guys no more Courvouiser.”
“A u picku materinu kaj imas?”
“Disarono”
…five second stare, questioning look and nod of confirmation…
AJMO! Two shots!
Bljugavelaaaaaa hahahha
If americans like guns violence send them to iraq or whatever country they just deside to invade and let them kill dumbasses
Ante B – Pass the Courvoisier!
i Hope im wrong we will be in it in the first half we will lead by 2 goals and france will comeback in second half beacuse Mirko will be bad and our shooters will not score i hope i am wrong or the ref will help france, idemo nasi lets change the french domination
Charlie,
Looks like hukt on fonix wurkt for u. Speaks a lot about where you come from as the 1st is about free speech. You’re thinking about the 2nd Amendment you instigating fucktard. Again, if your only purpose is to comment for commenting sake then get things accurate.
At least three people – including the shooter – were shot at a Texas college, US media reports say
Again!!!!!!!!!!! But Americans still think gun laws arent the problem.
Dumbest country ever.
How can you think the first amendment is good?
@Armada – Loved that.
@ Anonymous
finally
someone has their sarcasm filter properly tuned
@Armada87
you are starting to sound like Ziva 🙂
listen – if you have to use Google Translate, you’re not a big time Hrvat and you should hang your head in shame, go to church and say a prayer or two.
LOL @ Google Translate
Great reporting Zach! Keep up the awesome work!
I get these quotes from the IHF (International Handball Federation) but it seems like that’s what they use. I try to make them make a bit more sense
Congratulations to Croatiansports.com for once again being our #1 ranked visitor.
I’m not and in this instance it’s not about winning. It’s about growing a pair. Oh well, diras govno, vise smrdi
He won nothing.
Ante don’t waste your time with garbage like this.
@Ante,
Why fuel the fire?
Nothing worse than taking the bait, he won.
@Ante
If you know who i am, which city am i in?
How do you know me if I don’t exist
Zach,
That’s not addressed to you.
The worst part is that I know your identity and exactly who you are and it’s so sad that you’re THAT chicken shit to hide behind some bullshit moniker.
I cant decide if I should laugh or be offended…
Why does this website have “EST. 1911” in the background? If this is a reference to Hajduk it makes no sense at all. Not surprising though, trying to be something which you aren’t, just like Americans pretending to be Croatians.
How are your gun laws going? From My Cold, Dead Hands!!!
Cant drink until your 21, but can drive a car and own a gun? What a stupid country.
Wont help a sick person unless they have “health insurance”… land of opportunity? More like land of “every man for himself with or without a gun!”