JOENKOEPING, Sweden – Egypt shocked Croatia 31-22 at the start of the World Handball Championship, improving their head-to-head record against the European side. Roberto Parrondo’s team celebrated their first-ever win over Croatia, whose last defeat at the opening match was against Portugal 2003.
The two heavyweights clash in Group G, which also includes Morocco and the USA, witnessed the Pharaohs strolled to a three-goal lead after seven minutes courtesy of Karim Hendawy and his two saves. Croatia were struggling in the attack, not being able to score for the full five minutes.
During the time, Ali Zein was completely unstoppable for Croatia’s 6-0 defence. Experienced left back netted 60 per cent of all Egypt’s goals and, after a fast break goal in the 15th minute, set the 9-4 lead.
Egypt retained their advantage as Croatia kept going with one-on-one misses and turnovers. The latter was reflected in shot efficiency. The Croats were almost 20 per cent less effective than their opponents, whose shot efficiency was 79 per cent.
After a time-out, Croatia’s head coach Hrvoje Horvat tried to shake things up with the new goalkeeper, Dominik Kuzmanovic, and Marin Sipicc and Luka Sebetic in the attack.
Whatever side they chose, Croatia’s idea fizzled, and Egypt kept on delivering nice shots. The biggest difference was by six goals (11-5), and Croatia started to slowly wake up near the end of the first half producing 12-16 before the break.
Croatia was determined to turn the tide following Marin Sipic’s goal, but he was stooped in the next attack, not being able to close the gap to two. New hope for Croatia emerged when young Dominik Kuzmanovic saved Mohammad Sanad’s penalty shot, but the new turnover saw Egypt back in front by five.
Egypt completely imposed their rhythm, which did not suit Croatia, who appeared tired and faltered. The gap grew and grew as we were going toward the last ten minutes of the match, and Egypt eventually took an eight-goal lead through Egypt and Veszprem star Yehia Elderaa.
As the final whistle was approaching, Egypt saw every player from the squad on the court, including talented left back Hassan Kaddah who scored for 30-21. Around 4,000 Croatian fans left the Husqvarna Garden disappointed.
This is one of the toughest defeats of Croatia at the World Championship or EHF EURO, and they need to recover for the next match against the United States of America. Egypt, on the other hand, boosted with confidence, will take on Morocco.
“Our defence was not good from the start. Egypt was being able to score way too easily, and without the defence, we didn’t have goalkeepers either,” said head coach Hrvoje Horvat.
“When a team like Egypt make a break, it is hard to make a comeback. As a consequence, the attack became nervous and could not score something they usually score,” added Horvat for RTL television right after the match.
