Croatia`s Captain: We Won`t Miss This Opportunity

We were crushing the Sweds from the word go, but we crushed them in the second half, said Croatia`s best scorer Ivan Cupic.

SPLIT, CROATIA –

- We did a great job, exactly what we wanted and this is to take four points to the second round – said Petar Metlicic, captain of the Croatian handball team after defeating Sweden 30-26.

“Victory is absolutely deserved”

- We expected the Swedes to be far tougher rivals than the Spaniards. Now, we are a step away from the semi-finals and we won`t miss this opportunity. I only wish the fans cheer us on the same way in Zagreb, and then we can go far – Metlicic said.

Again, Ivan Cupic was the most efficient player of the match with eight goals.

- The primary goal has been fulfilled – we take four maximum points into the second round. We played well, we fought and we want to secure the semi-finals of the World Championship on Saturday against the Hungarians. We were crushing the Swedes from the word go, but we crushed them in the second half. We absolutely deserved to win – Cupic said.

- A difficult match, much harder than the one against Spain. Although it was equal during the entire first half, we controlled the match. The Swedes are a very good team and they might be a surprise in Zagreb. We are moving on with four points, we have a great situation and are going for the semi-finals during the weekend – Venio Losert said.

- We exhausted ourselves emotionally more than physically, because this was the second exceptionally difficult match in two days. The Swedes have much more discipline and are younger than the Spaniards, they really are tough rivals. The most important thing is that we are taking four points and that this incredible Split audience is pleased with our performance. This  kind of atmosphere will be hard to experience ever again – said goalkeeper Mirko Alilovic, who caught 12 balls.

Debutant Jakov Gojun scored his first goals for the team during this match.

- I`m delighted, because of my goals and the game and because of this fantastic atmosphere. I hope they will continue cheering us on like this in Zagreb. With such an audience, I cannot see anyone beating us – tall Split man Jakov Gojun said.

PHOTO: Croatia Enters Second Round Undefeated