Metlicic: Semis Are A Dream Come True For Croatia

Before, we got to the semis with blood on our knees, but now we can even get some rest, because we are maturer than ever, Metlicic said.

The Slovak Republic and passing through to the semi-finals are behind Croatian handball players and they can get some rest now, which will last four days, despite the match with France, because the encounter with the golden Beijing team has no significance when it comes to the result. The important thing is for the players to get some rest.

- As I said, I`m pleased. This generation has passed through to the eighth finish and the success level is such that the heirs will have a tough time out-topping these results or at least repeating them. We have fulfilled our primary goal, but we know what we want and we won`t stop. The players are tired, but this is why we will give a shot to the players who have played less, so that the ones who played more can get some rest – Croatia coach Lino Cervar said, pointing out the team would not surely go for defeat, because they have never done that.

The selector presented another interesting angle of the spectacle in Croatia, which is here thanks to the excellent handball players he has been heading since 2003, when they were world champions.

- I`m glad to see parents with small children at matches, as well as fair, decent cheering. This generation has offered another option – Lino looked back on incidents seen at football matches, which never happen in handball.

Captain Petar Metlicic was very pleased, who was most delighted with the fact that the team no longer has to worry about passing through to the semi-finals until the very last second.

- Before, we got to the semis with blood on our knees, but now we can even get some rest. The reason is that we are maturer than ever, I have never seen us like this. We crushed all our rivals, apart from Korea, and the result was never questioned - Metlicic pointed out.

Nobody is interested in the match with France

This is his dream, just like everyone`s and despite Ivano Balic often not being available, the team plays great, wins easily and creates opportunities.

- Some said that we only have one player and everything revolves around him, but we wouldn`t have won anything if that were true. I think everyone is convinced of this at this championship – Lino Cervar explained.

The selector did not forget to mention the supreme player “everything revolves around”. Ivano Balic injured himself, but according to Cervar, he will be ready for the semi-final match, just like all other players who are troubled with problems, the biggest one being the flu, because they are all coughing and sniffling.

Now, Croatia is in for the match with the French.

- I would love it if we paid them back for the two defeats in Beijing, but if you ask me, I would like us to crush them in the finals, I`d sign for that right away – captain Metlicic emphasised.

Lino Cervar did not make such prognosis, he just said it was impressive the way the French dominate with strength, thus crushing the rivals. He sees their outer line as their biggest threat, which is constantly rotated, is very patient and persistent in the attack. Whatever the case may be, the match on Tuesday will not really reveal anything special.