Swedes Fell In Love With Split Climate And Girls

I`m sorry we are leaving Split, everything suited me here. We`ve had a beautiful week, said Jonas Larholm, who scored 7 goals for Sweden.

SPLIT, CROATIA – This has become more than sports, these are big kids who have something unique, and this is the humbleness of winners. This is why people adore and love us so much – selector of the Croatian handball team Lino Cervar told a press conference in Split.

- We expected such a difficult match, because we had a life and death clash with the Spaniards last night, and the Swedes played with Kuwait. In the second half, we turned out defence around, switched to 5-1 and the Swedes lost their concentration because of it. I point out that the 19 th goal was scored by debutant Josip Gojun, after he got the ball on his own Many doubted him and doubted my choice – Cervar said, adding the Swedes were an exceptionally potent team.

- The Swedes have a tough young team which will surely have great successes of their coaches` generation. The Swedes will be tough to beat in Zagreb as well – he added.

In the end, Lino Cervar thanked the audience, the city of Split and the reporters.

- If we win something, and I believe we will, then we will owe a large part of it to Split. Everything was perfect here, from the atmosphere in the hotel, the sports hall, at matches, we did not want for anything and we were much aided by the reporters, who wrote only positive things. I hope this will continue in Zagreb – Cervar concluded.

Swedes regret to be leaving Split

Swedish coach Ola Lindgren congratulated Croatia on the deserved win.

- It was a tough and competitive match and Croatia deserved to win. We did too many mistakes in the attack, which the Croats punished with fast counter-attacks. We are a bit disappointed because of the defeat, but we are a young team whose time will come. We had a very beautiful week in Split and I hope it will be the same in Zagreb - Lindgren said.

- Our concentration dropped in the second part, to be precise we lost our bearings for five minutes, and this was enough for a team like Croatia to create a difference and win. It`s a shame, because we had the opportunity to win, despite the supporters and Croatia. I`m sorry we are leaving Split, everything suited me here, from the climate, the women, food to the cheering - said Jonas Larholm, who scored seven goals for the Swedes.

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

PHOTO: Croatia Enters Second Round Undefeated