EHF EURO 2020
First semifinal, Herning, Jyske Bank Boxen
France – Croatia 30 – 19 (15 – 5)
Referees: Christiansen, Hansen (DEN)
Topscorers: Zaadi 4, Nze Minko 4, Lacrabere 4, Niakate 4 (FRA) and Jezic 3, Blazevic 3 (CRO)
7 meters: 5/3; 3/3
Suspensions: 2 minutes; 4 minutes
Croatia looked nervous at the beginning of the match, playing a semifinal is something totally new for them. France made a very good defense with an offensive system and gave no room for Micijevic and the other backplayers. The match seemed to be poor on scorings, 2-2 after 7 minutes, 5-3 after 15 minutes. Croatia had problems scoring, made many mistakes, and missed a lot of clear chances. Leynaud had a good day in the goal, but the Croatian players failed a lot. The first half ended with a ten goal advantage for France favor, 15-5. Flippes, Niakate, Zaadi, and Lacrabere were the main goalscorers for France, meanwhile for Croatia there was nobody to remark.
The second half started with five quick Croatian goals, a relaxed France was led by 4 goals in the second half. After a timeout from Krumbholz the French team mobilized and found the flow again. The match was already decided at this moment, 23-13 and Croatia never managed to recover after the first half fiasco when they gave ten goals advantage for their opponent. Final result: 30 – 19
RSS