In seven previous appearances at the IHF Men’s Junior World Championship, Croatia have only finished as high as fourth and that record was equalled this evening as a quarter-final victory over the Tunisian side, who have impressed many, put Davor Dominikovic’s side in the semi-finals.

QUARTER-FINALS
Tunisia vs Croatia 24:27 (9:13)
Pavillon Municipal de Deportes de Pontevedra

Mohamed Ali Sghir calmed his players down in the tunnel after their win against Sweden in the eighth-finals yesterday as wild celebrations had taken place on court following their last 16 win, as he knew that less than 24 hours later there would be an even tougher test and so it was proved as he side led briefly towards the 20 minute-mark before Croatia bounced back to take what was a comfortable victory in the end.

From the 21st minute the Croatians pulled back level after Tunisia had held the upper hand by one or two goals for the opening period and from that point on they never were caught again, even opening up a six-goal lead just after the half-time break in which they went in four ahead (13:9) – halting Tunisia’s scoring for the last 10 minutes, with the North African side managing just two goals.

Led by eventual best player of the match Ivan Martinovic (9 goals from 13 strikes) and youngster Fran Mileta (5/8) – who will be joining the U19 team in North Macedonia next month for the 2019 IHF Youth Men’s World Championship – Croatia were again in the driving seat with goalkeeper Ivan Eres picking up any slack at the back (9 saves).

Tunisia did fight all the way to the end though, coming within two in the 54th minute (24:22), but Halil Jaganjac ensured that was as close as they would get with two strikes to make it a four-goal difference (26:22) in the last five minutes, despite the attentions of Tunisia's Ahmed Bannour, who ended with nine strikes. 

“I would like to congratulate the boys first on keeping calm,” said Dominikovic to the Croatian Handball Federation website after the match as they prepare to Portugal in the semi-final on Saturday.

“As far as Portugal is concerned, I will repeat what I have said before, and for me and before the championship, they were the number one favourite.”

Best Player of the Match: Ivan Martinovic (CRO)