Croatia did just enough to defeat Portugal, make it five wins out of five, take top spot in preliminary group C and set up a clash against Iceland in the eighth-finals.

GROUP C
Portugal vs Croatia 30:32 (14:16)

Davor Dominikovic’s Croatia not only ended the preliminary stage of Spain 2019 undefeated, but with five wins out of five and 10 points – one of three teams, along with Egypt and Slovenia to have a 100% record after five games.

Croatia are ruthlessly effective – they may not be anywhere near the top-scorers in the 24-team competition or have conceded the fewest goals – but what they have done is enough to win and that is, ultimately, what provides medals around your neck and trophies in the cabinet.

In the end, the much-fancied Portugal could only finish third in group C with three wins out of their five encounters and will face Germany in the eighth-finals, while Croatia entertain Iceland.

The Portuguese led early on in this encounter, but with just under 10 minutes gone the score was level again (5:5) and then Croatia took the lead and did not look back with Josip Sarac eventually grabbing nine goals to end as the top-scorer for his Croatia side – while the prolific Diogo Silva got eight for Portugal, who knew it was not their day when they Goncalo Vieira hit the crossbar with a shot which could have brought his side within one going into the final five minutes. But the miss meant Croatia still led by two (29:27) and the game was just a little bit too out of touch.

“I think Portugal are one of the favourites to win this world championship,” said Dominikovic after the match. “Frade, Silva, Gomes, Vieira etc are the future stars of European handball but defence is the basis of our game.”

Best Player of the Match: Josip Sarac (CRO)