Croatia pass intense Brazilian test

18 Jul. 2019

Croatia pass intense Brazilian test

South Americans lose tough encounter against European powerhouse despite leading at half-time.

GROUP C
Brazil vs Croatia 29:33 (17:16)

Lucas Santos had made nine saves in the first half for Brazil, with Joao Santos scoring five times, while Ivan Eres in the Croatia goal had made just three in the opening 30 minutes as his side went into the break 17:16 behind.

By the end of the match, Croatia had won 33:29, outscoring their opponents by five in the second period as Eres ended with 12 saves and Santos 13, highlighting the difference in the two halves.

The game had started in a passionately intense atmosphere from both benches and squads with Croatia letting their emotions getting the better of them resulting in two two-minute suspensions within the first four minutes as they struggled against an active 3-2-1 defence from Brazil which, at times, saw two South American defenders on the halfway line as they sought to nullify the European attack before it even crossed over into their territory.

With just over eight minutes on the clock, and with his coaching staff being told to calm down by officials, such was their passion, Croatia coach Davor Dominikovic took a well-needed time out with his side behind by four (6:2).

But, thanks to the attacking flair of Brazil and saves of Santos, plus further ill-discipline from Croatia, who could only score six times in the first quarter, the game was not level until the 19th minute (11:11) as two full-court goals from Croatia, thanks to Brazil opting to take off their goalkeeper at a man down, gave Dominikovic’s team the impetus to push on.

It stayed equal right until the last moments of the half as Marcos Braga missed an opportunity to put his side ahead but Santos saved his side again with a smart stop from Filip Vistorop as yet another Croatia two-minute followed. This time, Braga made sure and with four seconds left his side led and went into the break in front.

Croatia finally pulled ahead for good as eight saves from Eres helped his Croatian side go ahead 23:21 and then with just over 15 minutes remaining his attack went on a 4:0 run (42-47 minutes) to put them ahead 28:23 and seal the points.

Best Player of the Match: Ivan Eres (CRO)