Like Spain the evening before against Brazil, Croatia had intermediately more problems than expected to finish their eighth-final at Montpellier victoriously. After a very dominant first half, the former World and Olympic champions were extremely shaken, but finally took a 21:19 win. Thus, Tuesday’s dream quarter-final of the Croats vs Spain – the re-match of the 2005 World Championship final – is completed.

Eighth-final: Croatia vs Egypt 21:19 (13:7), Montpellier

The first half was something like a pure lesson for Egypt, like two years ago, when they had lost their eighth-final 16:23 against Germany. The Croats were physically and mentally fitter before the break. After 16 minutes it looked like a complete disaster for the African champions, who were behind by 8:3. Croatia forged ahead to 13:6, mainly because of the five of in total six goals of wing Zlatko Horvat before the break.

Another reason for the initial Croatian dominance was the change of goalkeeper to Ivan Pesic, who had replaced Filip Ivic before the match and who saved 50 percent of all Egyptian shots in the first 30 minutes. And only Egyptian coach Marwan Ragab knows, why he left out his top star Ahmed Elahmar out.

But with him on court and the clear improvement of goalkeeper Hady Shahin, who saved seven straight Croatian shots within eleven minutes, Egypt got the momentum. When somehow the more than 6,266 fans recognised that the underdogs are still in the race or the quarter-final, they were cheering for Egypt.

And the Africans paid back, reducing the gap to only 12:14, even Babic’s time-out did not change the situations immediately. After nearly twelve minutes without a goal – a period as long as in their last preliminary round match against Germany – the Croats netted again, but had lost their rhythm in attack.

But then came the time of Croatian playmaker Luka Cindric: Netting three crucial goals, he was a cornerstone in the victory. Though they lacked energy, Egypt never resigned, but the deal was sealed when the score was 21:16 in the 57th minute.

Best Player of the Match presented by adidas: Luka CINDRIC (CRO)