EHF EURO 2018, Day 3: Sweden too strong for Serbia, Croatia cruise past Iceland

Luka Cindric

It was another exciting day in Croatia, as the European Championship reached its third day. Action continued in Group A, as well as in Group B in Porec.

Group A (Split): Serbia - Sweden 25:30 (10:16)It was quite a similar match to the one between Croatia and Sweden. Sweden took control early in the match, scoring goals at a rapid pace which resulted in a large lead at half time. Serbia played better in the second half, but it was not enough. In the end Sweden got a deserved victory. Lagergren scored 5 goals, but it was Appelgren getting the man of the match award recording 19 saves. Ilic had 5 goals for Serbia and goalkeeper Cupara had a much better game with 16 stops. SEHA players Marsenic, Markovic and Djordjic contributed with 2 goals each. Serbia now has 2 defeats in the first two matches, and it could be hard for them to find a way to the next round.

 

Group A (Split): Iceland - Croatia 22:29 (13:14)Despite losing Domagoj Duvnjak in the previous match, Croatia looked as good as they did against Serbia. Tough defense, smart solutions in offense in the second half allowed them to record another great win. Stevanovic replaced Alilovic in goal in the second half and looked terrific with 7 saves. Vardar's Luka Cindric was the best player with 7 goals and 4 assists. His fellow teammate Karacic added 4 and so did Strlek, Mamic and Stepancic. The hosts have now secured a place in the next round and are going to play Sweden in the final match of the group stage.

 

Group B (Porec): Norway - Belarus 33:28 (15:12)After recording a narrow loss to France in the first round, Norway were eager to win the match against Belarus. They held a lead for the entire match, commandingly securing 2 points. Sagosen, Bjornsen and Gullerud netted 6 times each and Bergerud recorded 14 saves. Karalek led the Belarusians with 5 goals with Shylovich and Baranau adding 4. Both teams now have 2 points, but Belarus is yet to face France.

 

France easily defeated Austria 33:26, behind N'Guessan's 7 goals. Kristian Pilipovic recorded 8 saves for the losing side.