Croatia Stun Hungary with Incredible Comeback to Reach Handball World Cup Semifinals

Croatia produced a stunning late comeback to defeat Hungary 31-30 in the Handball World Cup quarterfinals, advancing to the semifinals in thrilling fashion.

Croatia staged an incredible comeback to defeat Hungary 31-30 in the quarterfinals of the Handball World Cup, securing a semifinal spot in front of a raucous crowd of 18,000 in Zagreb. With less than five minutes remaining, Croatia trailed 29-25, but they managed to turn the tide and snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

Croatia's team was severely depleted due to numerous injury concerns, with key player David Mandic ruled out due to a hand injury. As a result, Marin Jelinic was brought into the side, while coach Dagur Sigurdsson made a surprise decision to leave out Igor Karacic from his match squad. Despite these setbacks, the Croatian team showed remarkable resilience and determination.

𝐀𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐩𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 ⚡️ Croatia 🇭🇷🔥 book their ticket to the semi-finals after eight years, scoring the decisive goal in the dying seconds 🙌#inspiredbyhandball #CRODENNOR2025 pic.twitter.com/p1XTbk6X0d

— International Handball Federation (@ihfhandball) January 28, 2025

The match seemed all but lost for Croatia when they trailed Hungary by four goals with less than five minutes remaining. However, fueled by the energy of the delirious crowd in Zagreb, the Croatians launched a stunning comeback. Despite having three of their key players injured and struggling to play their best handball, Croatia managed to equalize with just one minute left in the game, setting the stage for a thrilling finale.

Hungary had a golden opportunity to seal the win in their final attack, but they squandered it with just eight seconds remaining on the clock. Despite their best efforts, Hungary were unable to find a breakthrough or create a seven-metre opportunity against Croatia's resilient defense.

As the clock ticked down, Hungary's attack began to lose steam, and they were ultimately unable to penetrate Croatia's defense. In a desperate bid to create a scoring chance, Hungary launched a final attack, but it was blocked by the Croatian defense, who were determined to give their captain, Domagoj Duvnjak, a chance to play in another decisive match. Duvnjak, who is playing in his final tournament for Croatia, was instrumental in the team's comeback.

With just 10 seconds left on the clock, Croatian goalkeeper Ivan Pesic scooped up a loose ball and quickly offloaded it to Zvonimir Srna, who initiated a rapid counterattack. Duvnjak, who had re-entered the court, cleverly acted as a decoy, drawing the defense and creating space for Luka Sipic to score the decisive goal. This prompted an eruption of joy on the court, with the entire Croatian delegation rushing onto the court in celebration.

CROATIA WIN IT IN THE LAST SECOND!

Marin Sipic with the buzzer beater to send Croatia to a WC Semifinal! pic.twitter.com/pzWlg61Rkj

— (Un)informed Handball Hour (@HandballHour) January 28, 2025

Thanks to this thrilling victory, Croatia has advanced to the semifinals of the Handball World Cup, where they will face the winner of the quarterfinal clash between France and Egypt. The Croatian team's remarkable comeback and resilience have earned them a spot in the tournament's final four.