The Sensation: Ready for First World Championship Final in 16 Years

The World Championship audience delivered a party atmosphere in Zagreb. Then Croatia's handball heroes didn't want to be worse – and served up a surprise. They are clear for their first World Championship final in 16 years, after having beaten France with 31–28.

» Published: January 30 2025

The Sensation: Ready for First World Championship Final in 16 Years
Photo: Darko Bandic/AP/TT

Share this article

It was set up for a really exciting semifinal in the men's handball World Championship with Croatia, on home ground, against the giant France.

Then it was the Croatians who took control directly. Everything seemed to go Croatia's way, both forward and backward, while favorite France had to struggle hard. The large home crowd on site had every reason to cheer for Croatia, who could go to halftime leading 18-11.

France came out better in the second half and could narrow the gap a bit, but Croatia managed to hold on in a match that included a lot of chaos, and won 31-28. Thus, they are through to their first World Championship final since 2009.

Now, a trip to Oslo awaits, where both the bronze match and the final will be played on Sunday.

Denmark and Portugal will compete for the other final spot in the semifinal on Friday.

Tags

Author

TTT
By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

More news

Malmö FF Tops Women's League After 3-1 Victory Over Växjö
2 MIN READ

Malmö FF Tops Women's League After 3-1 Victory Over Växjö

Elin Rubensson Pregnant with Second Child, Due March Next Year
1 MIN READ

Elin Rubensson Pregnant with Second Child, Due March Next Year

Alvar Myhlback Wins Men's Alliansloppet Roller Ski Race Amid Chaos
2 MIN READ

Alvar Myhlback Wins Men's Alliansloppet Roller Ski Race Amid Chaos

Swedish Basketball Stars Larsson and Birgander Ready for Decisive Match
1 MIN READ

Swedish Basketball Stars Larsson and Birgander Ready for Decisive Match

Swedish Beach Volleyball Pairs Reach World Championship Quarterfinals
1 MIN READ

Swedish Beach Volleyball Pairs Reach World Championship Quarterfinals

Alexander Isak Nears Liverpool Transfer as New Bid Prepared
2 MIN READ

Alexander Isak Nears Liverpool Transfer as New Bid Prepared

Sagström Shines in Boston, Holds Second Place After LPGA Second Round
1 MIN READ

Sagström Shines in Boston, Holds Second Place After LPGA Second Round

Messi Prepares for Potential Last Home Match with Argentina
2 MIN READ

Messi Prepares for Potential Last Home Match with Argentina

Djokovic Advances to US Open Fourth Round Despite Back Issues
2 MIN READ

Djokovic Advances to US Open Fourth Round Despite Back Issues

Sabalenka Defeats Fernandez in US Open Third Round Rematch
1 MIN READ

Sabalenka Defeats Fernandez in US Open Third Round Rematch

Ben Shelton Exits US Open in Tears Due to Injury
1 MIN READ

Ben Shelton Exits US Open in Tears Due to Injury

Sagström Shines in Boston, Secures Second Place After Two Rounds
1 MIN READ

Sagström Shines in Boston, Secures Second Place After Two Rounds

Brynäs Falls to Kometa Brno in CHL Opener Without Bäckström
1 MIN READ

Brynäs Falls to Kometa Brno in CHL Opener Without Bäckström

Filip Helander Joins BK Häcken on Loan for Swedish Football Return
1 MIN READ

Filip Helander Joins BK Häcken on Loan for Swedish Football Return

Alcaraz Reaches US Open Fourth Round Despite Injury Concerns
1 MIN READ

Alcaraz Reaches US Open Fourth Round Despite Injury Concerns

Tottenham Hotspur Signs Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig
1 MIN READ

Tottenham Hotspur Signs Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig

Swedish Goalkeeper Emma Holmgren Announces Pregnancy
1 MIN READ

Swedish Goalkeeper Emma Holmgren Announces Pregnancy

Sweden Suffers 5-2 Loss to Finland in Euro Hockey Tour
1 MIN READ

Sweden Suffers 5-2 Loss to Finland in Euro Hockey Tour

Sweden Wins Gold and Silver in European Orienteering Championship
1 MIN READ

Sweden Wins Gold and Silver in European Orienteering Championship

Sweden Prepares for Crucial European Championship Match Against UK
3 MIN READ

Sweden Prepares for Crucial European Championship Match Against UK