All charter flights to Krakow sold out, several thousand supporters on their way to Poland
After a miraculous win against Poland on Wednesday, Croatian national handball team will play against Spain on January 29, 2016, for a spot in the finals of the EHF EURO 2016 championship. Supporters are heading to Poland in large numbers, according to various tour agencies, all charter flights to Krakow were sold out in just a few hours while additional buses were added for those wanting to support Croatian team on their way to the finals.
International media praised Croatia’s fantastic game against the home tam Poland, stating that even the biggest optimists did not believe it was possible to beat Poland by 11 goals and secure a spot in the next round. Croatian players celebrated and rested for a day, and now their thoughts are only on tonight’s game against Spain. Even though this is not the first time Croatia made it to the semifinals of the EUF EURO championship, EURO gold medal is the only trophy they’re still missing.
Statistics are in favour of Croatia before their 7th EU Championship semi-final in a row, since so far we have won 14 of 21 games against Spain, including the EHF EURO 2012 maths for third place; Spain has 6 wins while one match ended in a tie. Ahead of tonight’s game, Spain’s Julen Aquinagalde commented on their chances: “Croatian team was in an almost impossible position to get to the semi-final but they are here. I watched the way the beat Poland on their home court so I know it will be very difficult for us”.
Even though no one gave this new, youthful Croatian team much of a chance before the tournament started, now they are fighting for medals, however, they will not have an easy task tonight. Spain only lost against Denmark in the group stage and equalised against Slovenia. Players are optimistic, saying that everything is possible. And we have to say this whole tournament reminds us of the World Championship in Portugal back in 2003 when the team opened the tournament with a shocking defeat by Argentina only to rise to the occasion and win the gold playing against Spain in the finals. Let’s hope the history will repeat itself tonight and again in the finals. Make sure you glue yourself in front of your television sets, the game starts tonight at 9 PM. In the meantime, enjoy the scenes before the big game Croatia – Spain in Spaladium Arena in Split during the World Handball Championship 7 years ago.
Photos by Uros Hocevar, EHF EURO 2016 official website and HRS Facebook
