Marko Barišić: Under Icelandic coach Dagur Sigurðsson, Croatia’s handball team has surged to prominence with dominant victories, including a 12-goal win over Belgium, securing Euro Championship qualification. Fresh from a World Championship silver medal, their resilient, young squad eyes further glory. Explore how Dagur Sigurðsson revitalised tactics and reignited national pride.
The Croatian handball team defeated Belgium last Wednesday in a qualification match for the European Championship, set to take place in the first half of January next year across three Scandinavian nations: Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
A dominant victory and path to the Euros
Though Belgium is not among Europe’s handball elite, those who watched the match couldn’t help but notice Croatia’s formidable performance. Despite fielding a younger squad and missing legends like Domagoj Duvnjak and Igor Karačić, who have retired, the team appeared powerful.
They won by a 12-goal margin, securing their fifth consecutive victory. Only one match against lowly Luxembourg remains to clinch maximum points and top their group. After that, the draw and preparations will follow, aiming to replicate their recent World Championship success, where they claimed silver.
Building a cohesive unit
“They’re grinding down opponents,” remarked one analyst, highlighting the team’s “maximum motivation, even when the result had no bearing on qualification.” This tenacity defines a Croatian side that had faltered in recent years before Icelandic coach Dagur Sigurðsson took charge.
He has forged a resilient team, bridging the gap left by veterans by empowering younger players eager to prove themselves. Captain Ivan Martinović, a Croatian-born Austrian with roots in Jajce, embodies this new leadership. Equally vital is goalkeeper Dominik Kuzmanović from Brckovljana near Zagreb, whose saves have dazzled both Croatia and the global handball community.
A squad of grit and determination
Beyond these stars, a host of players are entering their prime. Though young, they carry maturity and responsibility, epitomised by their World Championship performances in Zagreb. Even in seemingly hopeless moments, they fight relentlessly, summoning strength to clinch dramatic victories.
Sigurðsson, the reserved Nordic tactician, took the helm without grand promises or expectations. Working quietly, he rebuilt the squad’s tactics and strategy. To avoid constant travel, he bought a flat near Zadar, drawn to the sea and sunshine, and from there, sculpted a team that has risen from past struggles to reach the top.
Embracing Croatian culture and winning hearts
He has adopted local customs, regularly visiting a nearby café, gradually blending into Croatian life. Initially, hopes remained tempered as the team found its footing. But when Sigurðsson placed his hand over his heart during the national anthem, mirroring his players, he won over Croatian fans.
Victories followed, each finale more thrilling than the last. The celebration on Zagreb’s Ban Jelačić Square, joined by tens of thousands singing Thompson’s anthem “Ako ne znaš što je bilo”, cemented their status. Local heroes, including Sigurðsson, were feted across their hometowns, with Croatian and Icelandic flags flying side by side in Zadar.
Recognition and repercussions abroad
European media, including Icelandic outlets, covered the frenzy. Croatia, led by their compatriot, had eliminated Iceland from the World Championship, sparking backlash. Months earlier, Sigurðsson had been a candidate for Iceland’s national coach. Their federation spoke with him but never followed up, instead appointing someone else.
After Croatia’s unexpected success, Icelandic frustration over the snub forced their handball association’s leadership to resign. Sigurðsson, characteristically measured, declined to comment.
Quiet preparation for the next challenge
Following a brief post-tournament break in Zadar, Sigurðsson visited family in Iceland before returning to Croatia. He avoids media and social media, focusing on preparations with his staff. Ahead of gatherings, he quietly announces squads, guiding the team match by match.
Healthy competition and legacy in the making
A healthy rivalry thrives within the squad, with at least two players competing for each position—even goalkeeper. Some analysts see potential heirs to Duvnjak’s legacy among this generation.
Regardless of their Euro prospects, Sigurðsson has already achieved what Croatia dreamed of since the era of Ivano Balić: a return to handball’s elite. Notably, they recently toppled France in Zagreb—a rare feat.
A success to remember
As the next major tournament approaches, this Croatian team need not shoulder pressure to repeat past glory. If they play with the same heart and refusal to surrender, as they have done, their legacy is secure.
Already, Sigurðsson’s mighty Croatia has achieved unforgettable success—not just for their silver medal, but for the indomitable spirit that delivered it. A story unlikely to be repeated.
You can follow their progress on their website: Hrvatski rukomet savez