Serbia failed to beat Croatia in the third round of Group C and finally qualify for the last eight of Europe. Croatia won 10:8 (2:2, 3:4, 3:0, 2:1, 2:2).
It was a replica of the match from two years ago at the European Championship in the Netherlands. Back then, Serbia led 6:4 after two quarters, and in the end, Croatia won 11:8. Now it was identical. After a better game, in which they also had a two-goal advantage, Serbia led 6:5 at halftime (it was also 6:4).
After a long break, the game stopped in attack. Croatia was more specific, especially Jelena Butić. The opponent’s series was long. Six balls ended up in Travarova’s net.
Only after 16 minutes did Nada Mandić score, reducing the score to 10:7, another goal was scored by captain Jelena Vuković, but there was no time for a turnaround. Mistake after mistake in attack, a lapse in defense, and a lackluster play in the second half were punished with defeat.
Serbia will continue the competition in Group G with three points against Turkey. The remaining two teams are Slovakia, which Serbia plays today at 1 p.m., and Germany.
Serbia – Croatia 8:10 (2:2, 4:3, 0:3, 2:2)
Serbia: Travar, Zelic, Milicevic 2, Sarac, Radonjic, Ilic 1, Mandic 1, Diaz Mesa 1, Vukovic 2, E. Cuk, Lukic, Dulic, M. Cuk 1, Ratkovic.
Croatia: Troyan, Stipanov, Pesic, J.Butic 4, M.Butic 1, Glas 2, Medic 1, Jankovic, Rozic 1, Barisic, Kangler, Frketic, Lulic, Eterovic 1.
