Croatian handball players win at Jarun; women take bronze

Croatian beach handball players celebrated success at a preparatory tournament held at Jarun, ahead of the upcoming World Championship. Both the men's and women's national teams showcased strong performances, securing medals for their country.

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They played an excellent match against the Philippines and won 2-0 in sets.

The Croatian women's team competed for the bronze medal against the Philippines. After a strong start, they dominated the game, winning the first set 20-16 and the second set 23-20 to secure the bronze medal with a 2-0 victory. Lara Miholić was a standout player, scoring 8 goals, with Anja Vida Lukšić adding four.

In the men's competition, the world champions continued their winning streak, facing a strong Iranian team in the final. The match was a showcase of the sport's excitement, with both teams displaying high-level play. Croatia secured the first set 19-14.

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It was great handball, actually a real promotion of beach handball.

Iran fought back in the second set, winning 16-13 to force a shootout. However, the Croatian team demonstrated their championship mettle, with their goalkeepers making crucial saves. Croatia ultimately won the shootout 9-6, clinching the tournament title with a 2-1 overall victory against Iran. Captain Ivan Jurić scored seven goals for Croatia, supported by Ivan Dumenčić and Valentino Valentaković with four goals each.

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Our goalkeepers stopped two Iranian attempts, and the world champions celebrated 9-6, for a total of 2-1.