The task looked difficult for Croatia, who were playing their second match in less than 24 hours against Hungary. However, after beating Slovenia the day before (25-29), Dagur Sigurdsson's men approached this match with a more relaxed mindset. Playing at 18:00, the runners-up in the last World Championship were buoyed by Slovenia's defeat to Iceland a few hours earlier, as this result guaranteed Croatia a place in the semi-finals of the competition.
However, Mateo Maras and his teammates still had to do the job against an already eliminated Hungary side in order to secure top spot in the group. And the least we can say is that the Magyars pushed Maras – who scored one goal – and his teammates to their limits. Quickly trailing by four goals, the Croatians had to chase the game for long stretches before finally taking the lead fifteen minutes before the end of the match. Mentally strong, Dagur Sigurdsson's men did not let the Hungarians back into the game, securing the victory (27-25) and first place in the group.
Now, another European powerhouse stands in the Croatians' way: Germany, who beat France on the final day of the group stage. The Croatians will have to be at their best if they are to qualify for the final of a major tournament for the second year running.