Spotlight: Croatia
Road to Egypt 2021: Croatia booked their place in the 27th Men’s Handball World Championship after coming second at the Men’s EHF EURO 2020.
History: Croatia have made 13 participations in the World Championship, and claimed the title in 2003.
Coach: Lino Červar
Squad List: TBD
Nickname: Vatreni
Croatia have had a great impact on the international stage, winning two Olympic gold medals and one World Championship, but have yet to clinch a European title.
Croatia won their first Olympic gold in Atlanta 1996.
Croatia also won the title of the 2003 World Championship after beating heavyweights Germany.
Croatia have made it to the World Championship 13 times since their first appearance in 1995.
Despite winning gold at the 1996 Olympics, Croatia suffered from a generational gap as more talented players in the squad retired, leading to their elimination a year later from the World Championship in Japan, losing to Spain 31-25 and finishing the tournament in 13th place.
In the 1999 World Championship, hosted by Egypt, Croatia came 10th after losing to Yugoslavia 30-23.
Ahead of Egypt 2021, however, Croatia have made a strong showing and booked their place after coming second at the EHF EURO 2020.
Photo Credit: EHF