Spain, the 2022 European runners-up, suffered their heaviest defeat in their history at the men’s European Championship: Croatia 29-39.

Spain lose 10 goals to Croatia at European Men’s Handball Championship

The Croatians led 18-14 at halftime, but Spain’s long-awaited comeback failed to materialize in the second half.

In addition, the Iberians scored 15 goals and conceded 21. The final score, 39-29, drew much criticism in the Iberian press.

The match was held at the SAP Arena in Mannheim, and the referees were the Czechs Horacek and Novotny.

Also in Group B, Romania were beaten 31-24 by Austria in a match that marked the return of the tricolors to the EC after a severe drought of 28 years.

Romania’s next matches are against Spain (Sunday, January 14, 19:00) and Croatia (Tuesday, January 16, 19:00).

The result of the match between Spain and Croatia from the European Men’s Handball Championship

What do the EC men’s handball groups look like?

Group A: France, North Macedonia, Switzerland, Germany

Group B: Spain, Croatia, Austria, Romania

Group C: Hungary, Serbia, Iceland, Montenegro

Group D: Norway, Slovenia, Poland, Faroe Islands

Group E: Sweden, Netherlands, Bosnia, Giorgis

Group F: Denmark, Portugal, Czech Republic, Greece

Know:

• The first two places in each group advance to the main groups.

• Matches in the main groups will take place on January 17-24 in Hamburg and Cologne.

• The first two places from the main groups will advance to the semi-finals (they will be held on January 26).

• The finals (small and large) will be held on January 28 in Cologne.

• Romania last participated in the World Cup in 1996, when they finished the competition in 9th place out of 12 participating teams.

• The title of European champion is Sweden (the title won in 2022).