Croatia national handball team
Encyclopedia
The Croatian national handball team is a handball
team that represents Croatia
in the international matches and has been playing since the country's independence in the early 1990s. The team is controlled by the Croatian Handball Federation
.
and second at the 1995 World Championship
before eventually winning the gold medal at the 1996 Summer Olympics
.
After these successes they have been going through the time without such good results until they eventually made their comeback by winning the 2003 World Championship
. The new generation was led by Ivano Balić, who is considered to be the best handball player in the world. In 2004 they were fourth at the European Championship
, but won second gold medal at the Summer Olympics
later that year. In the Olympic tournament they didn't lose any single game. After these results it was logical that they were one of the favorites of the 2005 World Championship
, but lost to Spain
in the final match.
In 2006 the team finished fourth at the European Championship
, where they have qualified for the semifinals by winning the group in the main stage, but were subsequently defeated by France
in the semifinals and Denmark
in the third place match.
In 2007 World Men's Handball Championship
held in Germany
Croatia finished 5th despite losing only one game against France
in Quarter Final game. Croatia was seen by many as the team who played best handball in the tournament.
In 2008 European Championship
Croatia won the silver medal losing the final against Denmark
. In the group stage Croatia had many problems with injuries of key players and was heavily defeated by Denmark. In the last game in group stage they played draw with the host Norway
and advanced in the Semi-finals were they defeated France.
In 2009 World Mens Handball Championship held in Croatia, Croatia won the silver medal losing the final against France. Before the final defeat against France, Croatia had won nine games in a row.
, updated on January 12, 2011.
Team handball
Handball is a team sport in which two teams of seven players each pass a ball to throw it into the goal of the other team...
team that represents Croatia
Croatia
Croatia , officially the Republic of Croatia , is a unitary democratic parliamentary republic in Europe at the crossroads of the Mitteleuropa, the Balkans, and the Mediterranean. Its capital and largest city is Zagreb. The country is divided into 20 counties and the city of Zagreb. Croatia covers ...
in the international matches and has been playing since the country's independence in the early 1990s. The team is controlled by the Croatian Handball Federation
Croatian Handball Federation
The Croatian Handball Federation is the governing body of team handball in Croatia. It is based in Zagreb.It organizes the handball leagues:* Croatian First League of Handball* Croatian Second League of Handball...
.
Results at international tournaments
Despite of its relatively short history, the Croatian team has already made some significant results at the international tournaments. During the 1990s they placed third at the 1994 European Championship1994 European Men's Handball Championship
-Final ranking:...
and second at the 1995 World Championship
1995 World Men's Handball Championship
The 1995 World Championship for men in team handball was the 14th World Handball Championship. It was held in Iceland.-Preliminary round:-Group A:-Group B:-Group C:-Group D:-Finals:-Final standings:# # # # # # # # # # # #...
before eventually winning the gold medal at the 1996 Summer Olympics
Handball at the 1996 Summer Olympics
Final results for the Handball competition at the 1996 Summer Olympics.-Medal summary:-References:*...
.
After these successes they have been going through the time without such good results until they eventually made their comeback by winning the 2003 World Championship
2003 World Men's Handball Championship
The 2003 World Men's Handball Championship took place in Portugal from January 20 to February 2, 2003.-Qualified teams:24 teams were qualified for the first round and dispatched into 4 groups.Group A : , , , , , .Group B : , , , , , ....
. The new generation was led by Ivano Balić, who is considered to be the best handball player in the world. In 2004 they were fourth at the European Championship
2004 European Men's Handball Championship
The 2004 Men's European Handball Championship took place from January 22 to February 1, 2004 in Slovenia.- Group A :This group was played out in Velenje.--------- Group B :This group was played out in Ljubljana.- Group C :...
, but won second gold medal at the Summer Olympics
Handball at the 2004 Summer Olympics
Handball at the 2004 Summer Olympics had a men's and a women's team competitions with the preliminary rounds taking place in the Sports Pavilion at the Faliro Coastal Zone Olympic Complex...
later that year. In the Olympic tournament they didn't lose any single game. After these results it was logical that they were one of the favorites of the 2005 World Championship
2005 World Men's Handball Championship
The 2005 World Championship for men in team handball was played in Tunisia between January 23 and February 6, 2005.The winner of the gold medal was Spain, Croatia took silver and France won the bronze.-Group A :-Group B :...
, but lost to Spain
Spain national handball team
The Spain national handball team is the national handball team of Spain and is controlled by the Spain Handball Federation.-2008 Olympic squad:*1 José Javier Hombrados – BM Ciudad Real*2 Alberto Entrerríos – BM Ciudad Real...
in the final match.
In 2006 the team finished fourth at the European Championship
2006 European Men's Handball Championship
The 2006 EHF European Men's Handball Championship was held in Switzerland from 26 January–5 February, in the cities of Basel, Berne, Lucerne, St. Gallen and Zürich. France won the tournament, going through unbeaten after an early defeat to Spain...
, where they have qualified for the semifinals by winning the group in the main stage, but were subsequently defeated by France
France national handball team
France national handball team is the handball team, supervised by the French Handball Federation, that represents France in the international matches....
in the semifinals and Denmark
Denmark national handball team
The Denmark national handball team is the national handball team of Denmark. Controlled by the Danish Handball Association it represents Denmark in international matches....
in the third place match.
In 2007 World Men's Handball Championship
2007 World Men's Handball Championship
The 20th World Men's Handball Championship took place from January 19 to February 4, 2007 in Germany. 24 national teams played in 12 German cities.The tournament was won by Germany.-Stadiums:...
held in Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
Croatia finished 5th despite losing only one game against France
France national handball team
France national handball team is the handball team, supervised by the French Handball Federation, that represents France in the international matches....
in Quarter Final game. Croatia was seen by many as the team who played best handball in the tournament.
In 2008 European Championship
2008 European Men's Handball Championship
The 2008 EHF European Men's Handball Championship was held in Norway from 17–27 January, in the cities of Bergen, Drammen, Lillehammer, Stavanger and Trondheim. Denmark won the tournament with Croatia second and France third....
Croatia won the silver medal losing the final against Denmark
Denmark national handball team
The Denmark national handball team is the national handball team of Denmark. Controlled by the Danish Handball Association it represents Denmark in international matches....
. In the group stage Croatia had many problems with injuries of key players and was heavily defeated by Denmark. In the last game in group stage they played draw with the host Norway
Norway national handball team
The Norway national handball team is the national handball team of Norway. Controlled by the Norwegian Handball Federation it represents Norway in international matches.- Current squad :...
and advanced in the Semi-finals were they defeated France.
In 2009 World Mens Handball Championship held in Croatia, Croatia won the silver medal losing the final against France. Before the final defeat against France, Croatia had won nine games in a row.
World Championship record
- 19931993 World Men's Handball ChampionshipThe 1993 World Championship for men in team handball was the 13th World Handball Championship. It was held in Sweden.-Teams:- Group A:-Group B:-Group C:-Group D:- Group 1:-Group 2:-3rd / 4th place:* - In Stockholm...
- Did not qualify - 19951995 World Men's Handball ChampionshipThe 1995 World Championship for men in team handball was the 14th World Handball Championship. It was held in Iceland.-Preliminary round:-Group A:-Group B:-Group C:-Group D:-Finals:-Final standings:# # # # # # # # # # # #...
-
2nd place - 19971997 World Men's Handball Championship- Final standings :# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # - External links :*...
- 13th place - 19991999 World Men's Handball ChampionshipThe 1999 World Championship for men in team handball was the 16th edition of the Men's World Handball Championship. It was held in Egypt, from June 2 to June 15, in the cities of Cairo, Ismailia and Port Said.-Preliminary round:In the following tables:...
- 10th place - 20012001 World Men's Handball ChampionshipThe 2001 World Men's Handball Championship took place in France from January 23 to February 4, 2001.-Qualified teams:24 teams were qualified for the first round and dispatched into 4 groups.Group A : , , , , , .Group B : , , , , ,...
- 9th place - 20032003 World Men's Handball ChampionshipThe 2003 World Men's Handball Championship took place in Portugal from January 20 to February 2, 2003.-Qualified teams:24 teams were qualified for the first round and dispatched into 4 groups.Group A : , , , , , .Group B : , , , , , ....
-
Champion - 20052005 World Men's Handball ChampionshipThe 2005 World Championship for men in team handball was played in Tunisia between January 23 and February 6, 2005.The winner of the gold medal was Spain, Croatia took silver and France won the bronze.-Group A :-Group B :...
- 2nd place - 20072007 World Men's Handball ChampionshipThe 20th World Men's Handball Championship took place from January 19 to February 4, 2007 in Germany. 24 national teams played in 12 German cities.The tournament was won by Germany.-Stadiums:...
- 5th place - 20092009 World Men's Handball ChampionshipThe 2009 World Men's Handball Championship took place in Croatia from 16 January–1 February, in the cities of Split, Zadar, Osijek, Varaždin, Poreč, Zagreb and Pula. Croatia was selected from a group of four potential hosts which included the Czech Republic, Greece and Romania.The opening game and...
- 2nd place - 20112011 World Men's Handball ChampionshipThe 2011 World Men's Handball Championship, the 22nd event hosted by the International Handball Federation, was held in Sweden from 13–30 January, 2011...
- 5th place
European Championship record
- 19941994 European Men's Handball Championship-Final ranking:...
-
3rd place - 19961996 European Men's Handball Championship-Final ranking:...
- 5th place - 19981998 European Men's Handball ChampionshipThe 1998 EHF European Men's Handball Championship was held in Italy from 29 May–7 June, in the cities of Meran and Bolzano. Sweden won the tournament with Spain second and Germany third.-Teams:-Venues:- Group A :-Group B:...
- 8th place - 20002000 European Men's Handball Championship-Placement Matches:-Final ranking:...
- 6th place - 20022002 European Men's Handball ChampionshipThe 2002 Men's European Handball Championship took place from 25 January to 3 February 2002 in Sweden.-Teams:-Venues:-Preliminary round:The first three of each group reach the main stage...
- 16th place - 20042004 European Men's Handball ChampionshipThe 2004 Men's European Handball Championship took place from January 22 to February 1, 2004 in Slovenia.- Group A :This group was played out in Velenje.--------- Group B :This group was played out in Ljubljana.- Group C :...
- 4th place - 20062006 European Men's Handball ChampionshipThe 2006 EHF European Men's Handball Championship was held in Switzerland from 26 January–5 February, in the cities of Basel, Berne, Lucerne, St. Gallen and Zürich. France won the tournament, going through unbeaten after an early defeat to Spain...
- 4th place - 20082008 European Men's Handball ChampionshipThe 2008 EHF European Men's Handball Championship was held in Norway from 17–27 January, in the cities of Bergen, Drammen, Lillehammer, Stavanger and Trondheim. Denmark won the tournament with Croatia second and France third....
- 2nd place - 20102010 European Men's Handball ChampionshipThe 2010 EHF European Men's Handball Championship was held in Austria from 19–31 January, in the cities of Vienna, Graz, Innsbruck, Linz and Wiener Neustadt.-Venues:...
- 2nd place
Olympics record
- 1992 - Couldn't participate in qualifications
- 1996 - Champion
- 2000 - Did not qualify
- 2004 - Champion
- 2008Handball at the 2008 Summer Olympics – Men's tournament-Group B:All times are China Standard Time ---------------------------------------------------------Medal round:All times are China Standard Time -Quarterfinals:-------------Classification:----...
- 4th place
During Yugoslavia
Until 1991, Croatia participated in Yugoslavian national team:- At the 1972 OlympicsHandball at the 1972 Summer OlympicsHandball at the 1972 Summer Olympics was the second appearance of the sport at the Olympics, returning to the Olympic program after a 36 year absence. It was contested by sixteen teams.The teams were split into four groups of four teams each...
, Yugoslavia won gold, and following Croatian staff participated: players Hrvoje HorvatHrvoje HorvatHrvoje Horvat is a Croatian handball player who competed in the 1972 Summer Olympics and in the 1976 Summer Olympics for SFR Yugoslavia.-International career:...
, Albin VidovićAlbin VidovicAlbin Vidović is a Croatian handball player who competed in the 1972 Summer Olympics.He was part of the Yugoslav team which won the gold medal. He played one match.-External links:* ...
, Zdravko MiljakZdravko MiljakZdravko Miljak is a Croatian handball player who competed for Yugoslavia in the 1972 Summer Olympics and in the 1976 Summer Olympics.He was born in Vinkovci, SR Croatia, Yugoslavia....
, Miroslav PribanićMiroslav PribanicMiroslav Pribanić was a Croatian handball player who competed in the 1972 Summer Olympics.He was part of the Yugoslav team which won the gold medal at the Munich Games...
, Zdenko ZorkoZdenko ZorkoZdenko Zorko is a Croatian former handball player who competed in the 1972 Summer Olympics and in the 1976 Summer Olympics for Yugoslavia.He was born in Zagreb....
, Dobrivoje Selec and coach Vlado Štencl. - At the 1976 OlympicsHandball at the 1976 Summer OlympicsHandball at the 1976 Summer Olympics featured competition for men and women.On July 26, a Croatian nationalist ran onto the field of play during the men's match between SFR Yugoslavia and West Germany and burned the Yugoslav flag.-Medal summary:...
, Yugoslavia was fifth, and following Croatian staff participated: players Hrvoje HorvatHrvoje HorvatHrvoje Horvat is a Croatian handball player who competed in the 1972 Summer Olympics and in the 1976 Summer Olympics for SFR Yugoslavia.-International career:...
, Zdravko MiljakZdravko MiljakZdravko Miljak is a Croatian handball player who competed for Yugoslavia in the 1972 Summer Olympics and in the 1976 Summer Olympics.He was born in Vinkovci, SR Croatia, Yugoslavia....
, Željko NimšŽeljko NimšŽeljko Nimš is a Croatian handball player who competed in the 1976 Summer Olympics for Yugoslavia.In 1976 he was part of the Yugoslav team which finished fifth in the Olympic tournament...
, Zvonimir SerdarušićZvonimir SerdarušicZvonimir "Noka" Serdarušić is a former Bosnian Croat handball player who competed in the 1976 Summer Olympics for Yugoslavia....
, Zdenko ZorkoZdenko ZorkoZdenko Zorko is a Croatian former handball player who competed in the 1972 Summer Olympics and in the 1976 Summer Olympics for Yugoslavia.He was born in Zagreb....
and coach Ivan SnojIvan SnojIvan Snoj was a Croatian team handball coach and international referee, international sports official, journalist and publicist...
. - At the 1980 OlympicsHandball at the 1980 Summer OlympicsHandball at the 1980 Summer Olympics was represented by 2 events - a men's and a women's team competitions. They were held in two venues: in the Sokolniki Sports Palace and in the Dynamo Sports Palace at Khimki-Khovrino...
, Yugoslavia was sixth, and following Croatian staff participated: players Pavle JurinaPavle JurinaPavle "Pavo" Jurina was a former Croatian handball player who competed in the 1980 Summer Olympics and in the 1984 Summer Olympics....
and Stjepan Obran. - At the 1984 OlympicsHandball at the 1984 Summer OlympicsHandball at the 1984 Summer Olympics featured competition for men and women. Due to the USSR-led boycott some strong handball nations from Eastern Bloc did not compete; this gave opportunity to the Yugoslav team to take both gold medals.-Medal summary:...
, Yugoslavia won gold, and following Croatian staff participated: players Mirko BašićMirko BašicMirko Bašić is a former Yugoslav/Croatian handball player who competed in the 1984 Summer Olympics and in the 1988 Summer Olympics....
, Pavle JurinaPavle JurinaPavle "Pavo" Jurina was a former Croatian handball player who competed in the 1980 Summer Olympics and in the 1984 Summer Olympics....
and Zdravko ZovkoZdravko ZovkoZdravko Zovko is a former Croatian handball player who currently serves as the head coach of the Russian club Zvezda Zvenigorod.Zovko competed in the 1984 Summer Olympics, representing Yugoslavia...
. - At the 1988 OlympicsHandball at the 1988 Summer OlympicsFinal results for the Handball competition at the 1988 Summer Olympics.-Group A:-Group B:-5th to 12th places:-Bronze Medal match:-Final:-Team Rosters:...
, Yugoslavia won bronze, and following Croatian staff participated: players Mirko BašićMirko BašicMirko Bašić is a former Yugoslav/Croatian handball player who competed in the 1984 Summer Olympics and in the 1988 Summer Olympics....
, Boris JarakBoris JarakBoris Jarak is a former Yugoslav/Croatian handball player who competed in the 1988 Summer Olympics.In 1988 he was part of the Yugoslav team which won the bronze medal. He played two matches....
, Alvaro NačinovićAlvaro NacinovicAlvaro Načinović is a former Croatian handball player who competed in the 1988 Summer Olympics and in the 1996 Summer Olympics for Yugoslavia and Croatia respectively....
, Goran PerkovacGoran PerkovacGoran Perkovac is a former Croatian handball player who competed in the 1988 Summer Olympics and in the 1996 Summer Olympics for Yugoslavia and Croatia respectively....
, Iztok PucIztok PucIztok Puc was a Slovenian handball player who was one of the world's top players of the 1980s and 1990s. During his career he has played professionally for RK Borac, RK Zagreb, RK Celje and RD Prule 67 and won a total of 18 domestic trophies. He was also a member of the RK Zagreb squad which won...
, Zlatko SaračevićZlatko SaracevicZlatko "Zlatan" Saračević is a Croatian former handball player who competed in the 1988 Summer Olympics for Yugoslavia and in the 1996 Summer Olympics for Croatia.He was born in Banja Luka....
and Irfan SmajlagićIrfan SmajlagicIrfan "Pipe" Smajlagić is a Croatian former handball player who competed in the 1988 Summer Olympics for Yugoslavia and in the 1996 Summer Olympics for Croatia.He was born in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina....
.
As independent Croatia
- At the 1992 OlympicsHandball at the 1992 Summer OlympicsFinal results for the Handball competition at the 1992 Summer Olympics:-Medal summary:-References:*...
, Croatia didn't participate.
- At the 1996 OlympicsHandball at the 1996 Summer OlympicsFinal results for the Handball competition at the 1996 Summer Olympics.-Medal summary:-References:*...
, Croatia won gold.- The team was: Vladimir JelčićVladimir JelcicVladimir Jelčić is a Croatian handball player.He played for the Croatia national handball team at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, where Croatia won the gold medal.-References:...
, Goran PerkovacGoran PerkovacGoran Perkovac is a former Croatian handball player who competed in the 1988 Summer Olympics and in the 1996 Summer Olympics for Yugoslavia and Croatia respectively....
, Irfan SmajlagićIrfan SmajlagicIrfan "Pipe" Smajlagić is a Croatian former handball player who competed in the 1988 Summer Olympics for Yugoslavia and in the 1996 Summer Olympics for Croatia.He was born in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina....
, Božidar JovićBožidar JovicBožidar Jović is a Croatian handball player.He played for the Croatia national handball team at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, where Croatia won the gold medal.-References:...
, Alvaro NačinovićAlvaro NacinovicAlvaro Načinović is a former Croatian handball player who competed in the 1988 Summer Olympics and in the 1996 Summer Olympics for Yugoslavia and Croatia respectively....
, Vladimir Šujster, Bruno GudeljBruno GudeljBruno Gudelj is a Croatian handball player.He played for the Croatia national handball team at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, where Croatia won the gold medal.-References:...
, Nenad Kljajić, Iztok PucIztok PucIztok Puc was a Slovenian handball player who was one of the world's top players of the 1980s and 1990s. During his career he has played professionally for RK Borac, RK Zagreb, RK Celje and RD Prule 67 and won a total of 18 domestic trophies. He was also a member of the RK Zagreb squad which won...
, Zoran MikulićZoran MikulicZoran Mikulić is a Croatian handball player.He played for the Croatia national handball team at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, where Croatia won the gold medal.-References:...
, Patrik ĆavarPatrik CavarPatrik Ćavar is a retired Croatian handball player.He played for the Croatia national handball team at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, where Croatia won the gold medal.As of 2009, Ćavar lives in Miami, Florida....
, Venio Losert, Valner FrankovićValner FrankovicValner Franković is a Croatian handball player.He played for the Croatia national handball team at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, where Croatia won the gold medal.-References:...
, Slavko GolužaSlavko GolužaSlavko Goluža is a retired Croatian team handball player. He is the coach of the Croatia national handball team....
, Valter MatoševićValter MatoševicValter Matošević is a Croatian team handball player at the goalkeeper position. He played for professional teams in Germany, Spain, Denmark:*2005–2007 HSG Wetzlar*2007–2008 Portland San Antonio.*2008–2009 FCK Håndbold...
and Zlatko SaračevićZlatko SaracevicZlatko "Zlatan" Saračević is a Croatian former handball player who competed in the 1988 Summer Olympics for Yugoslavia and in the 1996 Summer Olympics for Croatia.He was born in Banja Luka....
. Coach was Velimir Kljajić.
- The team was: Vladimir Jelčić
- Croatia hasn't qualified for the 2000 OlympicsHandball at the 2000 Summer Olympics-Medal summary:-References:*...
.
- At the 2004 OlympicsHandball at the 2004 Summer OlympicsHandball at the 2004 Summer Olympics had a men's and a women's team competitions with the preliminary rounds taking place in the Sports Pavilion at the Faliro Coastal Zone Olympic Complex...
, Croatia won gold.- The team was: Blaženko LackovićBlaženko LackovicBlaženko Lacković is a Croatian handball player. He is World champion from 2003 with the Croatian national team, and Olympic champion from 2004...
, Venio Losert, Valter MatoševićValter MatoševicValter Matošević is a Croatian team handball player at the goalkeeper position. He played for professional teams in Germany, Spain, Denmark:*2005–2007 HSG Wetzlar*2007–2008 Portland San Antonio.*2008–2009 FCK Håndbold...
, Petar MetličićPetar MetlicicPetar Metličić is a Croatian handball player. He was captain of the Croatian national team which won the gold medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens as well as the 2003 World Handball Championship in Portugal...
, Vlado ŠolaVlado ŠolaVlado Šola is a retired Croatian team handball player. He was born in Prisoje, near Tomislavgrad, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and his family moved to Croatia when he was young....
, Ivano Balić, Davor DominikovićDavor DominikovicDavor Dominiković is a Croatian handball player. He is World champion from 2003 with the Croatian national team, and Olympic champion from 2004. He received a silver medal at the 2005 World championship, and a silver medal at the 2008 European championship.-Club player:Dominiković is currently...
, Mirza DžombaMirza DžombaMirza Džomba is a retired Croatian handball player, World champion and Olympic champion.-Career:Džomba began his career by his hometown club RK Zamet Rijeka, where he stayed until 1996, when he signed to RK Zagreb. He spent five years with the capital team, winning the national championship and...
, Slavko GolužaSlavko GolužaSlavko Goluža is a retired Croatian team handball player. He is the coach of the Croatia national handball team....
, Nikša KalebNikša KalebNikša Kaleb is a Croatian handball player. He is World champion from 2003 with the Croatian national team, and Olympic champion from 2004. He received a silver medal at the 2005 World championship, and a silver medal at the 2008 European championship.-References:...
, Denis ŠpoljarićDenis ŠpoljaricDenis Špoljarić is a Croatian handball player. He is World champion from 2003 with the Croatian national team, and Olympic champion from 2004. He received a silver medal at the 2005 World championship, and a silver medal at the 2008 European championship.-References:...
, Goran ŠpremGoran ŠpremGoran Šprem is a Croatian handball player.Šprem started his professional career with RK Zagreb in the late 1990s. He also spent a season with RK Medveščak Zagreb in 2001 and 2002, before returning to RK Zagreb for a second spell with the club between 2002 and 2004...
, Igor VoriIgor VoriIgor Vori is a Croatian handball player. He is World champion from 2003 with the Croatian national team, and Olympic champion from 2004. He received a silver medal at the 2005 World championship, and a silver medal at the 2008 European championship, where he also was voted Best defensive player...
, Drago VukovićDrago VukovicDrago Vuković , is a Croatian handball player. He is Olympic champion from 2004 with the Croatian national team, and he received a silver medal at the 2008 European championship. He is the twin brother of the soccer player, the goalkeeper of RNK Split, Andrija Vuković.-External links:*...
, Vedran ZrnićVedran ZrnicVedran Zrnić is a Croatian handball player. He is World champion from 2003 with the Croatian national team, and Olympic champion from 2004. He received a silver medal at the 2005 World championship.-References:...
. Coach: Lino ČervarLino CervarLino Červar is a Croatian handball coach who is currently coaching the Macedonian handball team RK Metalurg Skopje and a politician, and former member of the Croatian Parliament.-Career as handball coach:...
, asst. coaches: Irfan SmajlagićIrfan SmajlagicIrfan "Pipe" Smajlagić is a Croatian former handball player who competed in the 1988 Summer Olympics for Yugoslavia and in the 1996 Summer Olympics for Croatia.He was born in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina....
and Zdenko ZorkoZdenko ZorkoZdenko Zorko is a Croatian former handball player who competed in the 1972 Summer Olympics and in the 1976 Summer Olympics for Yugoslavia.He was born in Zagreb....
.
- The team was: Blaženko Lacković
- At the 2008 OlympicsHandball at the 2008 Summer Olympics – Men's tournament-Group B:All times are China Standard Time ---------------------------------------------------------Medal round:All times are China Standard Time -Quarterfinals:-------------Classification:----...
, Croatia placed fourth.
Notable players
- Ivano Balić
- Slavko GolužaSlavko GolužaSlavko Goluža is a retired Croatian team handball player. He is the coach of the Croatia national handball team....
- Vlado ŠolaVlado ŠolaVlado Šola is a retired Croatian team handball player. He was born in Prisoje, near Tomislavgrad, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and his family moved to Croatia when he was young....
- Mirza DžombaMirza DžombaMirza Džomba is a retired Croatian handball player, World champion and Olympic champion.-Career:Džomba began his career by his hometown club RK Zamet Rijeka, where he stayed until 1996, when he signed to RK Zagreb. He spent five years with the capital team, winning the national championship and...
- Petar MetličićPetar MetlicicPetar Metličić is a Croatian handball player. He was captain of the Croatian national team which won the gold medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens as well as the 2003 World Handball Championship in Portugal...
- Valter MatoševićValter MatoševicValter Matošević is a Croatian team handball player at the goalkeeper position. He played for professional teams in Germany, Spain, Denmark:*2005–2007 HSG Wetzlar*2007–2008 Portland San Antonio.*2008–2009 FCK Håndbold...
- Patrik ĆavarPatrik CavarPatrik Ćavar is a retired Croatian handball player.He played for the Croatia national handball team at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, where Croatia won the gold medal.As of 2009, Ćavar lives in Miami, Florida....
- Venio Losert
- Nikša KalebNikša KalebNikša Kaleb is a Croatian handball player. He is World champion from 2003 with the Croatian national team, and Olympic champion from 2004. He received a silver medal at the 2005 World championship, and a silver medal at the 2008 European championship.-References:...
- Igor VoriIgor VoriIgor Vori is a Croatian handball player. He is World champion from 2003 with the Croatian national team, and Olympic champion from 2004. He received a silver medal at the 2005 World championship, and a silver medal at the 2008 European championship, where he also was voted Best defensive player...
- Zlatko SaračevićZlatko SaracevicZlatko "Zlatan" Saračević is a Croatian former handball player who competed in the 1988 Summer Olympics for Yugoslavia and in the 1996 Summer Olympics for Croatia.He was born in Banja Luka....
- Zvonimir Bilić
- Irfan SmajlagićIrfan SmajlagicIrfan "Pipe" Smajlagić is a Croatian former handball player who competed in the 1988 Summer Olympics for Yugoslavia and in the 1996 Summer Olympics for Croatia.He was born in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina....
- Mirko BašićMirko BašicMirko Bašić is a former Yugoslav/Croatian handball player who competed in the 1984 Summer Olympics and in the 1988 Summer Olympics....
Current squad
The roster for 2011 World Men's Handball Championship2011 World Men's Handball Championship
The 2011 World Men's Handball Championship, the 22nd event hosted by the International Handball Federation, was held in Sweden from 13–30 January, 2011...
, updated on January 12, 2011.
| No. | Player | Position | Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marin Šego | Goalkeeper |  Croatia RK ZagrebRK Zagreb RK Zagreb is a team handball club from Zagreb, Croatia. Currently, RK Zagreb competes in the Croatian First League of Handball and the Croatian Handball Cup.... |
| 3 | Marino Marić | Pivot | Croatia RK Zagreb RK Zagreb RK Zagreb is a team handball club from Zagreb, Croatia. Currently, RK Zagreb competes in the Croatian First League of Handball and the Croatian Handball Cup.... |
| 4 | Ivano Balić | Middle Back | Croatia RK Zagreb RK Zagreb RK Zagreb is a team handball club from Zagreb, Croatia. Currently, RK Zagreb competes in the Croatian First League of Handball and the Croatian Handball Cup.... |
| 5 | Domagoj Duvnjak Domagoj Duvnjak Domagoj Duvnjak is a Croatian handball player. He became a member of the Croatia national handball team at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China.... |
Middle Back |  Germany HSV Hamburg |
| 6 | Blaženko Lacković Blaženko Lackovic Blaženko Lacković is a Croatian handball player. He is World champion from 2003 with the Croatian national team, and Olympic champion from 2004... |
Left Back | Germany HSV Hamburg |
| 7 | Vedran Zrnić Vedran Zrnic Vedran Zrnić is a Croatian handball player. He is World champion from 2003 with the Croatian national team, and Olympic champion from 2004. He received a silver medal at the 2005 World championship.-References:... |
Right Half | Germany VfL Gummersbach VfL Gummersbach VfL Gummersbach is a team handball club from Germany. Currently, VfL Gummersbach competes in the German First League of Handball and the German Handball Cup.Gummersbach is one of the most successful team-handball club ever.-Accomplishments:... |
| 8 | Marko Kopljar | Right Back | Croatia RK Zagreb RK Zagreb RK Zagreb is a team handball club from Zagreb, Croatia. Currently, RK Zagreb competes in the Croatian First League of Handball and the Croatian Handball Cup.... |
| 9 | Igor Vori Igor Vori Igor Vori is a Croatian handball player. He is World champion from 2003 with the Croatian national team, and Olympic champion from 2004. He received a silver medal at the 2005 World championship, and a silver medal at the 2008 European championship, where he also was voted Best defensive player... |
Pivot | Germany HSV Hamburg |
| 10 | Jakov Gojun | Left Back | Croatia RK Zagreb RK Zagreb RK Zagreb is a team handball club from Zagreb, Croatia. Currently, RK Zagreb competes in the Croatian First League of Handball and the Croatian Handball Cup.... |
| 11 | Jerko Matulić | Right Half | Croatia RK Zagreb RK Zagreb RK Zagreb is a team handball club from Zagreb, Croatia. Currently, RK Zagreb competes in the Croatian First League of Handball and the Croatian Handball Cup.... |
| 14 | Drago Vuković Drago Vukovic Drago Vuković , is a Croatian handball player. He is Olympic champion from 2004 with the Croatian national team, and he received a silver medal at the 2008 European championship. He is the twin brother of the soccer player, the goalkeeper of RNK Split, Andrija Vuković.-External links:*... |
Left Back | Germany VfL Gummersbach VfL Gummersbach VfL Gummersbach is a team handball club from Germany. Currently, VfL Gummersbach competes in the German First League of Handball and the German Handball Cup.Gummersbach is one of the most successful team-handball club ever.-Accomplishments:... |
| 16 | Ivan Pešić Ivan Pešić Ivan Pešić is a Serbian football player. The forward plays for FK Novi Pazar in Serbian SuperLiga.-Early career:... |
Goalkeeper | Croatia RK Zagreb RK Zagreb RK Zagreb is a team handball club from Zagreb, Croatia. Currently, RK Zagreb competes in the Croatian First League of Handball and the Croatian Handball Cup.... |
| 21 | Denis Buntić Denis Buntic Denis Buntić is a Croatian handballer who plays for Spanish club Ademar León.... |
Right Back |  Spain CB Ademar LeónCB Ademar León Club Balonmano Ademar León is a Spanish handball team based in León. The team plays in Liga ASOBAL.-History:Founded on 1956, the Ademar León is the handball team more representative of the city of León. Until 1975 it played in the provincial categories when not existing economic availability to be... |
| 24 | Tonči Valčić Tonci Valcic Tonči Valčić is a Croatian handball player. He was a member of the Croatia national handball team at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China.-References:... |
Left Back | Croatia RK Zagreb RK Zagreb RK Zagreb is a team handball club from Zagreb, Croatia. Currently, RK Zagreb competes in the Croatian First League of Handball and the Croatian Handball Cup.... |
| 25 | Mirko Alilović Mirko Alilovic Mirko Alilović is a Croatian handball goalkeeper who plays for KC Veszprém. He is also member of the Croatia national handball team, with them he won the silver medals both on the World Championship and the European Championship .He was named the best athlete from Ljubuški in 2007.-Achievements:*... |
Goalkeeper | Spain CB Ademar León CB Ademar León Club Balonmano Ademar León is a Spanish handball team based in León. The team plays in Liga ASOBAL.-History:Founded on 1956, the Ademar León is the handball team more representative of the city of León. Until 1975 it played in the provincial categories when not existing economic availability to be... |
| 26 | Manuel Štrlek Manuel Štrlek Manuel Štrlek is a Croatian team handball player.-References:**- External links :... |
Left Half | Croatia RK Zagreb RK Zagreb RK Zagreb is a team handball club from Zagreb, Croatia. Currently, RK Zagreb competes in the Croatian First League of Handball and the Croatian Handball Cup.... |
| 28 | Željko Musa | Pivot |  Slovenia RK GorenjeRK Gorenje RK Gorenje is a team handball club from Velenje, Slovenia. Club honours 50 years of handball tradition in the region. Handball was first played in nearby town of Sostanj, but later moved to Velenje because majority of players were from Velenje and new arena called Red Hall was located there as... |
| 29 | Ivan Ninčević | Left Half | Germany Füchse Berlin Füchse Berlin Füchse Berlin is a professional handball club from Berlin, Germany, that currently competes in the Handball-Bundesliga, the highest national league.-History:... |