Croatia’s national handball team made a record-breaking start to its EHF EURO 2028 qualifying campaign, defeating Lithuania 46–28 in Split on November 4. The 46 goals set a new Croatian national record for a single European Championship qualifying match.
Captain Ivan Martinović led the scoring with 10 goals, while Filip Glavaš and Marin Šipić contributed seven each.
The victory gave Croatia a commanding opening result in its qualification group and delighted thousands of supporters at the Gripe Sports Center.
Croatia Breaks Its European Qualifying Scoring Record
Croatia took control of the match during the first half, combining a fast attack with strong goalkeeping.
After a relatively even opening, the home team gradually pulled away and established a 23–11 halftime lead.
Martinović scored eight of his 10 goals before the break, while goalkeeper Dominik Kuzmanović made nine first-half saves.
The Croatian team continued to dominate after halftime.
At one stage, Croatia led by 21 goals, reaching 38–17 before Lithuania reduced the deficit in the closing minutes.
The final score of 46–28 surpassed Croatia’s previous record of 40 goals in a European Championship qualifier, set against Turkey in 2015.
Martinović finished with 10 goals from 13 attempts. Glavaš and Šipić added seven goals each, while Veron Načinović scored five.
Croatia’s goalkeepers combined for 16 saves, with Kuzmanović recording 10 and Matej Mandić adding six.
Arturas Budraitis was Lithuania’s leading scorer with six goals.
The victory marked a successful return for Croatia’s national team to Split, where the players received strong support from the home crowd.
Finland Next in Croatia’s EURO 2028 Campaign
Croatia is competing for a place at the 2028 European Men’s Handball Championship, which will be hosted by Spain, Portugal and Switzerland.
The qualifying group also includes Finland and the Netherlands.
Under head coach Dagur Sigurdsson, Croatia is aiming to secure one of the group’s automatic qualification places.
The team’s next match is scheduled for Saturday, November 7, against Finland in Vantaa.
The game will provide another opportunity for Croatia to build momentum after its impressive opening performance.
The top two teams from each qualifying group will advance directly to the European Championship, along with the four best third-placed teams.
Croatia’s dominant victory over Lithuania represents an encouraging start, although more demanding fixtures remain ahead.
With a new scoring record already established, the Croatian team will look to maintain its attacking form throughout the qualification campaign.
