Dagur Sigurdsson reveals vision for new Croatia handball era — key player at 50% fitness, may miss Euro start.
Croatia’s handball team begins complete preparations for the European Championship on January 2, with coach Dagur Sigurdsson opting for a near-identical squad to the silver medalists from last year’s World Cup, minus veterans Domagoj Duvnjak, Igor Karačić, and Ivan Pešić.
Sigurdsson emphasizes building a new hierarchy, acknowledging the challenge of replacing Duvnjak’s on-court leadership and off-court presence after nearly two decades.
Position-by-position preview:
- Goalkeepers: Certain starters Mandić and Kuzmanović; third spot undecided between Špikić and Slavić.
- Wings: Left – Mandić/Jelinić/Mihić; Right – Glavaš/Šoštarić. No doubts here.
- Line players: Načinović (Kiel standout), Šušnja (Wisla key), Šimić reliable — the most significant question mark is Šipić, currently at 50% recovery and not playing handball, potentially missing Euro opener.
- Playmakers: Cindrić/Pavlović core; Martinović/Lučin as backups.
- Backcourt: Left – Srna/Lučin (returning from injury); Right – Martinović/Maraš; Klarica sidelined, fighting for spot.
Srna and Lučin must prove full fitness post-injuries, while Jaganjac, Vistorop, and Grahovac remain on the expanded 35-man list — early prep cuts could open Euro doors. Sigurdsson prioritizes form-building over experiments, aiming to transition smoothly despite the generational shift.
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