Beijing Olympic Games

Updated: 2008-08-24 16:00:34

Belaustegui of Spain in action. (Photo credit: Vladimir Rys/Getty Images)

(BEIJING, August 24) — After a tight match Spain defeated Croatia 35-29 in the bronze medal match of the Men’s Handball competition at the National Indoor Stadium on Sunday, August 24.

The first half was close as Spain tightened their defense and Jon Belaustegui was punished with two two-minute suspensions in the first 30 minutes which led to him spending most of the second half on the bench to avoid a red card.

Ivano Balic (Croatia) played well in the first half and scored two goals but in the second half he was almost invisible and only attempted two shots, both of which failed.

As a result of Spain’s tight blocking, Croatia was rewarded with eight 7m penalties in the game. Penalty specialist Mirza Dzomba nailed the first, but missed the next two and was subsequently replaced by Domagoj Duvnjak on the 7m throws. He netted the rest of Croatia’s penalty shots, five in total.

Spain’s left wing Juan Garcia and back Iker Romero impressed in front of the Croatian goal. Garcia netted seven goals, three from the wing position, another three in fast breaks and one from a 7m penalty shot. Romero scored five, of which three were from the 9m.

The second half was close but Spain gradually drew away and pivot Carlos Prieto tricked three balls into the Croatian net to make the score 32-27.

By that stage Croatia had given up their hunt for bronze and Spain were free to set up another three rather easy goals.

Prieto of Spain shoots marked by Valcic (L) and Sulic of Croatia. (Photo credit: Vladimir Rys/Getty Images)
Balic of Croatia competes with Prieto of Spain. (Photo credit: Vladimir Rys/Getty Images)