Handball · International
Bilić and Perkovac lead Croatia to a 27–23 win against Norway
Croatia claimed a second successive home victory at the Men’s EHF EURO 2000 by beating Norway 27–23 in Zagreb on 23 January. The hosts led 15–10 at half-time. Norway reduced that five-goal gap by one in the second half, but Croatia completed another win in front of an officially recorded crowd of 9,500.
2000-01-23 · Zagreb
Event date:
The story
Croatia claimed a second successive home victory at the Men’s EHF EURO 2000 by beating Norway 27–23 in Zagreb on 23 January. The hosts led 15–10 at half-time. Norway reduced that five-goal gap by one in the second half, but Croatia completed another win in front of an officially recorded crowd of 9,500.
How it unfolded
Zvonimir Bilić scored eight goals and Goran Perkovac seven, combining for 15 of Croatia’s 27. Geir Oustorp and Stig Penne supplied five each for Norway, with Jan Thomas Lauritzen adding four. Both sides converted four seven-metre throws, although Croatia required four attempts and Norway seven. Croatia’s unbeaten penalty return followed its perfect four-from-four record against Germany.
The wider picture
The victory moved Croatia to two wins from three Group A matches after an opening loss to Spain. Norway remained without a point after defeats against France and Spain as well as the hosts. After the rest day, Croatia faced Ukraine and Norway met Germany. Croatia ultimately finished third in the group and entered the fifth-place match.
Period by period
| Half / final | Croatia | Norway |
|---|---|---|
| First half | 15 | 10 |
| Second half | 12 | 13 |
| Final | 27 | 23 |
Sources
Check the original record.
Open the governing body or organiser’s publication for the underlying result, decision or tournament update.