“The Crowd Rose and Did Its Job” – Luka Karabatić on France’s Struggles as Croatia Dominates to Reach Final

Posted on 31. January 2025.

Flawless France up until the semifinals of the 2025 World Championship, but then a collapse against Croatia, 31:28, which dominated all 60 minutes and fully deserved the victory that takes them into the battle for gold for the first time in 16 years.

“We started the match poorly, that wave called the crowd rose and did its job. In the second half, we played much better and had chances to come back. It’s a shame we couldn’t break through at -3, to get back to -2, but for such a big match, it was too late. Our attack didn’t function as it should, and we couldn’t find a solution for their 5-1 defense. Those details, two or three fast breaks, and their long-range shots gave them confidence,” said Luka Karabatić to journalists in the mixed zone of Arena Zagreb.

Mandatory Credit © Eva Manhart / kolektiff