Spain in the final with Croatia

(Patria) - The Spanish handball team qualified for the final of the European Championship, after defeating Slovenia 34:32 in the second semi-final match. The current European champions will defend their title against Croatia on Sunday.

Slovenia started the match well, even taking the lead on several occasions, and the teams were level until the middle of the first half. However, Spain shifted into a higher gear and built a significant five-goal lead by halftime (20:15).

In the second half, the Spaniards maintained a secure lead until the closing stages, when they nearly squandered a sure thing. Slovenia got within two goals in the 58th minute (32:30), and then to 33:32. Nevertheless, Spain somehow held onto the ball in the final attack and scored for the final 34:32.

Spain were led to victory by Raul Entrerrios with seven goals and Perez Fernandez with six, while Perez de Vargas made eight saves. For Slovenia, Blaž Janc and Jure Dolenc each scored six goals, and Klemen Ferlin stopped seven shots.

Spain will face Croatia in the final in Stockholm on Sunday (4:30 PM), while Slovenia will play against Norway in the third-place match already on Saturday.