TNT Sports
Croatia defy odds in final
By
Published 02/02/2003 at 19:55 GMT
After defeating Spain in the semis, Croatia upset Germany for their first-ever world title 34-31 in Sunday's final in Lisbon. Germany fought back to even the score with less than 8 minutes left, faded down the stretch in a physical and suspenseful final.
Eurosport
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After defeating Spain in the semis, Croatia upset Germany for their first-ever world title 34-31 in Sunday's final in Lisbon. Germany fought back to even the score with less than 8 minutes left, faded down the stretch in a physical and suspenseful final.
RECAP: Sunday's final results
In the final, Croatia were true to form in a tournament where they defeated the defending champions France in the first round and advanced each time in open-ended matches where clutch play in nets by Vlado Sola welded a strong team spirit.
In a match where caution was thrown to the wind, they capitalised on two late give-aways to break the game open for good with three minutes left.
Earlier in the bronze medal match, France defeated Spain 27-22.
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