The World Cup has commenced, and in ten days, the Croatian handball team will kick off their campaign against Senegal in Gothenburg on December 1st. Two days later, they will face China before hosting a derby for first place against Sweden to end the group stage.

The team has a new coach, Ivica Obrvan, who has just ten days to familiarize himself with the squad and for them to get to know him. He is currently training some players in Podravka and met the others for the first time before departure on the bus to Poreč, where they are preparing for the next week’s competition.

According to Obrvan, the team is ready for the World Cup. Although there were injury problems a few weeks ago, they have improved and will focus on refining small details. He believes that they can be among the top two teams in their group and reach the quarterfinals, which would mean qualification for the Olympic Games. The upcoming Croatia Cup in Novigrad against Congo and Montenegro will serve as preparation.

Despite some changes due to Ana Debelić becoming a mother, the team has been together for a long time and is determined to qualify for Paris as it is their biggest wish of this generation.