The new Veszprém Aréna was filled with fans coming to see Hungary play against Croatia for the EURO Qualification. The guests, who have great results from the past major competitions, will most probably be fighting for the first place of the group.

 

Though the Croatian squad arrived without some of the biggest stars, such as Dzomba and Balic, they took the lead right from the beginning of the game. Hungary were only able to equalise at 8-8.

 

The captain of the Hungary, line player Gyula Gál, had a great share of the fight scoring three goals in a row at this point.

 

The Hungarians lost rythm and lost their playmaker Eklemovic in the 20th minute who left the game injured when Croatian Metlicic fell on his foot by accident.

 

The hosts could reduce the gap to only one goal by half-time when the Cervar team could walk off the court with a 15-16 lead.

 

After the break not only Nagy and Gál, but also Császár started to score. The Hungarian defence also improved and the lead finally changed hand in the 47th minute of the game at 23-22.

 

The hosts held on to this lead until the very end, though Zrnic and the Croatian team tried everything for at least one of the points. The game ended 30-28.

This home victory – and the previous in Greece – give Hungary very good chance to reach EURO 2010 in Austria.