Although Lithuania attempted to remain competitive during the opening minutes, Croatia gradually established control and built a substantial advantage before half-time. The hosts entered the break leading 23–11, having repeatedly exploited defensive weaknesses and converted turnovers into scoring opportunities. Their dominance continued after the interval, with the advantage eventually reaching 20 goals before Lithuania reduced the deficit slightly during the closing stages.
Martinović was the standout performer, scoring ten goals and providing leadership during an evening when almost every Croatian attacking player contributed. Glavaš and Šipić added seven each, while Veron Načinović scored five and Leon Ljevar contributed four. The result offered an encouraging opening to qualification for the tournament scheduled to take place in Portugal, Spain and Switzerland.
Croatia Take Control With Outstanding First-Half Display
Croatia entered the encounter as strong favourites but approached the opening qualification fixture with determination, knowing that an early victory would establish a positive foundation for their campaign. Sigurðsson's team quickly demonstrated their attacking quality, with Martinović particularly influential from the backcourt and Dominik Kuzmanović providing security in goal.
After a relatively competitive opening period, the hosts began increasing their advantage through a combination of quick attacking movements and disciplined defending. Lithuania struggled to cope with the speed of Croatia's transitions, allowing the home team to create high-percentage opportunities before the visitors could establish their defensive positions.
Martinović was almost unstoppable during the first half, scoring eight goals before the interval and repeatedly finding gaps in the Lithuanian defence. His shooting accuracy and movement helped Croatia maintain an impressive attacking tempo, while Kuzmanović produced nine first-half saves to prevent the visitors from building any significant momentum.
The contribution of Croatia's wings and line players further strengthened the attacking performance. Glavaš converted opportunities from wide positions, while Šipić and Načinović proved effective near the six-metre line. Their movement created additional space for the backcourt players and made it increasingly difficult for Lithuania to concentrate their defensive efforts on Martinović alone.
By half-time, Croatia had established a commanding 23–11 advantage, effectively placing the contest beyond Lithuania's reach. The twelve-goal margin reflected the hosts' superior technical quality, physical preparation and ability to maintain pressure across different phases of play.
Croatia Extend Their Lead to 20 Goals
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Croatia continuing to score efficiently and maintaining a strong defensive presence. Rather than allowing their substantial advantage to reduce their intensity, Sigurðsson's players continued pressing forward and creating opportunities through fast breaks and organised attacking combinations.
Croatia eventually moved 20 goals ahead at 37–17 and 38–18, demonstrating the scale of their superiority over the visitors. Lithuania were unable to establish a sustained response, with their defence repeatedly struggling to contain the movement and finishing of Croatia's attacking players.
Sigurðsson also used the comfortable advantage to distribute playing time among his squad. Younger players were given opportunities to contribute, allowing the coaching staff to assess different combinations while maintaining the team's attacking effectiveness.
Matej Mandić took over goalkeeping responsibilities during parts of the encounter and contributed six saves, complementing Kuzmanović's ten. The pair provided an important foundation for Croatia's victory, ensuring that Lithuania rarely had opportunities to build momentum through consecutive goals.
The visitors managed to reduce the deficit slightly during the final stages, with Arturas Budraitis finishing as Lithuania's leading scorer with six goals. However, their improved attacking efficiency late in the match did little to affect the overall outcome.
Croatia eventually secured a comprehensive 46–28 victory, completing an impressive opening performance and sending a clear message about their ambitions in the qualification group.
Martinović Enjoys Memorable First Appearance in Split
For Ivan Martinović, the victory carried additional significance beyond his ten-goal performance. The Croatian captain revealed after the encounter that it was the first time he had represented the national team in Split, making the enthusiastic reception at Gripe particularly memorable.
Martinović praised the atmosphere created by the supporters and the collective effort of his teammates. He highlighted Croatia's unity, attacking intensity and determination to maintain a high standard throughout the encounter. The captain was also delighted that the team managed to produce such a convincing victory in the opening qualification fixture.
Speaking after the match, Martinović expressed hope that his first international appearance in Split would not be his last. He acknowledged the strong connection between the national team and Croatian supporters, noting that the atmosphere had provided additional motivation for the players.
His performance was particularly impressive because of the responsibility he carried as captain. With several established internationals unavailable, Martinović led the attacking organisation while also providing a reliable source of goals. His eight first-half strikes effectively settled the contest before the interval, allowing Croatia to manage the remainder of the match with greater freedom.
Looking ahead to Finland, the captain emphasised the importance of maintaining the same attitude. Although Croatia will again enter as favourites, he wants the team to establish control immediately rather than allowing their opponents to gain confidence during the opening stages.
Martinović's comments reflected the wider mood within the Croatian squad. The players were pleased with the emphatic result but remained focused on completing the international window with another victory.
Sigurðsson Praises Teamwork and Younger Players
Croatia head coach Dagur Sigurðsson was satisfied with both the result and the overall performance, particularly the speed with which his players moved the ball and converted attacking opportunities. The Icelandic coach believed Croatia had maintained a strong tempo throughout the match, allowing the team to build a substantial advantage without losing concentration.
Sigurðsson also highlighted the contribution of younger players, including Berislav Antonio Tokić, whose involvement provided an encouraging indication of the squad's developing depth. With several important players unavailable, the encounter presented an opportunity to assess alternatives and give less experienced internationals valuable playing time.
Croatia were without Luka Lovre Klarica, who has been dealing with a back problem, while David Mandić and Luka Moslavac were also absent. Despite those setbacks, the team demonstrated that it possessed sufficient depth to produce a commanding performance.
The coach was particularly pleased with the collective attacking approach. Although Martinović finished as the leading scorer, Croatia's 46 goals were distributed across numerous players, demonstrating the team's ability to create opportunities from different positions.
The victory also provided a welcome opportunity to play in Split, where the national team received enthusiastic support. Sigurðsson praised the atmosphere at Gripe and expressed confidence that the performance had provided an excellent foundation for the upcoming encounter against Finland.
Veron Načinović, who contributed five goals, also highlighted the team's attacking tempo and strong goalkeeping. He acknowledged that playing away from home would present a different challenge but believed Croatia could secure another convincing victory by maintaining the same level of concentration and determination.
Finland Next as Croatia Target Euro 2028 Qualification
Croatia's attention now turns to their next qualification match against Finland, scheduled for November 7 in Vantaa. The encounter will provide another opportunity for Sigurðsson's players to strengthen their position in Group 1, which also includes the Netherlands and Lithuania.
The qualifying group presents Croatia with a favourable opportunity to reach another major tournament, although the Netherlands are expected to provide strong competition for the leading positions. Finland and Lithuania will also attempt to challenge for qualification, making consistency across the six-match campaign essential.
Under the EHF qualifying format, the top two teams from each of the eight groups qualify directly for the European Championship. The four best third-placed teams also advance, creating 20 qualification places alongside the four teams already qualified for the final tournament.
The 2028 championship will be jointly hosted by Portugal, Spain and Switzerland, while defending European champions Denmark have also secured automatic participation. Croatia will be aiming to maintain their record of appearing at every European Championship since the competition began in 1994.
The victory over Lithuania was particularly encouraging given Croatia's recent achievements on the international stage. After winning silver at the 2025 World Championship and bronze at the 2026 European Championship, expectations surrounding the national team have continued to grow.
Those achievements have strengthened confidence in Sigurðsson's leadership and established Croatia among the most competitive teams in international handball. However, maintaining that position requires continued development, particularly as the team prepares for the 2027 World Championship in Germany and the subsequent European qualifying campaign.
The match against Lithuania offered an opportunity to demonstrate attacking versatility, test different combinations and build momentum before more demanding fixtures. With established internationals and younger players contributing effectively, Croatia showed several encouraging signs for the challenges ahead.
A Perfect Start in Front of Croatian Supporters
Croatia's emphatic victory was also a celebration of the national team's relationship with supporters. More than 4,000 spectators attended the encounter at Gripe, creating an energetic atmosphere that helped make the occasion memorable for players appearing in Split for the first time.
The performance rewarded that support with 46 goals, several impressive individual contributions and a level of dominance that left little doubt about the result. Martinović's outstanding shooting, the efficiency of Glavaš and Šipić and the contributions of Croatia's goalkeepers combined to produce a convincing collective display.
Nevertheless, Lithuania's late scoring improvement provides a reminder that defensive concentration remains important, even during comfortable victories. Against stronger opponents, Croatia will need to maintain greater consistency throughout the entire match rather than relying on large early advantages.
For Sigurðsson, the challenge now is ensuring that the team approach Finland with the same determination. Another victory would complete a positive opening international window and provide Croatia with valuable momentum before qualifying resumes in 2027.
Croatia's 46–28 victory over Lithuania was an emphatic statement of intent at the beginning of the EHF EURO 2028 qualification campaign. Inspired by Martinović's ten-goal performance and supported by an enthusiastic Split crowd, Sigurðsson's team demonstrated attacking quality, squad depth and collective confidence. The immediate objective is now to reproduce that performance against Finland and continue building towards another major international tournament.
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