"We are better and we will prove it"

One of the best handball players ever is going through the toughest period of his carrier. Injuries prevent Ivano Balic from playing on the highest level. Still, he is gradually recovering and playing better every day.

Croatian fans remember the CL finals of 1995, 1997, 1998 and 1999 well. After the historic victory in Celje, the spirit of the team is on the rise again. There is a chance to repeat these successes after 10 years.

”CL is not like it used to be when Zagreb reached those finals. Now you have four German and four Spanish clubs. The system is different and there are a lot of strong teams. Anyway, I hope we will reach the quarterfinals. After that everything is up to the draw. If you get an easier opponent and you play the second game at home, anything can happen,” Balić said.

After the victory in Celje it was nice to see Zagreb players smiling and celebrating their achievement. Balić was also happy:

“I am satisfied because we all played well. We deserved this win and we deserved the opportunity to decide our own destiny in Chambery.”

The Croatian back finds an additional motivation in playing in front of so many spectators, even at the away matches:

“To me it's all the same where I play and where the hall is. But I have to say it's nice to see people cheering in full halls.”

Decisive match for the quarterfinals will be played in Chambery. For Balić there is no doubt who will win the match:

“We are better team and we will prove it on Saturday.”