Varaždin has long been known as the cradle of Croatian handball, hosting the first official handball match in Croatia in 1930. Although Varaždin will no longer have a handball team in the Premier League starting next season, the support for the national handball team remains strong. Fans from across Croatia filled the Varaždin Arena, holding a banner that read, "Fans are with you – hold on, Šarac!" in support of player Josip Šarac, who is battling leukemia.

Croatian handball players took to the court against Sweden after a three-day break, and the victory was long awaited. Croatia's last win against Sweden was in 2018 in Norrköping. The Croatian team had suffered four consecutive losses before this victory, which came in Varaždin with a score of 35-31.

The game started with an offensive strategy, with Dagur Sigurdsson giving the lead to Leon Ljevar from the start. The team employed a 5-1 defense with Mamić upfront. In the 6th minute, Croatia took the lead with a goal from David Mandić in a counterattack. Sweden faced a setback with the injury of Bergendahl in the 8th minute, who had to leave the field.

Sweden managed to turn the game around at the 12th minute, leading 7-6, but Croatia regained the lead at 13-10 by the 21st minute. In the final ten minutes, young players Matko Moslavac and Petar Šprem, both 19 years old, made significant contributions. The Croatian team ended the first half leading 18-16.

In the second half, Croatia started with a 2:0 series, leading 20-16. Despite Sweden's efforts to narrow the gap, the Croatian team maintained their lead thanks to the strategic play of Dagur Sigurdsson. The final score confirmed Croatia's victory.