Croatia became the first team to qualify to a Youth World Championships final in Heraklion after they defeated France 2-1 (21-18, 20-23, 9-6) in an all-European semi-final.

France started strongly (4:0), but Croatia, guided by Tomic, fought back to take the lead and win the first set with 21:18.

France were trailing for most parts of the second set, but were most effective in the end and won it with 23:20 to make it all square.

In the shoot-out Croatia regrouped and scored with all their shots to deny France a happy end to their fantastic run in Heraklion.

Croatia – France 2-1 (21:18, 20:23, 9:6)

Croatia: Konforta 9, Filipovic 1, Cvetitsianin 2, Botic, Tomic 20, Fábek, Glavedecic 14, Bubalo 4, Jurasovic, Kranisevic.

France: Mas 6, Akakpo 7, Dubois 16, Perchicot, Desbonnet 12, Oulieu 2, Saidani, Rataboul, Deschamps 4, Petit.

Referees: Cardone – Sebatiano (Italia) Suspensions: 3-0

Quotes

Konforta Vigo (Croatia - Player)

"I can honestly not believe it. It is a great feeling to play for your country and qualify for the final. We want the first place and we will fight for it.

“The semi-final was very difficult, but we fought bravely, we won and now we will go for the title".

Akakpo Lawrence (France - Player)

"We lost the match and a place in the final in the shoot-out and obviously we are very disappointed.

“In the first set we were not that good, but we reacted positively and we were optimistic that we would upset them in the shoot-out.

"Unfortunately, we did not succeed and now we will play for the bronze medal".