After the gas-hugging drama in the first semi-final between Norway and Croatia, the second semi-final was postponed by a quarter.

Fifteen minutes was also the time it took before Spain got a good grip on Slovenia. From 8-8 Spain slowly but surely pulled away and at half time the Spaniards had 20-15 with them in the break.

Spain went on a fast attack

In the first half, it was not one of the teams that prioritized the defense game over attack and the same was true in the second.

Ljubomir Vranjes tried during the second part to come again but as soon as the Spanish approached, the pace changed. Throughout Slovenia scored good and well-worked goals while Spain went on a fast attack and received more counter-attacks.

In the end, however, it got really exciting. Spain were in the four goal lead but practically gave away the ball twice, which led to the score 32-30 with three minutes left on the clock.

Slovenia was approaching

A minute later, Spanein had another attack and then the next mistake came. There was a big mistake and suddenly it was 33-32 and Vranjes urged his men for everything he could.

But closer than Slovenia did not come. Spain took the last chance to put the nail in the coffin and put up 34-32 which was the final result.

But despite the exit, coach Ljubomir Vranjes receives everything but criticism from one of his players.

- Of course he has come in with energy. We haven't played well for the past 1.5 years but with new energy and motivation we play better. He is a different type of coach than we are used to, he does wonders for us, says Slovenian Jure Dolenec about Vranjes.