Defending champion Croatia narrowly defeated Spain 31-29 in the opening match of the Beijing Olympic men's handball tournament in Beijing on Sunday.

Star center back Ivano Balic scored the opening goal for Croatia at the second minute. But Spain, 7th placer at Athens Games, fought back in the next minute with Jon Belausteui's powerful shot.

Paced by playmaker Balic, World Player of the Year in 2003 and 2006, Croatia controlled the rhythm of the games and led the score throughout the first half, while Spain focused the attack on their two wingers, Albert Rocas and Juan Garcis, who scored nearly half of the team's total goals.

However, Croatia's comfortable lead was doomed at the end of the first half, when Balic injured his right leg. He lamed out of the pitch for first aid and had his injuried leg wrapped up with bandage. The 29-year-old Olympic title-winner never returned to play.

"In the first half we did quite well in attack. However, after Balic got injured, we only found a few solutions to score," said Lino Cervar, coach of Croatia in a post-match conference.

Lagging behind 11-16 at the break, Spain launched a 5-0 run in the second half, snatching the lead for the first time with five minutes to go on the clock.

But it was also the last time for them to enjoy a lead. Croatia scored five goals in the final five minutes, securing their opening win at the Beijing Games.

(Xinhua News Agency August 10, 2008)