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Croatia vs Hungary Live Stream & Predictions – Another Win for the Cowboys at the European Championship

vedran-ostojic
Editor
Last updated: Wed 28 Jan 2026 12:08
Croatia is on a mission to secure first place in their group by achieving a victory against Hungary, showing remarkable performance in the Main Round with three consecutive wins. The Croatian team, known as the Cowboys, are confident in their ability to overcome an unmotivated Hungarian side and cover a -2.5 handicap. This match is crucial as it could set the tone and momentum for subsequent competitions, with Croatia displaying determination to harness their momentum and fans expecting a spirited fight.
Vedran Ostojic 28 Jan 2026
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  • Croatia aiming for victory to clinch 1st place
  • We are backing them to win in handicap against Hungary
  • Watch Croatia vs Hungary live at the European Championship
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Watch Croatia vs Hungary Live (Getty Images)

Match Preview 


Hungary had less than 20 hours of rest following an exhausting clash against Sweden and enter this match without motivation after being eliminated. Croatia, on the other hand, are playing for a place in the semifinals, so I am backing the Cowboys to win and cover a –2.5 handicap. 

Croatia Closing in on a Semifinal Spot 


Croatia are on a strong path toward securing a place in the European Championship 2026 semifinals, entering this final round as Group 2 leaders with a record of three wins and one defeat. 

Their situation initially looked difficult after starting the second phase with zero points following a 33-25 loss to Sweden in the group decider. However, the Cowboys responded perfectly in the Main Round with back-to-back victories over Iceland 30-29 and Switzerland 28-24, with Zvonimir Srna delivering exceptional performances. 

Yesterday, Croatia controlled the game from start to finish against Slovenia, securing a deserved 29-25 victory. Tin Lucin stole the spotlight this time, finishing the match with seven goals. 

Hungary Playing for Pride Only 


Hungary’s motivation and team spirit are questionable ahead of this decisive clash, having lost their semifinal hopes earlier and failing to record a single win in the Main Round. 

They managed to snatch a point in the opener against Switzerland despite trailing by six goals at half time, but then suffered a crucial 35-32 defeat to Slovenia due to poor second-half efficiency. Bence Imre delivered a solid performance in that match, scoring eight goals. 

Playing without pressure, the Magyars came very close to beating heavily favored co-hosts Sweden, holding a one-goal lead entering the final minute before missing a game-winning shot. The match ultimately ended in a 32-32 draw. 

Verdict

Croatia will fight tooth and nail to secure victory and clinch first place in the group. They have looked excellent in the Main Round with three straight wins, so I am backing the Cowboys to beat an unmotivated Hungary side and cover a –2.5 handicap. 

Best Bet1: Croatia -2.5 Asian Handicap @9/10 at Hollywood bets - 2 Units
Croatia -2.5
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28 Jan 2026

Croatia v Hungary