POREČ, Croatia – The slight village of Ćeralije is brimming with pride after the return of Jadranko Tašić, a key member of the Croatian men’s deaf futsal team that secured a historic bronze medal at the 7th European Futsal Championship for the Deaf in Poreč. The medal represents more than just sporting achievement; it embodies dedication, perseverance, and the collective spirit of the team.
The Croatian team’s success at the tournament, which ran from March 9th to March 22nd, 2026, at the Žatika Hall in Poreč, marks a significant milestone for the program. They clinched the bronze medal with a decisive 6-2 victory over Turkey in the third-place match, a moment Tašić described as one he would cherish for a lifetime.
“Of course, we were hoping for the final, but this bronze is proof of what we can achieve when we play together,” Tašić shared. “I felt every second on the court, every shot, every pass, every moment when we needed to reveal character. The bronze medal match was a moment I will remember for the rest of my life, it showed that the team is more crucial than anything.”
This victory wasn’t simply about the medal itself, but about the strength, resilience, and passion for the sport demonstrated by the Croatian team. The journey to Poreč included a strong showing at the 2025 World Championship in Italy, where they finished fourth, building momentum for their European campaign.
The Croatian squad, led by head coach Ante Kraljević and assistants Duško Martinc and Ivan Ribičić, featured a talented roster including Ilija Perak, Žiga Bedenik, Mirko Vukić, Mirko Blažević, Mario Jakovljević, Josip Jakovljević, Viler Jović, Jurica Karan, Mišel Dominko, Darko Val, Mate Spaić, Luka Roso, and captain Anton Lalić. Tašić, a key player for NK Voćin, played a vital role in the team’s success.
The tournament itself brought together 22 national teams from 18 European countries, competing in both men’s and women’s categories. The event highlighted the importance of inclusivity and equality in sports, as emphasized by Oliver Lušić, President of the Croatian Sports Association for the Deaf, during the opening ceremony. “Deaf people can absolutely do anything except hear,” Lušić stated, underscoring the team’s remarkable achievement.
Communication presented a unique challenge for the coaching staff, as noted by the head coach. Successfully conveying information to players with hearing impairments required innovative strategies and a deep understanding of their needs. This aspect of the team’s preparation and performance underscores the dedication and adaptability required to compete at this level.
Tašić expressed his gratitude to his teammates and supporters, acknowledging the impact of their encouragement throughout the championship. “Thank you to my teammates and everyone who supported us. Every message, every show of support, every cheer carried me through the entire championship. This is my motivation to become better, stronger, and to never stop dreaming. For Ćeralije, for myself, for everyone who loves football,” he concluded.
The bronze medal win is a source of immense pride for Ćeralije and a testament to the power of teamwork, dedication, and the unwavering spirit of the Croatian deaf futsal team. The team’s success serves as an inspiration to athletes and communities across Croatia and beyond.
What’s Next: The Croatian deaf futsal team will now focus on preparations for future international competitions, building on the momentum gained from their historic bronze medal victory. Details regarding upcoming matches and training schedules will be announced by the Croatian Sports Association for the Deaf.
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