Six seconds before the end of the match, after fighting like lions and a goal from Blaž Janc, Slovenia started celebrating a historic first victory against Germany at the Zagreb Arena. However, the defending European champions protested that the referees examine the video of the last three seconds, claiming that Blaž Blagotinšek incorrectly obstructed the Germans from starting a quick attack from the middle of the court. The Lithuanian referees, Mindaugas Gatelis and Vaidas Mazeika, acceded to the demand and after reviewing the video for ten minutes, to the anger of the Slovenian team and the several thousand Slovenian fans, decided to award the Germans a penalty. Tobias Reichmann scored from the penalty to make it a final 25:25.

Coach Vujović had this to say about the rule, on the basis of which the penalty was awarded: "A rule in handball, known only to the referees and match delegates, says that if you're not at least three meters away from the player starting an attack from the middle of the court, and there is no time left for any suspensions, a penalty is awarded. This is the first time in history for this rule to be used. And of course, they're using it against Slovenia."

"The worst is that after a few years you don't even remember such situations, but only the result. And you'll say, bad players and bad coach. And that's what hurts me," added coach Vujović.