Year ends with a derby Hypo vs. Krim

23 December 2008

2008 goes to history. It will be remembered as a very special one for us – as a first year of  WRHL. There isn't better way to conclude it but with a derby.

And not just with a derby, but with a derby Hypo vs. Krim – clash of two handball giants. Austrian and Slovenian Champions played many matches against each other. Every time they met, spectators enjoyed real handball spectacle. It will be no different this time.

Krim preparing for  Metz

Team of Marta Bon already proved their capability to defeat strong rivals in away matches (Budućnost T-Mobile) as well as at home (Viborg). Andrea Lekić and Dijana Golubić showed great performances with their national teams on European Championship in Macedonia. They are amongst four top scorers of WRHL and Austrian defence will have to seriously keep an eye on them.

Mission is clear: Krim need victory on Monday in order to boost self-confidence just before important match of Champions league in Metz. It might be decisive match for second position in group C which leads to CL's main round and amongst eight best teams of Europe.

Prokop and Nemeth worried

Hypo does not have this kind of „CL pressure“. Austrian Champions stand firm on top of group B with three consecutive victories and good prospects for entering CL's main round. But Gunnar Prokop and Andras Nemeth are worried about something else.

That is team’s performance in last match of WRHL played in Zagreb against Lokomotiva. Home team had a lead of 15:11 at the end of first half. Hypo needed 50 minutes to equalize and 54 minutes to take the lead. According to Nemeth and Prokop, Timea Toth was only bright spot in that match. Rest of the team did not show a good play.

Derby of WRHL's 10th round Hypo Niederősterreich vs. Krim Mercator will be played on Monday at 19:00 hours in Sűdstadt. Winner will enter 2009 with raised hands taking second position on WRHL table.

TEXT: Ivan Ambroš
PHOTO: www.hagenpress.com

Budućnost strenghtens top position

21 December 2008

By defeating Lokomotiva and Ljubuški, on Wednesday and Saturday, Budućnost T-Mobile strenghtened top position of WRHL table. Montenegrin Champions have collected 14 points from eight matches played.

In both matches, Gyula Zsiga gave chance to his younger players.

LOKOMOTIVA vs. BUDUĆNOST T-MOBILE 27:31  (10:14)

Zagreb, Dom sportova. Attendance: 200.
Referees: Boris Šatordžija and Saša Pandžić (Bosnia and Herzegovina).

LOKOMOTIVA: Zeljko (15), Kosanović; Milanović-Litre 9, Vrkljan 6, Komljenović 3, Bazzeo 1, Peraica 2, Kožarić 1, Milić 2, Nikšić 1, Knježević 1, Džeko, Maruščec 1.
Coach: Zoran Mlinarić.

BUDUĆNOST: Barjaktarović (18), Milenković (4); Bulatović 9, Radović 7, Knežević 6,  Kindl-Kovacs 3, Jovanović, Miljanić 1, Radičević 1, Vlahović, Đurović 1, Marković 1, Lazović 1,  Božović 1.
Coach: Gyula Zsiga.

7 M SHOTS: Lokomotiva 3 (1), Budućnost 2 (2).

2 MIN SUSPENSIONS: Lokomotiva 4, Budućnost 9.

BEST PLAYER: Sonja Barjaktarović (Budućnost T-Mobile).

Lokomotiva played without Maja Čop-Andesilić (back injury) and two players from Croatian national team who were resting after European Championship – Nikica Pušić and Jelena Grubišić.

Budućnost played without Tihana Ambroš (muscle injury) and Anđela Dragutinović (hip injury). Marija Jovanović played a little but she is still recuperating from shoulder injury.

BUDUĆNOST T-MOBILE vs. LJUBUŠKI LIDO OSIGURANJE 33:24 (17:13)

Podgorica, Sports Center “Morača”. Attendance: 200.
Referees: Aco Nikolovski and Gjoko Kolevski (Macedonia).

BUDUĆNOST: Barjaktarović (5), Milenković (8); Radičević 7(2), Kindl-Kovacs 8, Bulatović 3, Ambroš 1, Jovanović, Radović 6, Vlahović 1, Đurović 3, Miljanić 2, Mehmedović 1, Lazović 1, Knežević.
Coach: Gyula Zsiga.

LJUBUŠKI: Bjelić; Troglić, Sušac, A. Prusina, Ristić, Ljolje, Knezović, M. Prusina 8(6), Tomić 3, Boras 5, Dragičević 1, Tolić, Mistrić 3.
Coach: Zvonko Papak.

7 M SHOTS: Budućnost 2(1), Ljubuški 6(6).

2 MIN SUSPENSIONS: Budućnost 4, Ljubuški 3.

BEST PLAYER: Gabriella Kindl-Kovacs (Budućnost T-Mobile).

Ljubuški came to Podgorica without Kornelija Rajković. Budućnost T-Mobile played without Dragutinović. Jovanović and Ambroš did not play much because of their injuries.

Hypo wins in Zagreb

21 December 2008

Thanks to Pušić and Grubišić Lokomotiva won first half with 15:11, but the final score was 30:24 in favour of Hypo.

As expected, match proved to be very interesting. With Nikica Pušić and Jelena Grubišić in the squad, home team started with 3:1 lead. Already in fifth minute coach Nemeth was forced to call time-out.

Hypos defence could not stop Croatians and in 15th minute result was 10:6. Grubišić had many saves and young Bazzeo showed great performance in offence. Austrians made too many technical errors and Lokomotiva concluded first half with four goals margin – 15:11.

Zagreb team started second half without Pušić, Grubišić and Bazzeo, but with Zeljko and Komljenović. Backs were Maruščec, Knježević and Vrkljan. Step by step Hypo started to show their quality and margin decreased. Home team got tired and made some mistakes which allowed Hypo to equalise on 21:21 in 49th minute. In 54th minute Hypo took the lead which soon increased thanks to Nascimiento - best scorer of Hypo team with seven goals.

Considering strength and quality of their opponents, young team of Lokomotiva can be satisfied with today’s performance.

LOKOMOTIVA vs. HYPO 24:30 (15:11)

Zagreb, Kutija šibica. Attendance: 100.
Referees: Krašna Robert and Tomo Vodopivec (Slovenia)

LOKOMOTIVA: Grubišić (8+1), Zeljko (5); Bazzeo 1, Nikšić 3, Bušić, Vrkljan 5(2), Komljenović 1, Pušić 4(1), Knježević 5, Petković, Milanović-Litre 2, Maruščec 3, Kožarić, Milić.
Coach: Zoran Mlinarić.

HYPO: Blazek, Englert (15+1); Nascimento 7(1), Piedade 3, Kirsner 5, Lerant, Kim 4, Oh, Toth 6(2), Thurner 1, Myoung 1, Mesquita 1, Aćimović 2.
Coach: Andras Nemeth.

7 M SHOTS: Lokomotiva 4(3), Hypo 4 (3).
2 MIN SUSPENSIONS: Lokomotiva 2, Hypo 4.

TEXT: www.hr-rukomet.hr
PHOTO: www.hagenpress.com

Ambitious Klaudija Bubalo

15 December 2008

Lokomotiva will have busy schedule this week. On Wednesday at 19:00 team from Zagreb will welcome Budućnost T-Mobile in “Dom sportova“. On Saturday at 18:00 hours, Lokomotiva will face Hypo in “Kutija šibica“.

Klaudija Bubalo highly appreciates Montenegrin team:

“Budućnost T-Mobile is strong team with great quality. On other side we will play without our two players who participated EC in Macedonia (Nikica Pušić and Jelena Grubišić). Despite that, I expect from my team to show good play and great fighting spirit. I find Budućnost T-Mobile as favourite in this match.“

Two Croatian national team players are not only ones who will miss Wednesdays match. Lokomotiva will have to play without their first pivot player Maja Čop-Andesilić who is injured:

“Nikica and Jelena really deserved break after many matches played on European Championship. Maja is on therapy right now and her recovery is expected in one month.“

Good news for Lokomotiva is comeback of Jelena Grubišić, who demonstrated great form on EC in Macedonia. Her contract with Lokomotiva expires this season and many top European clubs want to sign her:

“Jelena's comeback is really good news for us. Regarding the future, Lokomotiva has great desire to prolong the contract with Jelena. We are prepared to do everything what it takes to convince Jelena to stay in Lokomotiva.”

Croatian handball legend believes in bright future of regional league:

“WRHL brings many quality matches. It is great thing for handball. This is only first season and I expect very soon full halls with many spectators enjoying women’s handball matches – like it was not so long ago.“

Despite the small budget, Lokomotiva continues with great results. Although only professional Croatian club Podravka Vegeta has much better financial background, Lokomotiva won Croatian Championship title in 2004 and Croatian Cup title in 2005 and 2007.

“Lokomotiva comes from capital city of Croatia which has many sports clubs. City Zagreb gives the money to all of them, so in the end women’s handball get only crumbs. It is not sufficient for having constant results. Podravka Vegeta has much bigger budget and every year they buy our players. But we are searching for sponsor and with help of the city I am convinced things will get better in following seasons.“

Lokomotiva has great history and has always been famous upon great handball school:

“Exactly. I also started my handball carrier in Lokomotiva as a very young girl. Our club was always famous upon great handball school, and it is still. No less then eight players or ex-players of Lokomotiva have played for Croatian national team on EC in Macedonia (Pušić, Grubišić, Arslanagić, Penezić, Lovrić, Horvat, Golubić and Jelčić). Now, we have 250 girls divided in groups 1992, 1994, 1996 and 1998. They all compete in organised leagues. So, we continue with our work.“

Bubalo reveals plans for this season:

“In Croatian Championship we are on second place and we plan to hold that position. Our goal in WRHL is to play good. We want our players to gain experience by playing many quality matches.“

PHOTO: www.hrs.hr (Klaudija Bubalo and Nataša Kolega)

Krim Mercator vs. Kometal GP - postponed

12 December 2008

Kometal Gjorče Petrov postponed their match against Krim Mercator. Match of nineth round should have been played on Wednesday in Ljubljana.

Apparently, Macedonian Champions have financial problems and for now they can't afford to travel on WRHL matches.

Text: www.rkkrim-klub.si

Penezić best Croatian female handball player

25 November 2008

Left back of Podravka Vegeta Andrea Penezić received award as best Croatian female handball player in last season.

Croatian journalists and coaches voted for the best female player of Croatia in last season. Andrea Penezić received 49 votes, Božica Palčić 28 and Miranda Tatari 21.

23-year old left back arrived in Podravka Vegeta from Lokomotiva at the beginning of the season. She is already the best scorer of Podravka Vegeta in WRHL with 31 goal scored from five matches played.

Additional motivation

After award ceremony Penezic said:

"This is first award like this for me and I have to thank to all my team-mates and coaches. Without them I could not be here now. I am satisfied in my new club Podravka Vegeta and I am convinced this award will be additional motivation for me to work harder in future."

PHOTO: www.koprivnica.net

"Many clubs want to join WRHL"

01 November 2008

Just before next WRHL meeting which will take place in Ljubljana on Tuesday, wrhl.info talks to Predrag Bošković. President of WRHL is satisfied with the job done so far and optimistic about the future.

Wrhl.info: Since this is your first interview on official web page of WRHL, let us start with main reasons for starting WRHL competition?

Predrag Bošković: “Above all, main reason was to increase quality level of women’s handball in our region. To create competition which will offer greater number of quality matches for all clubs participants and to build competition which will be more then just introduction and preparation for Champions League.”

Wrhl.info: First half of WRHL season is behind us. Are you satisfied so far?

Predrag Bošković: “I have to be satisfied, especially having in mind all the problems which we had from the very beginning. It is certain that everything can be much better and we will keep working to improve WRHL in all segments. Some of the national federations and some of the clubs caused us problems, although we had great support from EHF. And we are very grateful on all  support we are receiving from European Handball Federation.”

“Important thing is that we are solving all the problems which are coming up. There are many clubs from our region (and out of our region) who are interested to join the league and it is also very encouraging.”

Wrhl.info: Can you specify what are the things which have been satisfactory?

Predrag Bošković: “First of all I am satisfied with the fact that we finally managed to do important step in bringing WRHL from idea to real life. All teams participants took WRHL very seriously which is a sign we are on right track. Arbitration was on high level and that is also additional motivation to keep up with good work.”

“Good chance for detailed summary of all our work will be WRHL meeting in Ljubljana on 4th of November, where we will also discuss about future of WRHL.”

Wrhl.info: WRHL started with main sponsor Petrol. What is situation at this moment with sponsors and what are the plans for future?

Predrag Bošković: “Petrol has been with us from the very beginning and our cooperation was extremely important for WRHL. I expect high quality of WRHL matches will attract even more sponsors already in next season.”

Wrhl.info: Radnički still did not play one single match of WRHL?

Predrag Bošković: “We are very sorry about all the things which have happened to Radnički like tragic death of our friend Ljubodrag Tejić, problems with name etc. Unfortunately Radnički will not be a part of WRHL competition, but we are still opened for clubs from Serbian Championship.”

Wrhl.info: There are no undefeated teams in WRHL anymore. It means much interesting competition and many exciting duels which will decide first Champion of WRHL..

Predrag Bošković: “It is one more confirmation of necessity of this league for all teams participants. Especially teams like Hypo, Krim, Podravka, Kometal and Budućnost. I can say that we have plans to make this competition even more interesting.”

Wrhl.info: Montenegrin channel Vijesti showed live all home matches of Budućnost T-Mobile. Will Vijesti continue to broadcast matches from Podgorica and are there any plans with other TV stations?

Predrag Bošković:”This will be one of our top priorities in future. With Vijesti we have great cooperation which will continue on mutual satisfaction.”

“At the end I would like to thank to all of those who believed and supported WRHL and also to all of those who will be part of WRHL project in future."

I.A.

Five WRHL teams in Champions League

27 October 2008

WRHL will take a break until December. Next weekend Budućnost, Krim, Hypo, Podravka and Gjorče Petrov will start competing in Champions League – amongst 16 best teams of Europe.

Budućnost and Hypo vs. Anja Andersen

Budućnost T-Mobile and Hypo Niederősterreich will play in group B with Spanish Champions Elda and Anja Andersen's FCK Handbold.

At the moment Elda is on top of Spanish Championship table with 12 points from six matches played. After eight rounds FCK is on second position of Danish Championship table with 12 points.

Krim and Viborg favourites in group D

Krim will participate in group D with Danish Champions Viborg, German Champions Nűrnberg and French Champions Metz. Viborg is on top position of Danish league with 16 points from eight matches played. Team of Bojana Popović (best scorer of Danish Championship) will be favourite in group D, but also for winning CL title.

Metz is at the moment only undefeated team in French league, while Nűrnberg holds disappointing eight position on German Championship table.

Tough group for Podravka

Podravka Vegeta will compete in group C with Russian Champions Lada, Norwegian Champions Larvik and Romanian Champions Oltchim Valcea. Lada is on top of Russian Championship table with 12 points from six matches played.

Larvik has 10 points from five matches played and holds top position on Norwegian Championship table. Oltchim Valcea is only undefeated team of Romanian Championship with great expectations in new CL season.

Gjorče Petrov with CL winner in group A

Macedonian Champion Gjorče Petrov is in group A with CL winner Zvezda Zvenigorod, Hungarian Champions Győr and Danish Ikast. Zvezda Zvenigorod is on second position of Russian Championship table with nine points from five matches played.

Győr is on second position in Hungarian league with 16 points from nine matches played. Disappointing eight position in TOMS league with only seven points gained from eight matches played, holds Ikast.

Group A:
Zvezda Zvenigorod
Györi AUDI ETO KC
Kometal Gjorče Petrov
Ikast-Brande EH

Group B: 
Hypo Niederösterreich
Orsan Elda Prestigio
Budućnost T-Mobile
FCK Handbold A/S

Group C: 
HC Lada
Larvik HK
C.S. Oltchim Rm. Valcea
HC Podravka Vegeta

Group D: 
Viborg HK
RK Krim Mercator
1. FC Nürnberg Handball
Metz Handball

I.A.

VIDEO: Brilliant Stefanišin

25 October 2008

Krim Mercator got their revenge and defeated Budućnost T-Mobile in Podgorica 33:31 (11:17). Best player of the match was incredible Sergeja Stefanišin with no less then 27 saves.

Great defence of Budućnost

Match started with great defence play of Budućnost. Krim could not break thru impenetrable "wall" Bulatović-Ambroš-Kindl and home team soon took the 6:1 lead. Marta Bon was forced to call time-out but it did not help Slovenians. In 20th minute Stefanišin had three consecutive saves in just one attack of Budućnost. Despite her brilliant performance home team went on 14:9 and concluded first half with the margin of six goals 17:11.

Excellent Stefanišin

In second half coach Zsiga gave opportunity to less experienced players. Led by superb Sergeja Stefanišin, team of Marta Bon managed to score seven consecutive goals (from 19:13 they came to 19:20). Then Mőrtel had to leave the court because of injury but Stefanišin continued with brilliant performance and Krim even increased the margin. In last minutes of the match Budućnost had opportunity to turnover the result but today Stefanišin was simply brilliant allowing her team to win with 33:31.

Sergeja Stefanišin had 27 saves; Lekić scored seven and Mörtel six goals for Krim.
Best scorer in Budućnost team was Jovanović with nine goals; Radović scored seven goals and Radičević six.

Budućnost stays on top

Slovenian Champions got their revenge for defeat suffered from Budućnost in first round of WRHL. After six matches played Budućnost T-Mobile is on top of WRHL table with 10 points. Krim Mercator is on second position with nine points from eight matches played.

Sergeja Stefanišin, goalkeeper of Krim Mercator:
WATCH VIDEO HERE
"We won, it is most important. We did not start good but with great help of our fans we managed to win. Fans were great on both sides. It was superb atmosphere.“

Andrea Lekić, back player of Krim Mercator:
WATCH VIDEO HERE
“First of all I want to congratulate to my team-mates. In first half we did not play how we can. In second half we played good in defence with great help from our goalkeeper. So, I congratulate my team-mates on great performance in second half and many thanks to our great fans who supported us during entire match.”

Dijana Golubić, right wing of Krim Mercator:
WATCH VIDEO HERE
“I have to thank our fans who spent many hours on the road to come here to support us. They supported us even when we were losing the matches so this win is for them. We did not start good but we managed to turnover the result and to win at the end.”

Jovanka Radičević, right wing of Budućnost T-Mobile:
“I congratulate Krim on this victory. We simply did not have luck today. Krim players were much more stabile and concentrated in second half and for us nothing worked.

I have to say that this is our first defeat after five consecutive victories. In second half we missed too many easy goals and lost our concentration. So we are the only ones to be blamed for this defeat. It should not have happened but it's better to loose now then in Champions League. Our priority is match against Elda in first round of CL, next week. I believe in my team and I am convinced that we will learn a lot from this defeat.“                                                           

BUDUĆNOST T-MOBILE vs. KRIM MERCATOR 31:33 (17:11)

Podgorica, Sports Center Morača. Attendance: 1500.
Referees: Boris Šatordžija and Saša Pandžić (Bosnia and Herzegovina).

BUDUĆNOST T-MOBILE: Barjaktarović (7+1), Milenković (4); Radičević 6, Ambroš 2, Jovanović 9(3), Bulatović 3, Radović 7(2), Vlahović 1, Kindl-Kovacs, Đurović, Knežević 3, Miljanić.
Coach: Gyula Zsiga.

KRIM MERCATOR: Stefanišin (27), Triffa (0+1); Oder 2, Vergelyuk 5, Mavsar 1, Damjanović, Vidic,  Bodnieva 4, Golubić 5, Šoberl, Gregorc, Lekić 7 (3), Irman, Varlec 3, Mörtel 6 (4).
Coach: Marta Bon.

7 M SHOTS: Budućnost 7(5), Krim 8(7).

2 MIN SUSPENSIONS: Budućnost 7 (Radović, Ambroš, Kindl, Knežević 2, Đurović 2), Krim 5 (Vergelyuk, Mavšar, Mőrtel, Varlec, Bodnieva).

BEST PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Sergeja Stefanišin (Krim Mercator).

I.A.

"Krimovci" coming

22 October 2008

Leader Budućnost T-Mobile will welcome Krim Mercator in seventh round of WRHL. Slovenian Champions want to get revenge for defeat suffered in Ljubljana in first round.

Gyula Zsiga can be satisfied with his team’s performance shown so far. Budućnost is on top of WRHL table, Marija Jovanović is best scorer and Sonja Barjaktarović is amongst the best goalkeepers. Still, Montenegrin team is working hard every day to prepare themselves for future rivals.

Next one will be double CL winner - Krim Mercator.

Krim improving

On Tuesday and Wednesday Ljubuški visited Ljubljana and played two matches of seventh and 14th round against Krim. Home team won both times with result 46:16 and 44:15.

Team of Marta Bon now has three wins and one draw from last four matches played. Their form is evidently rising.

To get revenge

Match against only undefeated team of WRHL who has five victories from five matches played will be the biggest test for Krim in this season. Especially knowing that Budućnost already defeated Krim in Ljubljana 32:30 in first round.

Slovenian team believes in their best scorers Andrea Lekić and Dijana Golubić. Though, their efficiency will be on great test against Montenegrin defence.

“Krimovci”

Encouraged by good results of their team, Krims fans "Krimovci“ announced their arrival. So, besides great handball, great atmosphere in Morača hall is expected also.

Match Budućnost T-Mobile vs. Krim Mercator will be played on Saturday at 18:00 hours in Podgorica. Referees will be Boris Šatordžija and Saša Pandžić from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

TV channel Vijesti will broadcast the match live. Live score update will be also available on www.wrhl.info

I.A.