VIDEO: "Brilliant handball"

24 September 2008

After derby of WRHL Budućnost T-Mobile vs. Podravka Vegeta 34:30, Gyula Zsiga and Zdravko Zovko agree – both teams showed great performance.

Match between two best teams of WRHL was played in front of 2000 spectators in Morača hall. They all enjoyed fabulous handball evening.

 Videos after the match: VIDEO 1, VIDEO 2.

Gyula Zsiga, coach of Budućnost T-Mobile:
WATCH VIDEO HERE
"I am very happy. Second half was simply brilliant. Our defence was very good, very fast and very strong and that was decisive for our victory.“

Zdravko Zovko, coach of Podravka Vegeta:
"I have to congratulate both teams on great handball match. We were better in first half and Budućnost was better in second half. Simply put, my team could not follow pace in second half, although I made many substitutions. Budućnost deserved to win today.“

Miranda Tatari, captain of Podravka Vegeta:
WATCH VIDEO HERE
“These kinds of matches are real reason why WRHL is a good thing. Considering low quality of domestic leagues WRHL is a great opportunity for all top clubs to have strong matches. Although I have to say that still regional league is not strong enough. There are clubs who are not on top level. Basically there are only three teams who can play strong handball match, and they are Budućnost, Hypo and Podravka Vegeta.”

I.A.

Invincible Budućnost

24 September 2008

In exciting match Budućnost T-Mobile defeated Podravka Vegeta 34:30 (17:20). Montenegrins stayed on top of WRHL table with five victories from five matches played.

Great start of Podravka

Podravka had a great start and took the 2:0 lead. Team of Zdravko Zovko played excellent defence and margin increased on 5:1. Gyula Zsiga was forced to call time-out but Croatian team kept increasing margin. In 6th minute result was 1:7 in favour of Podravka. Then Budućnost reacted and decreased margin on just one goal – 8:9. Podravka again took the significant lead and first half finished with score 17:20.

Superb finish of Budućnost

In second half Budućnost again started to decrease the margin. There were many errors on both sides but in 40th minute team of Gyula Zsiga equalized the score on 22:22. That was turning point of the match. Soon home team took the lead with one goal of advantage (23:22) and Bulatović scored for two goals of advantage (26:24). Budućnost played aggressive defence and with great efficiency in offence and margin simply increased on final result of the match 34:30.

Best players in Budućnost team were Ana Radović with 8 goals and Sonja Barjaktarović with 13 saves.

In Croatian team best scorer was Svitlana Pasičnik with 9 goals.

BUDUĆNOST T-MOBILE vs. PODRAVKA VEGETA 34:30 (17:20)

Podgorica, Sports Center Morača. Attendance:2000.
Referees: Aco Nikolovski and Gyoko Kolevski (FYR Macedonia).

BUDUĆNOST: Barjaktarović (13), Milenković (2), Perović; Miljanić, Mochalina 6, Radičević 4, Ambroš 1, Jovanović 7(2), Radović 8, Vlahović 2, Kindl-Kovacs 1, Đurović, Knežević.
Coach: Gyula Zsiga.

PODRAVKA VEGETA: Jelčić (6), Žderić (1); Kožnjak 1, Palčić 1, Todorovska 1, Lovrak 2, Zebić 3, Gaće 1, Šerić, Pasičnik 9(5), Bulath 1, Tatari 5, Penezić 5.
Coach: Zdravko Zovko.

7 M SHOTS:  Budućnost 2(2), Podravka 6(5).
2 MIN SUSPENSIONS: Budućnost 3 (Bulatović, Jovanović, Mochalina), Podravka 4 (Pasičnik, Šerić 2, Gaće).

BEST PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Ana Radović (Budućnost T-Mobile).

I.A.

First victory for Krim

23 September 2008

In sixth round of WRHL played in Zagreb Lokomotiva hosted Krim Mercator. Without injured Nikica Pušić home team did not have chance against jovial Slovenian Champions.

Krim had a good start and took 0:4 lead. Lokomotiva scored their first goal in sixth minute. With goals of Milić and Maruščec home team managed to decrease the margin on two goals. In first 17 minutes Zeljko already had two 7 meter shots saved. In 19th minute Vesna Milanović-Litre scored and Lokomotiva came to only one goal behind.

Excellent Vergelyuk
Marina Vergelyuk was unsolved mystery for Lokomotiva. Ukrainian international scored many easy goals. On the other side Ana Maruščec also scored some important goals too. Zeljko saved third 7 meter shot and in last seconds of first half Nikica Pušić scored for 15:16 – final result of first half.

In second half Krim again started much better. Dijana Golubić scored two goals and Krim went to margin of three goals. But Pušić answered in same way and decreased margin on only one goal. Despite fourth saved 7 meters shot by Zeljko Krim managed to increase margin again.

Pušić injured
Then happened turn point of today’s match. 15 minutes before the end Nikica Pušić had to leave the court because of injury. And after many errors by Lokomotiva came Krims fast and efficient counterattacks. In 50th minute Dijana Golubić scored for five goals of advantage. From that point margin increased on final result of the match 22:33.

Lokomotiva today showed good performance especially in defence, but when Nikica Pušić got injured their play simply fell apart. Important back player of Lokomotiva Renata Knježević also did not play in today’s match.

LOKOMOTIVA vs. KRIM MERCATOR 22:33 (15:16)

Zagreb, Dom sportova. Attendance: 200.
Referees: Andrijan Knezović and Ante Knezović (Bosnia and Herzegovina).

LOKOMOTIVA: Kosanović, Bošnjak, Komljenović, Čop - Andesilić, Peraica, Havić 1, Nikšić 1, Pušić 7, Petković, Milanović - Litre 1, Maruščec 3, Zeljko, Džeko 3, Kožarić 1, Menalo 1, Milić 4.
Coach: Zoran Mlinarić

KRIM MERCATOR: Trifa, Cerar 2, Vergelyuk 7, Mavšar 2, Damjanović 3, Stefanišin, Vidič 2, Bodnieva, Golubić 4, Šoberl, Gregorc, Lekić 9, Argenti, Irman 1, Oven 1, Varlec 2.
Coach: Marta Bon.

7 M SHOTS: Lokomotiva 2(1), Krim Mercator 9(5).
2 MIN SUSPENSIONS: Lokomotiva 4, Krim Mercator 1.

TEXT: www.hr-rukomet.hr

VIDEO: Spectacular derby

23 September 2008

In spectacular derby of fifth round, only two undefeated teams of WRHL will meet. Budućnost has four wins from four matches played and Podravka has three wins from three matches played.

Leader vs. best defence

Leader on WRHL table Budućnost T-Mobile will host best defence of WRHL - Podravka Vegeta. Montenegrins want to stay on top and Croatians need victory to boost their self-confidence before CL qualification tournament in Estella.

Result was not priority in WRHL for Budućnost T-Mobile. But with four wins and eight points gained Montenegrins are leaders on WRHL table and favourite for winning the title.

Although they defeated powerful Hypo in last match, players of Gyula Zsiga are well aware that they still have lot of work to do. This is just a start, good start.

"To put virus in Podravkas system"

Press conference was held today in Morača as announcement of derby.

Gyula Zsiga, coach of Budućnost T-Mobile:
WATCH VIDEO HERE
"The most important thing now is to stay firmly on the ground. We won first derby and now we have another one coming. Only team who managed to defeat us in seven last matches was Podravka on tournament in Koprivnica. At this moment they are in best form of all teams in WRHL. Anyway I hope we will win this match. We improved a lot, individually and as a team also. I hope we will show that tomorrow."

"Podravka plays very firm and simple handball. Their main advantage is their experience. They are very good team who plays like the computer. And we have to put virus in their system.“

Mirjana Milenković, goalkeeper of Budućnost T-Mobile:
WATCH VIDEO HERE
"I expect great handball match tomorrow. Podravka is good team with lots of players from Croatian national team. We are working hard and I expect my team to show results of that work. Their advantage is that they play together for long time and also have big experience. I expect great handball match tomorrow and also great support from our fans who mean a lot to us.“

Katarina Bulatović, right back of Budućnost T-Mobile:
WATCH VIDEO HERE
"I don't want to repeat same thing which are already said. For us most important thing in this match will be support of our fans. They helped us a lot especially in second half against Hypo. If we play on same level, if every player gives her maximum performance as against Hypo, with support of our fans there is no team who can defeat us.“

First big test for Podravka

Last time these two teams met in official match was in CL qualifications, season 2005/2006. Budućnost defeated Podravka in Podgorica 24:18 (10:8) and qualified to CL group matches.

But everything is different now, new coaches and new players. Only expectations are the same – both teams want to win.

This will be biggest official test for team of Zdravko Zovko in this season. Budućnost is leader on WRHL table and young team of Gyula Zsiga demonstrated their skills by defeating powerful Hypo, CL finalist.

Spectacular derby of WRHL Budućnost T-Mobile vs. Podravka Vegeta will be played in Morača hall in Podgorica on Wednesday at 18:00 hours. Referees will be Aco Nikolovski and Gjoko Kolevski from Macedonia. TV channel Vijesti will broadcast the game live.

Live update of the match will be also available on Live score.

I.A.

"Morača is impregnable"

22 September 2008

Right back of Budućnost T-Mobile Katarina Bulatović is satisfied with play of her team so far. She is also well aware that still lot of work has to be done and that young team of Budućnost has lot of space for improvements.

Bulatović and her players now stand with their heads high:

„When your team wins four matches in a row and when in every match form raises - that is great recipe for team’s self-confidence. But when you defeat team like Hypo then it is sign of quality and confirmation that team is on a good track. Also we are sending clear message to everyone: Morača is impregnable.“

Firm on the ground

She knows that tomorrow come new challenges. Victories in past do not mean a thing:

„But we have to be firm on the ground all the way. Win against Hypo is great thing but you can't live on memories. We now have to work even more then before because we can be better and we will be better.

This was great boost for our self-confidence but for future achievements we have to work much more. We will use this good results as an impuls to work harder and to play better.”

Improving day by day

23-year old Montenegrin international is satisfied with the form of her team at this moment:

„My impressions about our play so far is that everything is ok. Most important is that we are improving day by day, atmosphere in team is excellent and we have great foundations to keep improving.“

TEXT: www.arenacg.net

Excellent victory against Krim

20 September 2008

In fourth round Podravka Vegeta defeated Krim Mercator in Zagreb 36:27 (21:16).

Match was different from the yesterdays encounter against Lokomotiva. Slovenian team did not have lead during entire match, in fact they eve did not come close.

Strict Zovko

In first half Podravka played on high „European“ level. After small deconcentration in second half, players from Koprivnica ended the match in impressive way. Zdravko Zovko was very strict and did not allow many errors to his players. After two or three errors player was substituted.

Best performance showed back players Penezić, Tatari and Franić with great shots and many assists. But Krim did not give up. Ex players of Podravka, Stefanišin and Golubić were the reason why Krim came close on 23:21 in 36th minute. Podravka reacted and smashed Krim. Anita Bulath did not play much but scored one of the last goals for celebration of her birthday – from 20th of September she has 25 years, same as Miranda Tatari.

Penezić and Jelčić show

Andrea Penezić and Ivana Jelčić deserved high grades. Jelčić was on goal entire match (Žderić entered only for 7m shots and Ungureanu was in audience because of shoulder injury). Penezić had many great jump shots and without doubt she was best player of the match.

PODRAVKA VEGETA vs. KRIM MERCATOR 36:27 (21:16)

Zagreb, Dom sportova. Attendance: 250.
Referees: Radojko Brkić and Andrej Jusufhodžić (Austria).

PODRAVKA: Žderić (- + 0), Jelčić (11+1); Kožnjak, Đokić 1, Palčić 2, Todorovska, Lovrak 2, Zebić 5, Gaće 4, Franić 5(1), Šerić, Pasičnik 1, Tatari 4, Penezić 11.
Coach: Zdravko Zovko.

KRIM: Triffa (-), Stefanišin (7+ -), Šoberl (5+0); Cerar 1, Vergelyuk 2, Mavšar 2, Damjanović, Vidič 2(2), Bodnieva 5, Golubić 6(1), Gregorc, Lekić, Argenti, Varlec 5.
Coach: Marta Bon.

7 M SHOTS: Podravka 1(1), Krim 5(4).
2 MIN SUSPENSIONS: Podravka 1 (Tatari), Krim 1 (Bodnieva).

BEST PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Andrea Penezić (Podravka Vegeta).

TEXT: www.rk-podravka.hr

VIDEO: Budućnost defeat Hypo

20 September 2008

In fourth round of WRHL Budućnost T-Mobile defeated Hypo Niederösterreich 34:32 (17:15). Match was everything derby should be – exciting duel with amazing moves, powerful shots and brilliant saves.

Buy defeating CL finalist, Champions trophy finalist and 8 times European Champion, Budućnost T-Mobile stayed on top position of WRHL table.

Excellent Barjaktarović and Englert

Match was opened by excellent saves of Barjaktarović and Englert. Hypo started with their high pace from the very beginning. Oh and Toth scored first goals for lead of Hypo 0:2. Budućnost equalized on 2:2 with goals of Radičević and Radović.

Good defence of home team gave impulse to Montenegrin offence and Budućnost took the lead 6:3 after goal of Kindl. Andras Nemeth was forced to call time-out in early stage of the game.

With good defence and efficient play in offence Budućnost controlled the game during rest of the first half (8:5, 15:13, 16:14) and went to break with score 17:15.

Thriller and suspense

Hypo entered second half with great determination to take the lead. And they did it with three consecutive goals by Kim. With great shot by Jovanović in 34th minute Budućnost  equalised on 18:18. Despite great efforts by Hypos offence Budućnost stood strong (19:19, 21:21, 22:22, 26:26, 28:28).

Hypo managed to take 2 goals lead for 29:31. In crucial moments Barjaktarović was brilliant on goal and in thrilling finish two consecutive goals by Ambroš put Budućnost in lead. Hypo did not find answer od riddle nameD "Budućnost" and match ended with score 34:32.

Players celebrated the victory with their fans.
WATCH VIDEO HERE

Deciding player today was Barjaktarović with 18 saves. Radičević, Radović and Jovanović scored 7 goals each.

In Hypo team, Englert had 15 saves and Myoung scored 7 goals.

Gyula Zsiga, coach of Budućnost T-Mobile:
"I was satisfied with the organization of our play and especially discipline in offence. We scored 34 goals to best team of Europe. In my opinion this performance was very good especially because Englerts  performance was not bad. We managed to grow up onto Hypos level. Hypo managed to take the lead in some critical moments. We received many goals, but we scored two more. We well deserved the victory. I congratulate my team!“

Jovanka Radičević, right wing of Budućnost T-Mobile:
WATCH VIDEO HERE
"This was extremely tough match for us and also big experience. We will use matches like this one to prepare for CL. Hypo is really great team and I am really satisfied my team won today.“

Andras Nemeth, coach of Hypo Niederösterreich:
WATCH VIDEO HERE
"Before this match my team had  a long trip. Also in last week we only had three trainings. This match was just training for us and preparation for following matches in CL.“

BUDUĆNOST T-MOBILE vs. HYPO NIEDEROESTERREICH 34:32 (17:15)

Podgorica, SCM Morača. Attendance: 1100.
Referees: Petar Ljubič and Nenad Krstič (Slovenia).

BUDUĆNOST: Barjaktarović (18), Milenković (6+1); Miljanić, Mochalina 2, Radičević 7, Ambroš 3, Jovanović 7 (3), Radović 7, Vlahović 1, Kindl Kovacs 2, Đurović, Bulatović 4, Knežević 1.
Coach: Gyula Zsiga.

HYPO: Englert (15); Nascimiento 5, Piedade 4, Mesquita 4, Kim 3, Oh 1, Toth 5(1), Thurner, Plach, Myoung 7(4), Aćimović 3.
Coach: Andras Nemeth.

7 M SHOTS: Budućnost 3(3), Hypo 6(5).

2 MIN SUSPENSIONS: Budućnost 5 (Kindl 2, Jovanović, Miljanić, Radičević), Hypo 3 (Aćimović, Piedade 2).

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

I.A.

Podravka defeat Lokomotiva

19 September 2008

In third round of WRHL Podravka Vegeta defeated Lokomotiva 35:23 (15:11). Croatian Champions did not show their best performance today. They still have opportunity to do it tomorrow.

Good start of Lokomotiva

Lokomotiva took the lead from the very start. Only in 15th minute Podravka managed to take 1 goal lead for the first time in the match (6:5). In first half there were many technical errors, lost balls and missed shots on both sides - something that could not be seen in Podravkas play until now. Only goalkeepers Zeljko and Jelčić showed good performances.

First half ended with the score 15:11 in favour of Podravka. Not impressive for Croatian Champions who can win everybody in Croatian league even without playing good.

Awakening

After the break Podravkas players "awoke" a bit. In 36th minute score was 20:15. Margin increased on 31:21 in 55th minute. Final result of the match was 35:23.

Bulath and Ungureanu did not play for Podravka because of injuries and Palčić did not enter the game.

LOKOMOTIVA vs. PODRAVKA VEGETA 23: 35 (11:15)

Zagreb, Dom sportova. Attendance: 250.
Referees: Damir Sarajlić and Gordan Vukušić (Croatia).

LOKOMOTIVA: Petković, Zeljko (11+0); Kosanović, Čop - Andesilić, Peraica, Nikšić 4, Havić, Vrkljan 1, Komljenović 1, Pušić 4(1), Knježević 6, Petković, Bošnjak 2, Maruščec 1, Zeljko, Džeko 2, Kožarić 1(1), Milić 1.
Coach: Zoran Mlinarić.

PODRAVKA VEGETA: Žderić (7+0), Jelčić (12+0); Kožnjak 2, Đokić 3, Palčić, Todorovska 4, Lovrak 1, Zebić 3, Gaće 4, Franić 3(1), Pasičnik 8(2), Šerić, Penezić 3(1), Tatari 4.
Coach: Zdravko Zovko.

7 M SHOTS: Lokomotiva 2(2), Podravka Vegeta 6(4).

2 MIN SUSPENSIONS: Lokomotiva 1 (Maruščec), Podravka Vegeta 1 (Pasičnik).

BEST PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Svitlana Pasičnik (Podravka Vegeta).

TEXT: www.rk-podravka.hr

VIDEO: "Hypo favourite"

19 September 2008

Press Conference was held today in Morača hall about following match Budućnost T-Mobile vs. Hypo Niederösterreich.

Coach Gyula Zsiga finds Hypo as favourite and hopes for full hall tomorrow. Best scorer of WRHL Marija Jovanović is satisfied with the work done so far and expect her team to continue improving. Goalkeeper Sonja Barjaktarovic is convinced Budućnost will give their maximum with the support of their fans.

Gyula Zsiga, coach of Budućnost T-Mobile:
WATCH VIDEO HERE
“The best team of Europe will be guest of Budućnost tomorrow. Hypo has finest selection of players from all over the world. Their defence is stable with a good goalkeeper behind them. They are very fast and very dangerous towards goal and we will have a chance in this match only if we keep up with their high pace.

We have worked hard in last week and we did everything possible to prepare ourselves good for this match. But we are very well aware that Hypo is the favourite in tomorrows match.

In comparison to last match, our defence has to be much quicker. Also we have to play better when we have numerical advantage. Liudmila Mochalina has a minor injury and her participation on Saturdays match is questionable.

At the end I hope many people will show interest and come to see the match, especially when we have opponent with such a big name... So I expect a full hall and big support from our fans on Saturday.”

Marija Jovanović, left back of Budućnost T-Mobile:
WATCH VIDEO HERE
“I think so far we did ok, with three wins from three matches played. But now biggest challenges are coming. In following matches we will play against teams who are (beside us) favourites for winning WRHL title and also ones of the best teams of Europe – Hypo and Podravka.

We will give our best to raise level of our play in defence as well as in offence and to use these matches to prepare for Champions League best we can. I don’t know whether this will be enough to win tomorrows match, but the most important thing is to improve our play.

Hypo played in CL finals last season and there is no need to talk about their quality. But in every match we are going for a win and also to play best we can.”

Sonja Barjaktarović, goalkeeper of Budućnost T-Mobile:
WATCH VIDEO HERE
“As Mara already said, Hypo is top European club and we will have a tough job tomorrow. There is no doubt, we will give our maximum, especially with support from our fans.”

I.A.

Budućnost vs. Hypo LIVE

18 September 2008

On Saturday Budućnost T-Mobile will host 8 times Champion of Europe – Hypo Niederösterreich. Champions League finalists have only two things on their mind: victories and trophies. It’s not a secret - they come to Morača to win the game.

This will be great opportunity for Gyula Zsiga to see his players against such a strong opponent. Budućnost has so far three victories from three matches played in WRHL. Teams form is rising, Captain Marija Jovanović is best scorer of WRHL and this match will be great practice for following CL challenges.

Of course, Hypo is favourite in Saturdays match. Andras Nemeth and his players are together whole year and their best performances are expected this season. Champions League finals and Champions Trophy finals are not satisfactory for Gunnar Prokop - owner of 8 CL titles.

Last time Budućnost and Hypo met in CL group phase in season 2005/2006. Budućnost won in Podgorica 21:20, but lost in Austria 36:30.

Balkan tour

On Wednesday, Hypo defeated Ljubuški 50:18 in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Scorers for Hypo were: Nascimiento 9, Toth 7, Thurner 6, Kirsner 6, Piedade 5, Myoung 4, Mesquita 4, Kim 4, Lerant 2, Plach 2 and Aćimović 1.
Scorers for Ljubuški: Ljolje 6, Maja Prusina 4, Tomić 4, Andrea Prusina 2, Rajković 1, Boras 1.

On Saturday Oh & Co. will visit Podgorica. Skopje will be their last destination on their Balkan tour. Gjorče Petrov will host Hypo on Wednesday, 24th of September.

Live update on www.wrhl.info

Match Budućnost T-Mobile vs. Hypo Niederösterreich will be played on Saturday at 17:30 in Morača hall in Podgorica. Referees will be Nenad Krstič and Petar Ljubič from Slovenia. TV channel Vijesti will broadcast the match live.

Live update of the match will be also available on www.wrhl.info

TEXT: Ivan Ambroš