Handball weekend in "Dom sportova"

18 September 2008

Because of busy schedule in domestic leagues, Podravka Vegeta, Lokomotiva and Krim Mercator agreed - two WRHL matches will be played in Zagreb this weekend.

On Friday at 18:00, Lokomotiva will host Podravka Vegeta in third round of WRHL. On Saturday at 18:00 Podravka Vegeta will play against Krim Mercator. That will be match of WRHL’s fourth round.

Croatian derby

Podravka Vegeta already started defending Croatian Championship title. They defeated Zamet in first round with 41:20 (22:13). Kristina Franić was best scorer with 8 goals and Natalija Todorovska scored 7. On Wednesday Podravka defeated Umag 47:17. Best players were Maja Zebić with 10 goals and Marta Žderić with 23 saves.

Lokomotiva also has four points after two rounds played in Croatian Championship. Players of Zoran Mlinarić have defeated Sesvete (37:21) and Koka (33:28). Nikica Pušić was best scorer in last match with 13 goals.

Gjorče Petrov defeated, Podravka Vegeta next?

Two best Croatian clubs will meet for the first time this season. Lokomotiva is without three players from the first line-up who left the club. On the other side Podravka Vegeta brought three reinforcements. Team of Zdravko Zovko showed excellent performance in preparation tournaments announcing great season.

It seems difference in quality is substantial. But… Derby will be played in Zagreb, in Lokomotivas “background“. And Lokomotiva already defeated Gjorče Petrov in front of their own audience…

Great invitation for all Croatian handball fans to come to visit "Dom sportova" this weekend.

TEXT: Ivan Ambroš

"WRHL is a higher level"

15 September 2008

Champions League finalist Hypo played EHF's Champions Trophy this weekend. In semifinals Austrian Champions defeated EHF Cup winner Larvik 35:31 (12:16). Best scorers for Hypo were Oh with 7 goals and Aćimović with 5.

In thriller match of finals Hypo was defeated by Zvezda Zvenigorod. Russian Champions won with the score 28:27 (14:14). Best scorers for Hypo were Timea Toth and Gorica Aćimović with 7 goals scored.

Seong Ok Oh MVP
Hypo's middle back Seong Ok Oh was awarded prize for the Most Valuable Player of the Champions Trophy tournament.

Andras Nemeth, coach of Hypo, talked to Eurohandball.com about the tournament, preparations and expectations in this season.

Eurohandball.com: What can be expected this season from a team that reached the CL final a few months ago?

András Németh: "The expectation from Hypo is always winning the Champions League. It was the same last year, but there will be many candidates again: 2 or 3 Danish teams, the Russians, Győr and so on..."

Eurohandball.com: And what is the main objective for you?

András Németh: "I would like to stay in the competition until the end. The most important task today is to get the engine running again. The team fell apart during the Olympics and it is difficult for us. We did not have much time yet.

On the other hand, this was not different a year ago. Back then I was new and we had to build a team. Now we have a complete team, we just have to work on the physical condition now."

Eurohandball.com: How did you prepare for the season so far?

András Németh: "We had seven players in Beijing, the other seven were training with us. We had many trainings together with the Hungarian team, Vác.

This season, we will not play Austrian league games. The regional league where we will play is a higher level and it will help us better."

TEXT: www.ehfcl.com

"We have a great team"

14 September 2008

Svitlana Pasičnik is one of the most experienced individuals in team of Zdravko Zovko. She is famous upon her shots from the floor and by taking responsibility in crucial moments of the match.

Croatian international was born in Ovidiopolj, Ukraine. 33-year old spent seven years in Koprivnica and many times won the prize for the best Croatian handball player of the year.

Wrhl.info talks to Pasičnik about great form of her team, CL qualifications and following derby of WRHL Budućnost-T-Mobile vs. Podravka Vegeta.

Wrhl.info: New season started, what are impressions about new team?

Svitlana Pasičnik: “In this season we really have a great team. New players arrived, and we continue improving.”

Wrhl.info: Your team had busy schedule participating on many preparation tournaments. You also have busy schedule in future. How do you feel now?

Svitlana Pasičnik: “I feel great. Atmosphere in team is excellent. We are little bit tired after the intense preparations period and all the tournaments, but its ok.”

Wrhl.info: Podravka won four out of five preparation tournaments, defeating Krim, Dunaferr, Gjorče Petrov… Does this mean Podravka is ready for big things in this season?

Svitlana Pasičnik: “You can never judge the team just upon preparation tournaments. We will see in Estella how good we are in this season. We will have really tough task there and we will play on 200%. I hope it will be enough to qualify.”

Wrhl.info: Your team recently had problems with away matches. Qualification tournament will be played in Spain, in Estella in front of loud fans of Itxako. Opponents will be Itxako, Leipzig and Ormi Patras. Will playing away be a problem for Podravka?

Svitlana Pasičnik: “We are now trying to play more away matches. To get used to play away and to win away. I hope bad away statistics are behind us.”

Wrhl.info: This season Podravka Vegeta has many matches to play. Besides CL qualifications your team is playing Croatian League, Croatian Cup and WRHL.

Svitlana Pasičnik: “Indeed we have a busy schedule, but it is not a burden for us. We have enough number of quality players and everybody is playing, so I don’t see a problem.”

Wrhl.info: What do you think about WRHL and favourites for winning the trophy, except Podravka Vegeta off course?

Svitlana Pasičnik: ”WRHL has just started and I don’t know much about all our opponents. But I saw Budućnost on tournament in Koprivnica and I like very much their play. And Hypo, the CL finalist is also a favourite.”

Wrhl.info: Derby of WRHL's fifth round will be match Budućnost T-Mobile vs. Podravka Vegeta. You find Budućnost as one of the favourites for winning the title. What do you expect from this derby?

Svitlana Pasičnik: “Budućnost is a good team, but I expect my team to win. Podravka Vegeta always goes for win.”

TEXT: Ivan Ambroš

Superb home start

13 September 2008

Budućnost T-Mobile opened new handball season in Morača Hall by defeating Gjorče Petrov 33:27 (17:12).
Players of Gyula Zsiga had lead during entire match not allowing Macedonians to get close.

Today’s match of WRHL's third round was very important for Budućnost T-Mobile because it was first match of their new team in front of their own crowd. Team of Gyula Zsiga presented themselves to their fans in best possible way - with a win.

Home team started with 3:0 lead. Macedonian team tried everything but could not stop Jovanović, Radovic and Radičević. First half ended with 17:12. In second half defense of Budućnost got even better. Only thanks to Križanac and Amorim, Gjorče Petrov was defeated with only six goals of margin - 33:27.

Although Budućnost was better team today, match was interesting because of many nice moves on both sides: powerful shots of Marija Jovanović and Eduarda Amorim, great efficiency of Radičević and Radović, duel of two goalkeepers Ana Križanac and Sonja Barjaktarović...

Excellent Jovanović and Križanac
Best scorer of the match was Marija Jovanović with 12 goals, Jovanka Radičević scored 9 and Ana Radović 7 goals. Sonja Barjaktarović had 13 saves.

Best player in Gjorče Petrov team was Croatian international Ana Križanac with 18 saves (2 saved 7m shots). Dragana Pecevska scored 8 and Eduarda Amorim 5 goals.

Jovanović is convinced her team has lot of space for improvements:
"I am very satisfied because we won this game, but I think we can play much better. In first half we did not play good in defense, but in second half everything was much better."

Budućnost on top
Budućnost T-Mobile is on first position of WRHL table with three wins from three matches played. Podravka Vegeta and Hypo are also undefeated, but with only one match played so far.

Marija Jovanović top scorer
After three rounds played Marija Jovanović (Budućnost T-Mobile) lead the Top scorers list with 27 goals scored. Eduarda Amorim (Gjorče Petrov) is on second place with 20 goals.

BUDUĆNOST T-MOBILE vs. GJORČE PETROV 33:27 (17:12)
Podgorica, Sports Hall "Morača". Attendance: 500.

BUDUĆNOST T-MOBILE: Barjaktarović (13), Milenković (1+1); Perović; Jovanović 12 (2), Radičević 9 (3), Mochalina, Radović 7, Bulatović 3, Kindl , Đurović 2, Ambroš, Vlahović, Knežević, Mehmedović, Miljanić, Jovović.
Coach: Gyula Zsiga.

GJORČE PETROV: Križanac (16+2); Stojkovska, Popović 3, Gjorgjievska E. 1, Kresoja 4, Amorin A.,Pecevska 8 (5), Bajramovska 1, Portjanko 1, Mladenovska 4, Amorin E. 5, Gjorgjievska D., Mrkić.
Coach: Vladimir Gligorov.

7 M SHOTS: Budućnost 7/5, Gjorče Petrov 6/5.
2 MIN SUSPENSIONS: Budućnost 6 (Bulatović, Ambroš, Jovanović, Vlahović, Kindl, Radović), Gjorče Petrov 4 (Popović 2, Portjanko, Mladenovska).

I.A.

Budućnost T-Mobile vs. Gjorče Petrov LIVE

12 September 2008

On Saturday, Budućnost T-Mobile will play their first official match in Morača this season. In third round of WRHL Montenegrins will host Gjorče Petrov.

Montenegrin and Macedonian Champions have rarely met in official matches. Their last official encounter was long time ago, back in 1998 in group of Champions League. Budućnost T-Mobile defeated Gjorče Petrov in Podgorica 32:25.

Budućnost won both matches played so far in WRHL and Gyula Zsiga wants to continue their winning stream. In Montenegro team new captain Marija Jovanović is in brilliant form, goalkeeper Mirjana Milenković is becoming real specialist for 7m shots and entire team is determined to present themselves to their audience in best possible way.

Macedonian team surprisingly lost the match in Zagreb, but managed to defeat Krim Mercator in Skopje, showing their form is rising. Eduarda Amorim and Jelena Popović are amongst five best scorers of the WRHL and they will lead Macedonian artillery in tomorrows match.

Zsiga, Ambroš and Kindl on Press Conference

Budućnost T-Mobile held Press Conference prior to the match with Coach Gyula Zsiga and new reinforcements Tihana Ambroš and Gabriela Kindl.

Gyula Zsiga, Coach of Budućnost T-Mobile:
„The truth is we don't know much about Macedonian team. We even did not find video so we did not have opportunity to watch them play in this season. So we really don't know what to expect. I know sisters Amorim, Popović and Pecevska are good players.
Good thing for us is that Tihana recuperated, she trains with the team again and already showed impressive performance in Ljubuški, so we can count on her too. Also Anđela started to train after injury and soon will start to play also.“

Tihana Ambroš, pivot of Budućnost T-Mobile:
„I know Gjorče Petrov from the past seasons, from the Champions League matches. Last time I played against them was in quarterfinals of Champions League in season 2005/2006. My team Valencia back then passed to CL semifinal only because of more goals scored away. It was very close match. So, they are always tough team to play against. Anyway, with support of our fans I hope we will be the winners in the end.“

Gabriella Kindl, left back of Budućnost T-Mobile
„It will be tough match, Gjorče Petrov is a team with great tradition. This will be our first match in front of our audience and I hope we will have support of our fans, that will be very important for us.“

Live on www.wrhl.info

Match Budućnost T-Mobile vs. Gjorče Petrov will be played in Podgorica on Saturday at 17:30 hours. Montenegrin channel Vijesti will transmit the game live.

For all handball fans who will not have opportunity to witness this great handball event, match can be followed LIVE on livescore

TEXT: I.A.

Great start for Hypo-NÖ

Written by Administrator | 10 September 2008

After surprisingly winning the Sika Cup in Bad Urach 10 days ago, Austrian Hypo-NÖ performed the first time in this season in front of their home crowd.

The opponent has been Croatian Lokomotiva Zagreb, a team that started with two wins in the Women´s Regional Handball League (WRHL). Though in Maria Enzersdorf, up from the very first minutes it was clear which team will dominate the game - it was last year`s CL-finalist, Hypo-NÖ who won at the end with 32:27 (17:12).

Easy win
The team coached by Hungarian András Németh started with its best formation featuring the two Korean national team players Kim and OH, one Brazilian (Nascimento), one Austrian (Acimovic), two Hungarians (Kirsner and Tóth) and German goalkeeper Englert. Already in the first few minutes the Austrian team was dominating, especially Korean playmaker OH impressed, her assists to Kim and Piedade came preciously.

At the Lokomotiva side it was only left wing Nikica Pušić who brought a good performance, and we could also notice great blockings by the defenders against Hypo´s back players Tóth and Acimovic. Both teams tried to perform fast handball and made quick goals through counterattacks.

Hypo-NÖ was leading in half time by five goals, therefore coach Németh decided to let his 2nd line-up play, so for the first time new signing, Brazilian Daly Mesquita could introduce herself to the about 50 visitors. In this second half young players like Plach, Thurner and Léránt got playing time as well, the latter two were scoring some nice goals.

The home team could rest its top players and still kept the lead and won with a solid performance by five goals. Hypo-NÖ will be facing tougher opponents the coming weekend, where they`ll perform at the Champions Trophy in Chekhov, Russia. Then, after they return to Austria, the team will leave for a 10 days East European trip, where they`ll be playing three away games for the WRHL.

HYPO NIEDERŐSTERREICH vs. LOKOMOTIVA 32:27 (17:12)

Maria Enzersdorf, BSFZ Südstadt. Attendance: 200.
Referees: Nenad Krstič and Peter Ljubič (Slovenia).

HYPO NIEDERŐSTERREICH: Sabine Englert, Petra Blažek; Gorica Aćimović 7, Daniela Piedade 5, Sabrina Thurner 5, Cha Youn Kim 3, Timea Toth 3, Alexandra Nascimento 2, Idalina Mesquita 2, Erika Kirsner 2, Seong Ok Oh 1, Bok Hee Myoung 1, Viven Lerant 1, Isabel Plach.
Coach: Andras Nemeth.

LOKOMOTIVA: Kosanović, Komljenović; Peraica 1, Havić 4, Nikšić 2, Pušić 9, Vrkljan 1, Knježević 3, Petković, Bošnjak 4, Maruščec 3, Zeljko, Džeko, Menalo, Matić.
Coach: Zoran Mlinarić.

Text: Márk Hegedüs, Time Out Magazine

Photo: HAGENpress

Important victory for GP

Written by Administrator | 10 September 2008

Gjorče Petrov well deserved 37:29 win against Krim Mercator. Macedonian Champions showed that clubs problems will not affect on their performance.

Only in first 15 minutes Slovenian team "hold result", not allowing Gjorče Petrov to lead with more goals. After Macedonians made several goals in a row for 10:7 lead, they got even bigger motivation and strength. Their good play, especially in offence, was rewarded with goals.

Excellent Amorim and Lekić

Brazilian international Eduarda Amorim scored 12 goals showing her great potential and good form. Portjanko and Popović were also good scoring four and seven goals. 

Defence is still the weakest link of Gjorče Petrov. Team simply need more experienced player on pivot and goalkeeper position. 

Starting the second half time, Gjorče Petrov continued with good performance. In 37th minute home team had margin of five goals – 21:16. Amorim was substituted by Mirjeta Bajramovska who scored several goals too. Krim Mercator had an opportunity to decrease the margin when result was 33:28, but they never "came close".

Slovenians will obviously concentrate on young players this season. Their target is to continue with less experienced players giving more chance to Slovenian-born players. That’s why coach Marta Bon was not worried much with this defeat.



GJORČE PETROV vs. KRIM MERCATOR 37-29 (16-14)

Skopje, Sports hall "SRC Kale". Attendance: 500. 
Referees: Milošević and Gubica (Croatia).

GJORČE PETROV: Križanac, Trenoska, Nikolovska, Popović 7, E. Gjiorgjievska 1, Kresoja 1, Pecevska 4 (3/3), Bajramovska 4, Portjanko 4, Mladenovska 2, E.Amorim 12, D. Gjorgjievska, Sterjova, Stojkovska, Mrkić. 
Coach: Vladimir Gligorov.  

KRIM MERCATOR: Trifa, Stefanišin, Cerar 3, Vergeliuk 1, Mavšar 4, Damjanović 1, Vidič, Golubić 3, Lekić 10 (7/7), Argenti, Rojc, Hrnjič 1, Irman 1, Oven, Varlec 2, Mörtel 3. 
Coach: Marta Bon. 

7 M SHOTS: Gjorče Petrov 3/3, Krim Mercator 7/8.
2 MIN SUSPENSIONS: Gjorče Petrov 4, Krim Mercator 3.



Vladimir Gligorov, coach of Gjorče Petrov:
"I'm happy we won. In this situation victory against Krim came like a candy. I know we will play even better in CL group. We prepared ourselves well for this game. Score percentage was much better and technical errors were reduced also. Nevertheless we do need better players on our right side, and maybe a goalkeeper.”

Marta Bon, coach of Krim Mercator:
"We need these games to improve our performance for the matches in CL. WRHL is something excellent for this area, because all teams have good quality. Only thing missing are the quality games. Krim play all the time with young players and without two crucial players - Bodnieva and Oder. These young players will for sure progress in following matches. I also have to say, Gjorče Petrov tonight had bigger motivation to win.”

TEXT: Goran Antevski

Second away win for Budućnost

Written by Administrator | 10 September 2008

Montenegrin Champions visited Ljubuški today. After defeating home team with 34:23 (18:14), Budućnost returned home with two more points in their pockets.

This match was great opportunity for handball fans in Ljubuški to see their team against one of the favourites for winning WRHL.

In today’s match Gyula Zsiga tried various combinations, giving all his players chance to play.

Ljubuški showed great fighting spirit and high motivation in front of their own audience. Home team even had a lead 7:5 and 11:9. Then Budućnost decided to take control over the match. First half ended with margin of four goals in favour of Montenegrins - 18:14, while in second half margin increased for final result of the match 34:23.

Best news for Budućnost T-Mobile in today’s match was come back of Croatian international Tihana Ambroš. This was her first appearance after injury and she will be great help to Montenegrin Champions in following important matches against Kometal, Hypo and Podravka.

LJUBUŠKI LIDO OSIGURANJE vs. BUDUĆNOST T-MOBILE 23:34 (14:18)

LJUBUŠKI, City Sports Hall "Ljubuški". Attendance: 100.
Referees: Načevski and Nikolov (Macedonia).

LJUBUŠKI: Bjelić (14+2); Troglić 1, Sušac, A. Prusina, Ristić, Ljolje 5, Knezović 1, M. Prusina 1 (1), Tomić 8 (1), Rajković 5, Boras 1, Dragičević, Tolić, Mistrić 1.
Coach: Zvonko Papak.

BUDUĆNOST T-MOBILE: Barjaktarović (8), Milenković (9), Miljanić 1, Močalina 3, Radičević 4, Ambroš 4, Jovanović 3 (1), Radović 4 (1), Vlahović 2, Kindl, Đurović 3, Jovović 2, Mehmedović 1, Lazović 1, Bulatović 4, Knežević 2.
Coach: Gyula Zsiga.

7 M SHOTS: Ljubuški 3 (2), Budućnost T-Mobile 4 (2).
2 MIN SUSPENSIONS: Ljubuški 4, Budućnost T-Mobile 4.

Zvonko Papak, coach of Ljubuški Lido osiguranje:
“Congratulations to all my players on great fighting spirit. Today we had much stronger opponent and we simply did not have strength to play entire match in so high pace.”

Gyula Zsiga, coach of Budućnost T-Mobile:
“We did not start good, especially in defence, but in second half we started to play much more aggressive. It was obvious girls were tired because of long trip, but it should not be excuse for this kind of play.”

Katarina Bulatović, right back of Budućnost T-Mobile:
“We played bad defence in first half and in offence we missed too many shots. We were very tired and I am convinced that on Saturday against Gjorče Petrov we will show much better performance.”

Tihana Ambroš, pivot of Budućnost T-Mobile:
“Considering the fact I started to train with the team two days ago I can be satisfied with my play. I can not be satisfied with play of my team in general, but this was not our play. We can do much better and we will do much better.”

TEXT: I.A.

Clash of CL Winners

09 September 2008

Matches Gjorče Petrov vs. Krim were always real derbies, thrill for watching. So, tomorrows game of WRHL’s second round in Sports center Kale in Skopje, does not need introduction.

It’s true both teams are not as strong as in the past, but three CL trophies won and five participations in Champions League finals deserve maximum respect. No doubt, Kale hall will once again be full.

Teams lost their first matches in WRHL, and now have chance to “come back in the game". This is more important for Gjorče Petrov players, as they are looking for new sponsor and have younger team with high motivation to demonstrate their skills.

Gligorov asks for absolute concentration

Vladimir Gligorov, coach of Gjorče Petrov said:

"We spoke with the players and asked them to be totally focused on today’s game. I know how difficult is to play in this situation, but I'm happy that our performance is going better.”

"Our problem is how to keep lead in game. In previous games team had a lead with several goals against different rivals, and almost always we lost, due to our mistakes and bad shots".

Gjorče Petrov is looking for win, no matter what. Unfortunately this time coach Gligorov can not count on injured players Alegra Oholanga and Lenče Ilkova.

Match Gjorče Petrov vs. Krim Mercator will be played in Sports centre Kale on  Wednesday at 17:00 hours.

TEXT: Goran Antevski

Hypo warming engines

08 September 2008

On 10th of September Hypo Niederoesterreich will welcome Lokomotiva in second round of WRHL. It will be first official match of the season for Austrian Champions (match of first round Hypo vs. Radnicki was postponed).

Team who had won CL 8 times has only one goal in every competition – to win it. They have same plan in WRHL.

Excellent form of his team Andras Nemeth demonstrated on Sika Cup in Bad Urach. Hypo won first place and Seong Ok Oh was elected as best player of the tournament.

35-year old Korean will once again try to lead her team to the top. She will have great help from Hungarian international Timea Toth who was best scorer of last seasons CL with 127 goals.

Ambitious Lokomotiva

Croatian team showed how serious they are by defeating Gjorče Petrov at home. Match against CL finalist will be real test for team of Zoran Mlinarić. His young and ambitious players want to show their quality against one of the top European teams.

Match Hypo Niederoesterreich vs. Lokomotiva Zagreb will be played in Maria Entzersdorf on Wednesday at 19:00 hours.

Ivan Ambroš