March 31, 2003
Handball Site Reviews: Ferencvaros
Ferencvaros Handball, ftc.handball.hu
Handnews rating: **** (of ****)
Suppose you were put in a position where you could only bring one handball web site with you to a deserted island. Yes, I know it sounds outlandish, but bare with me. Which one would you choose? That got you thinking for sure!
In my case, though, the answer would be a simple one. The multimedia portal of Ferencvaros, not to be confused with the official FTC-Herz site, puts most other sites to shame. What's most staggering about this site is the sheer quantity of goods, not only relating to FTC, but to Hungarian handball in general.
There's a massive photo gallery of original content which is unlike anything seen on the 'handball web'. It contains tons and tons of match pictures, training pictures, off-court pictures and great scans from various magazines. If your favorite team has met Ferencvaros at one time during the last three years, chances are good that you can uncover pictures from that occasion. But it goes far beyond Ferencvaros, many other Hungarian top teams are represented as well.
There are also plenty of galleries of the Hungarian national team and tournaments it has taken part in. For instance a real treasure chest of cool pictures from the European Championship in Denmark in December, inluding some quintessential depictions of the grey, wintery Danish countryside with its busy windmills. And a trip to the "mountains" of Yding Skovhoj and Ejer Baunehoj!
In short, this site has the largest collection of handball pictures found anywhere on the net. Any photographer will tell you that taking pictures of indoor sports is one of the hardest tasks imaginable. But the quality of the pictures on the site is great, and it keeps getting better. If you don't trust me, have a look for yourself. But please take a few days off to go through all of them.
And if the pictures weren't enough, there's a truckload of video files. Some of them quite amusing. Watch Kökeny as she gets a kiss on her cheek from a fan during a live interview, and watch Farkas, Padar and team mates sing a strange Hungarian folk song in an entertainment show, while they perform an even stranger dance. Also check out the FTC music mix (Mp3 file).
The design is both simple and pleasant, this is one place where you don't get lost in some strange sub-page. And it's a clear example of efficient php-programming. As a major plus, there's both a Hungarian and an English version, and the page is reguarly updated with news items. In one section some of the FTC players, current and former, answer questions about themselves and sign their autographs.
Truly a must-see site, and a remarkable addition to the official Herz-FTC site, which more or less appears to be produced and maintained by the same team.
Ferencvaros Handball, ftc.handball.hu
Handnews rating: **** (of ****)
Suppose you were put in a position where you could only bring one handball web site with you to a deserted island. Yes, I know it sounds outlandish, but bare with me. Which one would you choose? That got you thinking for sure!
In my case, though, the answer would be a simple one. The multimedia portal of Ferencvaros, not to be confused with the official FTC-Herz site, puts most other sites to shame. What's most staggering about this site is the sheer quantity of goods, not only relating to FTC, but to Hungarian handball in general.
There's a massive photo gallery of original content which is unlike anything seen on the 'handball web'. It contains tons and tons of match pictures, training pictures, off-court pictures and great scans from various magazines. If your favorite team has met Ferencvaros at one time during the last three years, chances are good that you can uncover pictures from that occasion. But it goes far beyond Ferencvaros, many other Hungarian top teams are represented as well.
There are also plenty of galleries of the Hungarian national team and tournaments it has taken part in. For instance a real treasure chest of cool pictures from the European Championship in Denmark in December, inluding some quintessential depictions of the grey, wintery Danish countryside with its busy windmills. And a trip to the "mountains" of Yding Skovhoj and Ejer Baunehoj!
In short, this site has the largest collection of handball pictures found anywhere on the net. Any photographer will tell you that taking pictures of indoor sports is one of the hardest tasks imaginable. But the quality of the pictures on the site is great, and it keeps getting better. If you don't trust me, have a look for yourself. But please take a few days off to go through all of them.
And if the pictures weren't enough, there's a truckload of video files. Some of them quite amusing. Watch Kökeny as she gets a kiss on her cheek from a fan during a live interview, and watch Farkas, Padar and team mates sing a strange Hungarian folk song in an entertainment show, while they perform an even stranger dance. Also check out the FTC music mix (Mp3 file).
The design is both simple and pleasant, this is one place where you don't get lost in some strange sub-page. And it's a clear example of efficient php-programming. As a major plus, there's both a Hungarian and an English version, and the page is reguarly updated with news items. In one section some of the FTC players, current and former, answer questions about themselves and sign their autographs.
Truly a must-see site, and a remarkable addition to the official Herz-FTC site, which more or less appears to be produced and maintained by the same team.
France, Hungary, Germany Win Nation Tournaments
During last week and over the weekend a number of national teams slugged it out in international tournaments to gauge their current form.
At the Weise-Cup in Neubrandenburg, France pushed over Germany 27-23 in the last round to pick up the first place in this four-nation tournament. Germany finished runner-up, while Croatia and Lithuania had to settle for third and fourth respectively. Svitlana Pasicnik of Croatia was named player of the tournament, but it was Lithuanian Ingrida Bartaseviciene who ran with top scoring honors by virtue of 30 goals.
Hungary expectedly snatched up the Györ Cup at home soil, going 3-for-3 against Brazil, Romania, and a selected team of Hungarian league players. The shocker of the tournament was Brazil's 30-29 conquest of traditional Euro-powerhouse Romania. Concencaio of the Samba squad scored the most goals, while Eszter Siti was named player of the tournament.
The 30th International Chep Tournament, a Czech event featuring 7 national teams and Hypo Niederösterreich, was completed on Saturday. Germany's B team got the best of the Czech Republic in the last round with a slim 23-22 and secured the tournament victory. Sweden overcame the Austrian Hypo side 28-25 to take second place.
During last week and over the weekend a number of national teams slugged it out in international tournaments to gauge their current form.
At the Weise-Cup in Neubrandenburg, France pushed over Germany 27-23 in the last round to pick up the first place in this four-nation tournament. Germany finished runner-up, while Croatia and Lithuania had to settle for third and fourth respectively. Svitlana Pasicnik of Croatia was named player of the tournament, but it was Lithuanian Ingrida Bartaseviciene who ran with top scoring honors by virtue of 30 goals.
Hungary expectedly snatched up the Györ Cup at home soil, going 3-for-3 against Brazil, Romania, and a selected team of Hungarian league players. The shocker of the tournament was Brazil's 30-29 conquest of traditional Euro-powerhouse Romania. Concencaio of the Samba squad scored the most goals, while Eszter Siti was named player of the tournament.
The 30th International Chep Tournament, a Czech event featuring 7 national teams and Hypo Niederösterreich, was completed on Saturday. Germany's B team got the best of the Czech Republic in the last round with a slim 23-22 and secured the tournament victory. Sweden overcame the Austrian Hypo side 28-25 to take second place.
March 30, 2003
Handball Site Reviews: Buxtehuder SV
Buxtehuder SV, www.bsv-live.de
Handnews rating: ***½ (of ****)
I've rarely come across a site with such a lively front - there are bits and pieces moving everywhere, a cacophony, not of sound, but of visual stimulation. All fit into a very tight place. Sounds like a receipe for disaster, but Buxtehuder SV succeeds quite well in organizing all the information in a user-friendly manner. Of course, the fancy shell, with the incorporation of Flash will put some users off, but it adds a very fresh and distinct taste to the site. Plus it's great fun that a new player pops up every time you visit.
The players are the core and focus of the sport, this is an effective way to emphasize this important fact. The Flash interface is also used to display a nice varied selection of photos relating to the club. This is not quite the optimal use for Flash for technical reasons, for instance you can't simply save the pictures if you so wish, but other than that it works well.
What's most impressive about the site is the depth and broadness of information. Everything from the club hymn, presentation video to transport directions. Not to mention a wealth of statistical information. It's amusing to read the goal scoring stats of Camilla Andersen who was a BSV player from 1993 until she changed to Baekkelaget after the Atlanta games in 1996. And these statistics have a sponsor, highly entrepreneurial.
This is a true multimedia site with some nice interactive features, like a fun, little memory game. Buxtehude, a satellite city southwest of Hamburg, is currently placed at the top section of a very competitive Bundesliga where no team stands out, at least not for long. Of course, many Danes know the club because of the time Camilla Andersen spent there. Stefanie Melbeck, who was such a gutsy player at Randers HK, should also ring a bell to some, and so should perhaps experienced keeper Silke Christiansen and Poland's Aleksandra Pawelska.
Buxtehuder SV deserves credit for putting these kind of ressources into their web presentation, which was undertaken by a professional firm. You almost feel like wanting to become a fan of this club. Almost.
Of course, the site demands some German knowledge to be fully appreciated. However, I'm not going to severely criticize it for lacking an English version, because 'Deutsch' is spoken so widely in many of the most handball-interested parts of Europe, i.e. Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, and the Balkans. Plus - the German base of visitors is quite large in itself.
A big thumbs up for www.bsv-live.de. Many clubs could learn from this ambitious effort. BSV may lose to Trier in the race for the German Championship, but on the web they are clearly superior.
Buxtehuder SV, www.bsv-live.de
Handnews rating: ***½ (of ****)
I've rarely come across a site with such a lively front - there are bits and pieces moving everywhere, a cacophony, not of sound, but of visual stimulation. All fit into a very tight place. Sounds like a receipe for disaster, but Buxtehuder SV succeeds quite well in organizing all the information in a user-friendly manner. Of course, the fancy shell, with the incorporation of Flash will put some users off, but it adds a very fresh and distinct taste to the site. Plus it's great fun that a new player pops up every time you visit.
The players are the core and focus of the sport, this is an effective way to emphasize this important fact. The Flash interface is also used to display a nice varied selection of photos relating to the club. This is not quite the optimal use for Flash for technical reasons, for instance you can't simply save the pictures if you so wish, but other than that it works well.
What's most impressive about the site is the depth and broadness of information. Everything from the club hymn, presentation video to transport directions. Not to mention a wealth of statistical information. It's amusing to read the goal scoring stats of Camilla Andersen who was a BSV player from 1993 until she changed to Baekkelaget after the Atlanta games in 1996. And these statistics have a sponsor, highly entrepreneurial.
This is a true multimedia site with some nice interactive features, like a fun, little memory game. Buxtehude, a satellite city southwest of Hamburg, is currently placed at the top section of a very competitive Bundesliga where no team stands out, at least not for long. Of course, many Danes know the club because of the time Camilla Andersen spent there. Stefanie Melbeck, who was such a gutsy player at Randers HK, should also ring a bell to some, and so should perhaps experienced keeper Silke Christiansen and Poland's Aleksandra Pawelska.
Buxtehuder SV deserves credit for putting these kind of ressources into their web presentation, which was undertaken by a professional firm. You almost feel like wanting to become a fan of this club. Almost.
Of course, the site demands some German knowledge to be fully appreciated. However, I'm not going to severely criticize it for lacking an English version, because 'Deutsch' is spoken so widely in many of the most handball-interested parts of Europe, i.e. Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, and the Balkans. Plus - the German base of visitors is quite large in itself.
A big thumbs up for www.bsv-live.de. Many clubs could learn from this ambitious effort. BSV may lose to Trier in the race for the German Championship, but on the web they are clearly superior.
March 29, 2003
Larvik Destroys Feeble Nordstrand 29-15 (18-9)
The Norwegian cup final was practically decided within the first 15 minutes as Larvik HK raced to a 9-2 lead against a frustrated Nordstrand side. The tight Larvik defense and an invigorated Lene Rantala in goal denied Nordstrand any chance of creating excitement in front of a relatively rare national television audience and a crowded Oslo Spektrum.
In the second half, the subdued Oslo side, which actually won the Cup last season after defeating Larvik in the semis, only managed a meager 6 goals. The performance by Nordstrand was especially mortifying as they had been talking very confidently about teaching Larvik a lesson in the build-up to the match.
Oddly, winning the cup final in Norway actually brings with it the official title of Norwegian Champion, which in most other countries is reserved for league play. Officially, Larvik is now the League Champion and the Norwegian Champion. This denomination is somewhat strange, and for that reason I will continue to refer to the winner of the Norwegian league, Gildeserien, as the de facto Norwegian Champion, while the winner of the Cup final is simply - the Cup Winner.
The Norwegian cup final was practically decided within the first 15 minutes as Larvik HK raced to a 9-2 lead against a frustrated Nordstrand side. The tight Larvik defense and an invigorated Lene Rantala in goal denied Nordstrand any chance of creating excitement in front of a relatively rare national television audience and a crowded Oslo Spektrum.
In the second half, the subdued Oslo side, which actually won the Cup last season after defeating Larvik in the semis, only managed a meager 6 goals. The performance by Nordstrand was especially mortifying as they had been talking very confidently about teaching Larvik a lesson in the build-up to the match.
Oddly, winning the cup final in Norway actually brings with it the official title of Norwegian Champion, which in most other countries is reserved for league play. Officially, Larvik is now the League Champion and the Norwegian Champion. This denomination is somewhat strange, and for that reason I will continue to refer to the winner of the Norwegian league, Gildeserien, as the de facto Norwegian Champion, while the winner of the Cup final is simply - the Cup Winner.
Camilla Andersen Blasts Home 21 Goals
Camilla Andersen left no questions mark open in the top scorer race. In the final league match against Horsens HK, which Slagelse won 41-28, an inspired Andersen put no fewer than 21 goals past the hapless Horsens keepers. Only 6 of which were on penalties.
With 215 goals during the regular season, she finishes ahead of Randers HK's goal machine Chao Zhai who put in 9 goals (3 pen.) in the last round and wound up with a total of 205.
Camilla Andersen finished just 5 goals short of achieving a goal average of 10 per match and had to contend with 9.8.
Slagelse averaged 34.3 goals per match, a distinct gap to Viborg HK on 30.5. GOG can boast of the best defense with only 23.7 goals against them on average, but dominant Slagelse came close with 24.1.
Camilla Andersen left no questions mark open in the top scorer race. In the final league match against Horsens HK, which Slagelse won 41-28, an inspired Andersen put no fewer than 21 goals past the hapless Horsens keepers. Only 6 of which were on penalties.
With 215 goals during the regular season, she finishes ahead of Randers HK's goal machine Chao Zhai who put in 9 goals (3 pen.) in the last round and wound up with a total of 205.
Camilla Andersen finished just 5 goals short of achieving a goal average of 10 per match and had to contend with 9.8.
Slagelse averaged 34.3 goals per match, a distinct gap to Viborg HK on 30.5. GOG can boast of the best defense with only 23.7 goals against them on average, but dominant Slagelse came close with 24.1.
Danish League Wrap-Up: GOG Survives Scare
The last round of the Danish league was mostly of academic interest as the four play-off participants and the two directly relegated teams, Tvis/Holstebro and Odense, were already established. Slagelse manifested its position at the top of table with a commanding win over Horsens HK. This, however, does not make them Danish Champions, but provides them with other benefits: Assurance of a Champions League spot, and home advantage in decisive play-off matches.
GOG surprisingly struggled to secure the third place and only narrowly denied bottom-residents Tvis/Holstebro 26-25. A loss would have forced them to play Slagelse FH at the semifinal stage instead of Ikast.
Slagelse FH now clashes with reigning champions Viborg in the semifinals. Wilbek's 4th-placed forces ran over KIF Kolding's defense and stormed to a 40-34 victory. Runner-up Ikast, which shut out Skovbakken 28-17 in front of 3,100 spectators in Aarhus Arena, tees off with 3rd-placed GOG/Gudme in best-of-three play. Unlike European competitions, goal score is of no significance, only points count. This greatly enhances the chance, or risk if you like, of third and decisive matches.
9th place finishers Fox Team Nord neglected to put a dent in Randers HK's armor and is now shoved into qualification games to extend the stay in the top league. Always ambitious, yet always disappointing Skovbakken at position 10 shares that fate. The final standings.
The last round of the Danish league was mostly of academic interest as the four play-off participants and the two directly relegated teams, Tvis/Holstebro and Odense, were already established. Slagelse manifested its position at the top of table with a commanding win over Horsens HK. This, however, does not make them Danish Champions, but provides them with other benefits: Assurance of a Champions League spot, and home advantage in decisive play-off matches.
GOG surprisingly struggled to secure the third place and only narrowly denied bottom-residents Tvis/Holstebro 26-25. A loss would have forced them to play Slagelse FH at the semifinal stage instead of Ikast.
Slagelse FH now clashes with reigning champions Viborg in the semifinals. Wilbek's 4th-placed forces ran over KIF Kolding's defense and stormed to a 40-34 victory. Runner-up Ikast, which shut out Skovbakken 28-17 in front of 3,100 spectators in Aarhus Arena, tees off with 3rd-placed GOG/Gudme in best-of-three play. Unlike European competitions, goal score is of no significance, only points count. This greatly enhances the chance, or risk if you like, of third and decisive matches.
9th place finishers Fox Team Nord neglected to put a dent in Randers HK's armor and is now shoved into qualification games to extend the stay in the top league. Always ambitious, yet always disappointing Skovbakken at position 10 shares that fate. The final standings.
Randers Enlists Romanian Luca
After failing to secure her two years ago, Randers HK has finally attracted the signature of 27-year-old Steluta Luca. The Romanian right back joins the Danish club on a 3-year deal from Italian side Dossobuono.
The left-handed Steluta Luca has appeared in 120 international matches for Romania and scored an impressive 655 goals. According to Randers coach Morten Arvidsson, the former Oltchim Valcea player averages 12-17 goals per game in Italy.
After failing to secure her two years ago, Randers HK has finally attracted the signature of 27-year-old Steluta Luca. The Romanian right back joins the Danish club on a 3-year deal from Italian side Dossobuono.
The left-handed Steluta Luca has appeared in 120 international matches for Romania and scored an impressive 655 goals. According to Randers coach Morten Arvidsson, the former Oltchim Valcea player averages 12-17 goals per game in Italy.
March 28, 2003
Where Is She Now: Tanderup?
Few players have made as much difference as Anne Dorthe Tanderup to the explosive increase in popularity of women's handball in Denmark in the 90's. She was an integrated part of the "Golden Girl" generation which stormed on to the scene at the World Championship in 1993.
She bettered the silver medal from that year with a gold at the European Championship in 1994 in Germany, and she was part of the team that grabbed "the triple" in 1996 and 1997 by winnning three major competitions in a row: The craved Olympic gold in Atlanta, the Euro Championship at home, and Denmark's so far only handball World Championship.
As so many other prominent players, Tanderup made her first dribbles in the suburban Aarhus club of Brabrand IF. As a curiosity, this picture is highly interesting. Three of these junior girls would move on to become national players.
As a youngster, Tanderup had a short and unsuccessful spell at Hypo Niederösterreich before becoming a backbone player of the Viborg HK team that revolutionized Danish club handball in the mid-90's. Tanderup was a team player in the best sense of the word and often served as captain. Clearly overshadowed at her left back position by the incomparable Anja Andersen, she never quite reached world-class in offense. Unlike in defense where she always played a crucial role.
During her career, Tanderup took the initiative of forming a Danish association of handball players and even served as its first president.
Because of her, how should I put it, not exactly repulsive physical appearance, Tanderup catapulted to fame in the Danish media, far beyond the sports pages. At one point, a newspaper even pronounced her "sexiest woman of the year" in Denmark after a vote by the readers.
Tanderup represented Denmark 88 times internationally and scored 179 goals. Severe and multiple knee injuries cut her career considerably short. One of her serious injuries was actually sustained when she participated in a tv entertainment program that pitted athletes from different sports against each other.
After retiring, the now soon to be 31-year-old had a short spell as handball commentator on national television.
Getting back to the original question, where is she now?
Well, Anne Dorthe married one of Denmark's greatest sports heroes, the 1996 Tour de France winner, cyclist Bjarne Riis. Predictably, their relationship attracted a flood wave of media interest - especially since Bjarne Riis was already married when they met and had two children from that marriage.
The couple moved to Italy and made it no secret that they were trying to escape the media onslaught. Riis is now managing Team CSC, a professional cycling team, while Tanderup is selling Danish design from her own shop. She has given birth to two children, here a picture of the latest offspring and a proud mother.
Few players have made as much difference as Anne Dorthe Tanderup to the explosive increase in popularity of women's handball in Denmark in the 90's. She was an integrated part of the "Golden Girl" generation which stormed on to the scene at the World Championship in 1993.
She bettered the silver medal from that year with a gold at the European Championship in 1994 in Germany, and she was part of the team that grabbed "the triple" in 1996 and 1997 by winnning three major competitions in a row: The craved Olympic gold in Atlanta, the Euro Championship at home, and Denmark's so far only handball World Championship.
As so many other prominent players, Tanderup made her first dribbles in the suburban Aarhus club of Brabrand IF. As a curiosity, this picture is highly interesting. Three of these junior girls would move on to become national players.
As a youngster, Tanderup had a short and unsuccessful spell at Hypo Niederösterreich before becoming a backbone player of the Viborg HK team that revolutionized Danish club handball in the mid-90's. Tanderup was a team player in the best sense of the word and often served as captain. Clearly overshadowed at her left back position by the incomparable Anja Andersen, she never quite reached world-class in offense. Unlike in defense where she always played a crucial role.
During her career, Tanderup took the initiative of forming a Danish association of handball players and even served as its first president.
Because of her, how should I put it, not exactly repulsive physical appearance, Tanderup catapulted to fame in the Danish media, far beyond the sports pages. At one point, a newspaper even pronounced her "sexiest woman of the year" in Denmark after a vote by the readers.
Tanderup represented Denmark 88 times internationally and scored 179 goals. Severe and multiple knee injuries cut her career considerably short. One of her serious injuries was actually sustained when she participated in a tv entertainment program that pitted athletes from different sports against each other.
After retiring, the now soon to be 31-year-old had a short spell as handball commentator on national television.
Getting back to the original question, where is she now?
Well, Anne Dorthe married one of Denmark's greatest sports heroes, the 1996 Tour de France winner, cyclist Bjarne Riis. Predictably, their relationship attracted a flood wave of media interest - especially since Bjarne Riis was already married when they met and had two children from that marriage.
The couple moved to Italy and made it no secret that they were trying to escape the media onslaught. Riis is now managing Team CSC, a professional cycling team, while Tanderup is selling Danish design from her own shop. She has given birth to two children, here a picture of the latest offspring and a proud mother.
Bouwer Bows Out
After ten years in charge of the women's national team of the Netherlands, Bert Bouwer has announced his immediate resignation from the post. His assistant, Kari Aagaard, assumes the position of head coach for the play-off matches against the Czech Republic in the summer.
Despite never achieving a stand-out international result, Bert Bouwer helped make the ambitious Dutch national team a dangerous outsider in European handball. The Netherlands disappointed during Euro 2002, and Bouwer had to endure heavy criticism for his decision to consistently keep goal-getter Ana Razdorov benched.
After ten years in charge of the women's national team of the Netherlands, Bert Bouwer has announced his immediate resignation from the post. His assistant, Kari Aagaard, assumes the position of head coach for the play-off matches against the Czech Republic in the summer.
Despite never achieving a stand-out international result, Bert Bouwer helped make the ambitious Dutch national team a dangerous outsider in European handball. The Netherlands disappointed during Euro 2002, and Bouwer had to endure heavy criticism for his decision to consistently keep goal-getter Ana Razdorov benched.
March 27, 2003
Andersen And Chai in Tight Battle
Zhao Chai 196 goals. Camilla Andersen 194. So close has the struggle for the coveted mantle as the top scorer of the Danish league become. Zhao Chai and Randers HK play Fox Team Nord in the last round, while Camilla Andersen and Slagelse has a slightly more difficult opponent in Horsens HK.
The Chinese wizard held a clear lead a few months ago, but Camilla Andersen has been drawing closer, clearly displayed by her 15 goals in Slagelse's most recent outing. Horsens' Swedish veteran Åsa Eriksson places third with 144 successful shots.
Zhao Chai 196 goals. Camilla Andersen 194. So close has the struggle for the coveted mantle as the top scorer of the Danish league become. Zhao Chai and Randers HK play Fox Team Nord in the last round, while Camilla Andersen and Slagelse has a slightly more difficult opponent in Horsens HK.
The Chinese wizard held a clear lead a few months ago, but Camilla Andersen has been drawing closer, clearly displayed by her 15 goals in Slagelse's most recent outing. Horsens' Swedish veteran Åsa Eriksson places third with 144 successful shots.
Farum Arena Hosts Slagelse Semifinal
Due to spectator demand, Slagelse FH has decided to relocate its EHF Cup semifinal clash with Motor Zaporoshe from Antvorskovhallen in Slagelse to Farum Arena northwest of Copenhagen. This increases the capacity from 1,650, of which only 900 are seats, in Slagelse to 2,315 seats in Farum.
Meanwhile, Ikast/Bording once again has booked Aarhus Arena to accommodate a large demand from the public to watch their Champions League semifinal with Krim Ljubljana. Their quarterfinal drama with Podgorica attracted 4,600 people in Aarhus, a sell out.
Both Aarhus Arena and Farum Arena were in use for the European Championship in December. Slagelse is currently planning to build a larger and more modern stadium to replace the present facilities.
Due to spectator demand, Slagelse FH has decided to relocate its EHF Cup semifinal clash with Motor Zaporoshe from Antvorskovhallen in Slagelse to Farum Arena northwest of Copenhagen. This increases the capacity from 1,650, of which only 900 are seats, in Slagelse to 2,315 seats in Farum.
Meanwhile, Ikast/Bording once again has booked Aarhus Arena to accommodate a large demand from the public to watch their Champions League semifinal with Krim Ljubljana. Their quarterfinal drama with Podgorica attracted 4,600 people in Aarhus, a sell out.
Both Aarhus Arena and Farum Arena were in use for the European Championship in December. Slagelse is currently planning to build a larger and more modern stadium to replace the present facilities.
Report: Tarculovska to Slagelse
Danish newspaper B.T. claims that Slagelse FH has signed the Macedonian left wing Valentina Tarculovska from Hypo Niederösterreich as a replacement for Mia Hundvin who appears to be returning to Norway.
Tarculovska undoubtedly rates as one of the most technically gifted female handballers and should prove capable of filling the gap after Mia Hundvin who has been phenomenal this season in Slagelse's red jersey.
After Hundvin broke up with Camilla Andersen and hooked up with Norwegian snowboarder Terje Haakonsen, she has been expected to leave the Danish club and possibly join the Larvik squad in her home country.
Danish newspaper B.T. claims that Slagelse FH has signed the Macedonian left wing Valentina Tarculovska from Hypo Niederösterreich as a replacement for Mia Hundvin who appears to be returning to Norway.
Tarculovska undoubtedly rates as one of the most technically gifted female handballers and should prove capable of filling the gap after Mia Hundvin who has been phenomenal this season in Slagelse's red jersey.
After Hundvin broke up with Camilla Andersen and hooked up with Norwegian snowboarder Terje Haakonsen, she has been expected to leave the Danish club and possibly join the Larvik squad in her home country.
March 26, 2003
Larvik: Again, Again, Again, Again
With one round remaining, the supreme entity of Norwegian handball, Larvik HK, has secured the league Championship for the fourth time in a row by undoing NTG/Stabaek 36-23. Larvik, now on an incredible winning streak of 49 league games, maintained an unsurmountable 3-point advantage vis-a-vis Nordstrand 2000 before the last match.
The lacking competitiveness of the declining Gildeserien was further emphasized by Nordstrand's outlandish 52-25 conquest of lowly Gjerpen in the same round.
Congratulations to Larvik HK - and condolences to Gjerpen. But, my golly, do Larvik need a modicum of opposition. Perhaps Nordstrand can settle the score on Saturday when the leading Norwegian teams clash in the Cup final.
With one round remaining, the supreme entity of Norwegian handball, Larvik HK, has secured the league Championship for the fourth time in a row by undoing NTG/Stabaek 36-23. Larvik, now on an incredible winning streak of 49 league games, maintained an unsurmountable 3-point advantage vis-a-vis Nordstrand 2000 before the last match.
The lacking competitiveness of the declining Gildeserien was further emphasized by Nordstrand's outlandish 52-25 conquest of lowly Gjerpen in the same round.
Congratulations to Larvik HK - and condolences to Gjerpen. But, my golly, do Larvik need a modicum of opposition. Perhaps Nordstrand can settle the score on Saturday when the leading Norwegian teams clash in the Cup final.
Ikast Coach Afraid of Krim
Ikast coach Christian Dalmose has made it no secret that Krim Eta Ljubljana was anything but the desired semifinal obstacle. Dalmose believes that the current Krim side is even stronger than the one which conquered the Champions League crown two years ago by defeating Viborg HK in the final. He contends that they are a team without any visible flaws, and carefully stresses that Ikast/Bording must play to its maximum to progress further.
I think he's absolutely right. Ikast showed worrying signs at the group stage when Hypo bested them twice, and they were certainly not unlucky to defeat Larvik HK in Norway. Not to mention the gut-wrenching thriller with Buducnost.
Ikast coach Christian Dalmose has made it no secret that Krim Eta Ljubljana was anything but the desired semifinal obstacle. Dalmose believes that the current Krim side is even stronger than the one which conquered the Champions League crown two years ago by defeating Viborg HK in the final. He contends that they are a team without any visible flaws, and carefully stresses that Ikast/Bording must play to its maximum to progress further.
I think he's absolutely right. Ikast showed worrying signs at the group stage when Hypo bested them twice, and they were certainly not unlucky to defeat Larvik HK in Norway. Not to mention the gut-wrenching thriller with Buducnost.
Horsens Seizes Nordstrand's Nilsen
Horsens HK has made a significant improvement to its cadre by capturing keeper Jeanette Nilsen from Norwegian club Nordstrand 2000. Although regularly occupying the imposing shadows cast by Leganger and Tjugum, the 30-year-old former national player carries an impressive resume. Nielsen's career highlights include the 1999 World Championship, the 1998 European Championship and the 1998 Olympic bronze, as well as 4 national titles and two European club finals.
Jeanette Nilsen, whom Horsens HK proudly dubs a "super keeper", has represented Norway 86 times at senior level. With the signing of Nilsen, Horsens HK has covered one of its soft spots - the lack of an international-class goalie.
Åsa Eriksson, Horsens main attraction, announced earlier this year that she will fulfill her two-year contract with the club from east Jutland, despite having the option of jumping ship after the end of season.
Horsens HK has made a significant improvement to its cadre by capturing keeper Jeanette Nilsen from Norwegian club Nordstrand 2000. Although regularly occupying the imposing shadows cast by Leganger and Tjugum, the 30-year-old former national player carries an impressive resume. Nielsen's career highlights include the 1999 World Championship, the 1998 European Championship and the 1998 Olympic bronze, as well as 4 national titles and two European club finals.
Jeanette Nilsen, whom Horsens HK proudly dubs a "super keeper", has represented Norway 86 times at senior level. With the signing of Nilsen, Horsens HK has covered one of its soft spots - the lack of an international-class goalie.
Åsa Eriksson, Horsens main attraction, announced earlier this year that she will fulfill her two-year contract with the club from east Jutland, despite having the option of jumping ship after the end of season.
March 25, 2003
Picturesport.com Update
Six pictures from Slagelse's match with Oltchim Valcea have been added to Ronbog Sportspictures, the website of a Danish photographer. Use the "Event" drop-down menu to pick it out. Bojana Petrovic seems to be particularly popular with the photographer on this occasion.
In addition, I just came across some pictures from Slagelse's calendar on the website of the national newspaper Ekstra Bladet. Among which are two images of the always photogenic Mia Hundvin.
Six pictures from Slagelse's match with Oltchim Valcea have been added to Ronbog Sportspictures, the website of a Danish photographer. Use the "Event" drop-down menu to pick it out. Bojana Petrovic seems to be particularly popular with the photographer on this occasion.
In addition, I just came across some pictures from Slagelse's calendar on the website of the national newspaper Ekstra Bladet. Among which are two images of the always photogenic Mia Hundvin.
Euro Draws: Danes Go East
The anticipated Champions League semifinal clash between Viborg HK and Ikast/Bording was not meant to be. Ulrik Wilbek's Danish champions will be travelling to Spain and square off with El Osito L'Eliana Valencia, while Ikast was drawn to face RK Krim Eta Kotex, the 2001 Champions League winner, which so far has been the most dominant team in this year's competition. Both Danish semifinalists have home advantage in the second game.
Slagelse FH will have to get past Motor Zaporoshe of the Ukraine to clinch a place in the finals of the EHF Cup. The other semifinal features an all-Hungarian battle between Cornexi Alcoa and Dunaferr SE.
Kolding IF, the Danish representative in the Cup Winner's Cup, also won a trip to the Ukraine as they will meet Spartak Kiev. Unlike Slagelse, they play the second and decisive tie in front of their home crowd.
Semifinal fixtures:
Champions League
El Osito L'Eliana Valencia (Spain) - Viborg HK
Krim ETA Kotex Ljubljana (Slovenia) - Ikast/Bording EH
EHF Cup
Slagelse FH - Motor Zaporoshe (Ukraine)
Dunaferr SE (Hungary) - Cornexi Alcoa (Hungary)
Cup Winner's Cup
Spartak Kiev (Ukraine) - Kolding IF
E.S.B.F. Besancon (France) - Györi Graboplast ETO (Hungary)
Challenge Cup
Nata AZS-AWFiS Gdansk (Poland) - HC Selmont Baia Mare (Romania)
Borussia Dortmund (Germany) - DJK/MJC Trier (Germany)
Note: There is some confusion surrounding the name of Krim Eta from Ljubljana. The EHF uses the sponsor suffix Neutro Roberts. But as far I can see, they are no longer sponsors with the club and have been replaced with Kotex. So that's what I prefer.
The anticipated Champions League semifinal clash between Viborg HK and Ikast/Bording was not meant to be. Ulrik Wilbek's Danish champions will be travelling to Spain and square off with El Osito L'Eliana Valencia, while Ikast was drawn to face RK Krim Eta Kotex, the 2001 Champions League winner, which so far has been the most dominant team in this year's competition. Both Danish semifinalists have home advantage in the second game.
Slagelse FH will have to get past Motor Zaporoshe of the Ukraine to clinch a place in the finals of the EHF Cup. The other semifinal features an all-Hungarian battle between Cornexi Alcoa and Dunaferr SE.
Kolding IF, the Danish representative in the Cup Winner's Cup, also won a trip to the Ukraine as they will meet Spartak Kiev. Unlike Slagelse, they play the second and decisive tie in front of their home crowd.
Semifinal fixtures:
Champions League
El Osito L'Eliana Valencia (Spain) - Viborg HK
Krim ETA Kotex Ljubljana (Slovenia) - Ikast/Bording EH
EHF Cup
Slagelse FH - Motor Zaporoshe (Ukraine)
Dunaferr SE (Hungary) - Cornexi Alcoa (Hungary)
Cup Winner's Cup
Spartak Kiev (Ukraine) - Kolding IF
E.S.B.F. Besancon (France) - Györi Graboplast ETO (Hungary)
Challenge Cup
Nata AZS-AWFiS Gdansk (Poland) - HC Selmont Baia Mare (Romania)
Borussia Dortmund (Germany) - DJK/MJC Trier (Germany)
Note: There is some confusion surrounding the name of Krim Eta from Ljubljana. The EHF uses the sponsor suffix Neutro Roberts. But as far I can see, they are no longer sponsors with the club and have been replaced with Kotex. So that's what I prefer.
FCK Handball Sweeps Up Swedish Wing
FC Copenhagen Handball has announced the signing of left wing Matilda Boson from Swedish club Skövde HF on a two-year contract. The 21-year-old has already bagged 28 international matches and is widely regarded as one of Sweden's most talented players.
Boson will be joining Gitte W. Nielsen, who is leaving star-studded Slagelse after the season. FCK is currently placed 4th from the bottom in the league, but is setting more ambitious goal for next season.
Some speculation has suggested the possible capture of Hungarian star Eszter Siti from Ferencvaros, but nothing has yet materialized. European Champions Mette Vestergaard and Camilla Thomsen are the vanguards of the team, which is the only representative from the Danish capital in the top league.
FCK is the most powerful sports enterprise in Denmark and has recently set its sights on handball by acquiring the financially troubled men and women's teams of Frederiksberg IF.
FC Copenhagen Handball has announced the signing of left wing Matilda Boson from Swedish club Skövde HF on a two-year contract. The 21-year-old has already bagged 28 international matches and is widely regarded as one of Sweden's most talented players.
Boson will be joining Gitte W. Nielsen, who is leaving star-studded Slagelse after the season. FCK is currently placed 4th from the bottom in the league, but is setting more ambitious goal for next season.
Some speculation has suggested the possible capture of Hungarian star Eszter Siti from Ferencvaros, but nothing has yet materialized. European Champions Mette Vestergaard and Camilla Thomsen are the vanguards of the team, which is the only representative from the Danish capital in the top league.
FCK is the most powerful sports enterprise in Denmark and has recently set its sights on handball by acquiring the financially troubled men and women's teams of Frederiksberg IF.
Jurack Hopes To Return
Ikast/Bording's German all-star Grit Jurack is rejoining HC Leipzig next season. But, according to Danish tabloid B.T., she is already speaking of a return to the reigning EHF Cup holders at a later stage of her career. The stalwart lefty has spent two seasons with Ikast/Bording, but only recently returned to action after being sidelined for 6 months with a torn knee ligament.
Jurack will be completing her marketing studies in Leipzig where she has signed a 3-year contract. However, her comments suggest that Danish handball hasn't seen the last of the German international.
Ikast/Bording's German all-star Grit Jurack is rejoining HC Leipzig next season. But, according to Danish tabloid B.T., she is already speaking of a return to the reigning EHF Cup holders at a later stage of her career. The stalwart lefty has spent two seasons with Ikast/Bording, but only recently returned to action after being sidelined for 6 months with a torn knee ligament.
Jurack will be completing her marketing studies in Leipzig where she has signed a 3-year contract. However, her comments suggest that Danish handball hasn't seen the last of the German international.
March 24, 2003
Hungarians Await Slagelse
No less than two Hungarian teams are among the potential opponents awaiting Anja Andersen's "dream team", Slagelse FH, in the EHF Cup semifinals. Cornexi Alcoa toppled the French resistance from Cercle Dijon Bourgogne at the quarterfinal stage, while Hungarian league-leaders Dunaferr scraped past Volgograd AKVA - a Russian side headlined by class-act Bodnieva - with a 2 goal surplus on aggregate.
The third possible obstacle in Slagelse's path might be the Ukrainians from Motor Zaporoshe, whom Ikast/Bording only narrowly denied in the qualification for the Champions League.
No less than two Hungarian teams are among the potential opponents awaiting Anja Andersen's "dream team", Slagelse FH, in the EHF Cup semifinals. Cornexi Alcoa toppled the French resistance from Cercle Dijon Bourgogne at the quarterfinal stage, while Hungarian league-leaders Dunaferr scraped past Volgograd AKVA - a Russian side headlined by class-act Bodnieva - with a 2 goal surplus on aggregate.
The third possible obstacle in Slagelse's path might be the Ukrainians from Motor Zaporoshe, whom Ikast/Bording only narrowly denied in the qualification for the Champions League.
GOG's Swedish Revolution?
They brought us the Dutch revolution. This time we might be experiencing a Swedish revolution, courtesy GOG. The most prominent club from Fyn has signed two young Swedish internationals from IK Sävehof, a second-tier club only consisting of talented youth players.
Sara Andersson plays left back and replaces Ana Razdorov, while Tina Flognman is a line player who will attempt to fill the considerable gap left by Olga Assink. Pictures of the two fresh signings in GOG shirts. Both have contractual obligations for two years.
I don't think I'm going out on a limb by noting the interesting hair color(s) of Sara Andersson.
They brought us the Dutch revolution. This time we might be experiencing a Swedish revolution, courtesy GOG. The most prominent club from Fyn has signed two young Swedish internationals from IK Sävehof, a second-tier club only consisting of talented youth players.
Sara Andersson plays left back and replaces Ana Razdorov, while Tina Flognman is a line player who will attempt to fill the considerable gap left by Olga Assink. Pictures of the two fresh signings in GOG shirts. Both have contractual obligations for two years.
I don't think I'm going out on a limb by noting the interesting hair color(s) of Sara Andersson.
FTC Knocked Out
Ferencvaros, or Herz Budapest, failed to capitalize on a commanding 20-13 half-time lead in their Champions League quarterfinal against El Osito Valencia, winning only 34-32 at home in Budapest.
The Spaniards, strongly inspired by 13 goals from a lethal Tatiana Medved, easily progressed to the semifinals as they held a 9-goal advantage from the first match. Farkas slammed in 9, while Eszter Siti contributed with 7 goals to the Hungarian attack. But on this occasion the fearsome trio of Medved, Cano, Puche proved too strong for the Magyars, who had won their preliminary group ahead of Viborg HK with 5 wins in 6 matches.
Valencia, seemingly without legendary Morskova, joins Krim Eta, Viborg, and Ikast/Bording when the draw for the semifinals is made on Tuesday.
Ferencvaros, or Herz Budapest, failed to capitalize on a commanding 20-13 half-time lead in their Champions League quarterfinal against El Osito Valencia, winning only 34-32 at home in Budapest.
The Spaniards, strongly inspired by 13 goals from a lethal Tatiana Medved, easily progressed to the semifinals as they held a 9-goal advantage from the first match. Farkas slammed in 9, while Eszter Siti contributed with 7 goals to the Hungarian attack. But on this occasion the fearsome trio of Medved, Cano, Puche proved too strong for the Magyars, who had won their preliminary group ahead of Viborg HK with 5 wins in 6 matches.
Valencia, seemingly without legendary Morskova, joins Krim Eta, Viborg, and Ikast/Bording when the draw for the semifinals is made on Tuesday.
Kolding Overcomes Zagreb
On Sunday, Kolding IF secured a berth in the semifinal of the Cup Winner's Cup. The Danish squad, featuring the explosive right winger Josephine Touray as its most illustrious member, ousted the Croatian side Lokomotiv Zagreb.
Having lost the first tie in the Croatian capital 22-25, the Danes rebounded at home in Kolding-hallen in front of 2,000 spectators to secure a comfortable 26-19 victory, progressing 48-44 on aggregate.
The bouncy Touray scored 7 goals, and in the post-match interview expressed her desire to bid farewell to Kolding with an international title before steering towards Ikast/Bording where she will be a valuable new asset next season.
Netting only 7 times before the interval, Lokomotiv proved incapable of unsettling the Kolding defense and keeper Bente Hoejmark. The crossbar prevented the Croatians from closing the gap to 4 goals in the middle of the second half, and they never drew closer - despite 11 goals from prodigy Maida Arslanagic.
Match details:
Kolding IF - Lokomotiv Zagreb 26-19 (10-7)
Kolding: Josephine Touray 7, Camilla Carstens 5, Anette Bonde 4, Anette Olesen 3, Ala Matuskowitz 3, Susanne Kastrup 2, Lene Degn 1, Pernille Hansen 1
Lokomotiv Zagreb: Maida Arslanagic 11, Svitlana Pasicnik 5, Nikica Pusic 2, Marija Celina 1
Exp.: Kolding 2, Lokomotiv Zagreb 3
Crowd: 2,000
On Sunday, Kolding IF secured a berth in the semifinal of the Cup Winner's Cup. The Danish squad, featuring the explosive right winger Josephine Touray as its most illustrious member, ousted the Croatian side Lokomotiv Zagreb.
Having lost the first tie in the Croatian capital 22-25, the Danes rebounded at home in Kolding-hallen in front of 2,000 spectators to secure a comfortable 26-19 victory, progressing 48-44 on aggregate.
The bouncy Touray scored 7 goals, and in the post-match interview expressed her desire to bid farewell to Kolding with an international title before steering towards Ikast/Bording where she will be a valuable new asset next season.
Netting only 7 times before the interval, Lokomotiv proved incapable of unsettling the Kolding defense and keeper Bente Hoejmark. The crossbar prevented the Croatians from closing the gap to 4 goals in the middle of the second half, and they never drew closer - despite 11 goals from prodigy Maida Arslanagic.
Match details:
Kolding IF - Lokomotiv Zagreb 26-19 (10-7)
Kolding: Josephine Touray 7, Camilla Carstens 5, Anette Bonde 4, Anette Olesen 3, Ala Matuskowitz 3, Susanne Kastrup 2, Lene Degn 1, Pernille Hansen 1
Lokomotiv Zagreb: Maida Arslanagic 11, Svitlana Pasicnik 5, Nikica Pusic 2, Marija Celina 1
Exp.: Kolding 2, Lokomotiv Zagreb 3
Crowd: 2,000
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