January 30, 2004
Lejeune Linked with Copenhagen
According to Danish tabloid Ekstra Bladet, Leila Lejeune of Viborg HK is in contact with FCK Handball regarding a possible switch. The French star is said to be dissatisfied with the little court time she has been afforded by coach Ryan Zinglersen who has preferred Katrine Fruelund as first choice on left back in recent months.
January 29, 2004
Palinger and Ferling Prolong
Katalin Palinger and Bernadett Ferling have prolonged their contracts with Dunaferr SE until the summer of 2006, it is reported by [origo] Sport.
Palinger had roused the interest of a number of European clubs, including FCK Handball, after her dominant display at the World Championship in December. Playmaker Bernadett Ferling, who successfully moonlighted as left back in Croatia, has similarly been rumoured to attract foreign clubs.
Two other national team players, left back Gabriella Kindl, and playmaker Krisztina Pigniczki, have also agreed to stay put in Dunaujvaros for two further years, while Gabrielle Gaspar and Romanian Mihaela Cracan likewise came to terms with the club for similar prolongations.
In related news, Dunaferr recently revamped the design of their web page. Quite an improvement - check out the new galleries for instance.
Palinger had roused the interest of a number of European clubs, including FCK Handball, after her dominant display at the World Championship in December. Playmaker Bernadett Ferling, who successfully moonlighted as left back in Croatia, has similarly been rumoured to attract foreign clubs.
Two other national team players, left back Gabriella Kindl, and playmaker Krisztina Pigniczki, have also agreed to stay put in Dunaujvaros for two further years, while Gabrielle Gaspar and Romanian Mihaela Cracan likewise came to terms with the club for similar prolongations.
In related news, Dunaferr recently revamped the design of their web page. Quite an improvement - check out the new galleries for instance.
Ikast Clinches Serbian Prodigy
20-year-old Ana Batinic of Napredak Krusevac is immediately moving to Ikast/Bording on a quick-switch. The left-handed right back took part in the World Championship for Serbia and Montenegro and has been sought after by several leading European clubs.
Due to transfer rules, she will not be elligible to play in the Danish League until after a 30-day quarantine, but is available for Ikast's Champions League matches. However, the plan is to slowly integrate her on the team for the remainder of the ongoing season.
Batinic signed two contracts. One for the rest of the season, and one covering three years from July 1st.
The young Batinic will be replacing Trine Jensen who goes to Aalborg DH in the summer. Grit Jurack, also a right back, has continously been linked with Ikast for next season, and the Ikast management has allegedly been negotiating with her lately. With this signing, it is perhaps questionable that they have been successful in that venture.
In Ikast, Ana Batinic will be joining a trio of players from her native country: Sanja Jovovic, Ana Vojcic, and Danijela Ercevic.
Due to transfer rules, she will not be elligible to play in the Danish League until after a 30-day quarantine, but is available for Ikast's Champions League matches. However, the plan is to slowly integrate her on the team for the remainder of the ongoing season.
Batinic signed two contracts. One for the rest of the season, and one covering three years from July 1st.
The young Batinic will be replacing Trine Jensen who goes to Aalborg DH in the summer. Grit Jurack, also a right back, has continously been linked with Ikast for next season, and the Ikast management has allegedly been negotiating with her lately. With this signing, it is perhaps questionable that they have been successful in that venture.
In Ikast, Ana Batinic will be joining a trio of players from her native country: Sanja Jovovic, Ana Vojcic, and Danijela Ercevic.
Hoffmann Contemplating Comeback
Anette Hoffmann Möberg is lining up for an unexpected comeback to elite handball. The Kolding squad is saddled with injuries and the 32-year-old wants to alleviate that problem by making herself available in the bid to fend off relegation.Hoffmann works in the management of KIF Kolding where she ended her club career a couple of seasons ago.
The spectacular left wing scored 641 goals in 183 caps for Denmark. She won two Olympic gold medals, a World Championship, and two European Championships in her illustrious national team career as well as a string of club titles with Viborg HK.
The highlight was perhaps the Sydney games where she sat out the first three matches with injury, but then came back into the squad and helped Denmark to gold. She was named best left wing of the tournament and scored 11 crucial goals against Hungary in the final.
Easily the best wing Denmark ever produced, the fast and powerful Hoffmann would certainly be a welcome addition to the Danish Women's League.
Danish League Results
The matches Wednesday were overshadowed by the European Championship clash between Denmark and Sweden which took place at the excact same time in Slovenia. This resulted in the worst attendance figures all season. As usual, Aalborg DH was the exception, although their encounter took place two hours later. That match drew twice as many spectators as the five others combined.
The favourites all did what they had to. But Randers and Slagelse had to work harder than expected.
Aalborg DH - Ikast/Bording 27-35 (13-17)
Aalborg: Natalia Deriouguina 4, Beatrix Benyats 4, Bettina Nielsen 4, Anniken Solberg 4, Agnes Farkas 4 (3), Louise Mortensen 3, Maren Villabö 2, Rikke Nielsen 1, Erika Nilsson 1.
Ikast: Gro Hammerseng 5, Line Daugaard 5, Kristine Andersen 5, Josephine Touray 4, Narcisa Paunica 4, Sanja Jovovic 4 (2), Lise Knudsen 3, Trine Jensen 3, Isabel Blanco 1, Sara Hansen 1.
Suspensions: 3x2m, 2x2.
Attendance: 4,276.
Fox Team Nord - Randers HK 30-32 (14-17)
Fox Team Nord: Heidi Johansen 8, Mette Nielsen 7 (2), Anja Kristensen 5, Teresa Utkovic 5, Helle Dam Nielsen 2, Line Kiaerskou 2, Gitte Aaen 1.
Randers: Steluta Luca 11, Tanja Milanovic 6, Chao Zhai 4, Kathrine Munch 4, Annie Andersen 3, Tatiana Silitch 3, Laura Danielsen 1.
Suspensions: None.
Attendance: 435.
GOG - Sönderjyske HK 27-26 (15-11)
GOG: Rikke Hörlykke 9, Monique Feijen 4, Winnie Mölgaard 4 (2), Lene Lund Nielsen 3, Ragnhild Aamodt 3, Tina Flognmann 3, Pearl van der Vissel 1.
Sönderjyske: Sorina Teodorovic 9 (4), Jannie Kristensen 6, Anne Jensen 4, Trine Nöddesbo 4, Petra Schultz 3.
Suspensions: 1x2m, 3x2m.
Attendance: 320.
Horsens HK - Slagelse FH 26-30 (10-15)
Horsens: Jane Wangsöe 6, Tine Ladefoged 6 (2), Christina Kristensen 3, Mette Jensen 3, Kirsten Sönderskov 3, Aasa Eriksson 3 (1), Tove Seest 1, Mia Falk 1.
Slagelse: Bojana Petrovic 10 (2), Ausra Fridrikas 9 (2), Kamilla Kristensen 4, Anja Freser 4, Maja Mitrovic 2, Stine Frank 1.
Suspensions: 3x2m, 2x2m.
Attendance: 673.
SK Aarhus-Viborg 28-37 (14-15)
Aarhus: Maja Grönbaek 8 (1), Julie Transel 7, Karina Björn 5, Christina Körup Pedersen 4, Camilla Transel 1, Merethe Hansen 1, Mette Lejsgaard 1, Camilla Lund 1.
Viborg: Henriette Mikkelsen 8, Saskia Mulder 5, Katrine Fruelund 5 (2), Camilla Thorsen 4, Leila Lejeune 4, Olga Assink 3, Charlotte Höjfeldt 2, Natasja Burgers 2, Rikke Skov 2, Lotte Kiaerskou 2 (1).
Suspensions: 1x2m, 3x2m.
Attendance: 250.
FC Copenhagen - Kolding IF 31-26 (16-17).
FCK: Matilda Boson 6, Camilla Thomsen 5, Mette Vestergaard 4, Christina Krogshede 4, Eszter Siti 4, Elly an de Boer 4 (1), Melanie Smith 2, Lene Tobiasen 1, Gitte W. Nielsen 1.
Kolding: Nodjialem Myaro 5, Louise Pedersen 5, Christina Roslyng 5 (2), Pernille Hansen 4, Susanne Kastrup 3, Ella Grödem 2, Louise Svalastog 2.
Suspensions: 1x2m, 2x2m.
Attendance: 430.
The favourites all did what they had to. But Randers and Slagelse had to work harder than expected.
Aalborg DH - Ikast/Bording 27-35 (13-17)
Aalborg: Natalia Deriouguina 4, Beatrix Benyats 4, Bettina Nielsen 4, Anniken Solberg 4, Agnes Farkas 4 (3), Louise Mortensen 3, Maren Villabö 2, Rikke Nielsen 1, Erika Nilsson 1.
Ikast: Gro Hammerseng 5, Line Daugaard 5, Kristine Andersen 5, Josephine Touray 4, Narcisa Paunica 4, Sanja Jovovic 4 (2), Lise Knudsen 3, Trine Jensen 3, Isabel Blanco 1, Sara Hansen 1.
Suspensions: 3x2m, 2x2.
Attendance: 4,276.
Fox Team Nord - Randers HK 30-32 (14-17)
Fox Team Nord: Heidi Johansen 8, Mette Nielsen 7 (2), Anja Kristensen 5, Teresa Utkovic 5, Helle Dam Nielsen 2, Line Kiaerskou 2, Gitte Aaen 1.
Randers: Steluta Luca 11, Tanja Milanovic 6, Chao Zhai 4, Kathrine Munch 4, Annie Andersen 3, Tatiana Silitch 3, Laura Danielsen 1.
Suspensions: None.
Attendance: 435.
GOG - Sönderjyske HK 27-26 (15-11)
GOG: Rikke Hörlykke 9, Monique Feijen 4, Winnie Mölgaard 4 (2), Lene Lund Nielsen 3, Ragnhild Aamodt 3, Tina Flognmann 3, Pearl van der Vissel 1.
Sönderjyske: Sorina Teodorovic 9 (4), Jannie Kristensen 6, Anne Jensen 4, Trine Nöddesbo 4, Petra Schultz 3.
Suspensions: 1x2m, 3x2m.
Attendance: 320.
Horsens HK - Slagelse FH 26-30 (10-15)
Horsens: Jane Wangsöe 6, Tine Ladefoged 6 (2), Christina Kristensen 3, Mette Jensen 3, Kirsten Sönderskov 3, Aasa Eriksson 3 (1), Tove Seest 1, Mia Falk 1.
Slagelse: Bojana Petrovic 10 (2), Ausra Fridrikas 9 (2), Kamilla Kristensen 4, Anja Freser 4, Maja Mitrovic 2, Stine Frank 1.
Suspensions: 3x2m, 2x2m.
Attendance: 673.
SK Aarhus-Viborg 28-37 (14-15)
Aarhus: Maja Grönbaek 8 (1), Julie Transel 7, Karina Björn 5, Christina Körup Pedersen 4, Camilla Transel 1, Merethe Hansen 1, Mette Lejsgaard 1, Camilla Lund 1.
Viborg: Henriette Mikkelsen 8, Saskia Mulder 5, Katrine Fruelund 5 (2), Camilla Thorsen 4, Leila Lejeune 4, Olga Assink 3, Charlotte Höjfeldt 2, Natasja Burgers 2, Rikke Skov 2, Lotte Kiaerskou 2 (1).
Suspensions: 1x2m, 3x2m.
Attendance: 250.
FC Copenhagen - Kolding IF 31-26 (16-17).
FCK: Matilda Boson 6, Camilla Thomsen 5, Mette Vestergaard 4, Christina Krogshede 4, Eszter Siti 4, Elly an de Boer 4 (1), Melanie Smith 2, Lene Tobiasen 1, Gitte W. Nielsen 1.
Kolding: Nodjialem Myaro 5, Louise Pedersen 5, Christina Roslyng 5 (2), Pernille Hansen 4, Susanne Kastrup 3, Ella Grödem 2, Louise Svalastog 2.
Suspensions: 1x2m, 2x2m.
Attendance: 430.
January 28, 2004
Hypo Players Could be Banned
The Hungarian Handball Federation has already taken serious steps following the scandalous happenings after the match between Vasas Budapest and Hypo NÖ on Sunday. And more are to be expected.
The Vasas supporter, who triggered the altercations with provocative behaviour and was later hit by a plastic glass, turned out to be a referee in the Hungarian 2nd league. The federation has decided to exclude him from further officiating because of a "serious ethical and sports disciplinary offence".
Vasas Budapest can await a fine of up to 300,000 Forint (roughly 1,100 ) for failing to take proper measures to avoid the skirmish.
The directly involved Hypo players and staff members could be banned from attending a number of upcoming matches in the Hungarian league. Which is not likely to make them too upset as Hypo no longer appear to place much importance in this failed "Hungarian experiment".
The Vasas supporter, who triggered the altercations with provocative behaviour and was later hit by a plastic glass, turned out to be a referee in the Hungarian 2nd league. The federation has decided to exclude him from further officiating because of a "serious ethical and sports disciplinary offence".
Vasas Budapest can await a fine of up to 300,000 Forint (roughly 1,100 ) for failing to take proper measures to avoid the skirmish.
The directly involved Hypo players and staff members could be banned from attending a number of upcoming matches in the Hungarian league. Which is not likely to make them too upset as Hypo no longer appear to place much importance in this failed "Hungarian experiment".
Updated: Hungarian Names
After some very useful feedback, I will now try a hopefully more accurate translation of some of the best-known Hungarian "handball names".
Farkas (Agnes, Andrea): 'Wolf'
Nagy (Ivett, Krisztina): 'Big'
Sugar (Timea): 'Ray'
Megyebirone (Beata Bohus): 'Wife of county judge'
Lovasz (Zsuzsanna): 'Stableboy', or 'groom'
Kulcsar (Anita): 'Keeper of the keys'
Siti (Eszter, Beata): 'Jug' - old meaning. Or 'jugs' as there are two Siti's
"Görbe" (Anita): 'Curved'
Farkas (Agnes, Andrea): 'Wolf'
Nagy (Ivett, Krisztina): 'Big'
Sugar (Timea): 'Ray'
Megyebirone (Beata Bohus): 'Wife of county judge'
Lovasz (Zsuzsanna): 'Stableboy', or 'groom'
Kulcsar (Anita): 'Keeper of the keys'
Siti (Eszter, Beata): 'Jug' - old meaning. Or 'jugs' as there are two Siti's
"Görbe" (Anita): 'Curved'
Danish League: Full Program Today
FCK Handball - KIF Kolding
FCK have perhaps become the main challengers to Randers for a playoff berth. The injury-ridden Kolding side should be easy prey in Copenhagen.
Fox Team Nord - Randers HK
The foxes have a mountain to climb in order to avoid relegation. They need some wins soon and hope that either Kolding or Aarhus come to a standstill. Randers will be too difficult to handle, though.
GOG/Gudme - Sönderjyske HK
Bottom-side Sönderjyske grabbed a point from GOG in first round, but they are not likely to get anything out of this meeting. GOG have steadily been improving ahead of Bert Bouwer's takeover.
Horsens HK - Slagelse FH
After a superb begin to the season where they even managed to win in Viborg, Horsens HK are beginning to show weaknesses, perhaps their thin squad taking its toll. They will have no answer to Slagelse's attacking machine.
SK Aarhus - Viborg HK
Aarhus look capable of avoiding direct relegation, but they are certainly not capable of stopping a Viborg team eager for success after their fall in Slagelse.
Aalborg DH - Ikast/Bording
Coach Dalmose goes head-to-head with his former club in this emotional encounter. At least three Ikast players are moving to Aalborg next season, but they will show no mercy tonight and register a comfortable win in this televised match.
FCK have perhaps become the main challengers to Randers for a playoff berth. The injury-ridden Kolding side should be easy prey in Copenhagen.
Fox Team Nord - Randers HK
The foxes have a mountain to climb in order to avoid relegation. They need some wins soon and hope that either Kolding or Aarhus come to a standstill. Randers will be too difficult to handle, though.
GOG/Gudme - Sönderjyske HK
Bottom-side Sönderjyske grabbed a point from GOG in first round, but they are not likely to get anything out of this meeting. GOG have steadily been improving ahead of Bert Bouwer's takeover.
Horsens HK - Slagelse FH
After a superb begin to the season where they even managed to win in Viborg, Horsens HK are beginning to show weaknesses, perhaps their thin squad taking its toll. They will have no answer to Slagelse's attacking machine.
SK Aarhus - Viborg HK
Aarhus look capable of avoiding direct relegation, but they are certainly not capable of stopping a Viborg team eager for success after their fall in Slagelse.
Aalborg DH - Ikast/Bording
Coach Dalmose goes head-to-head with his former club in this emotional encounter. At least three Ikast players are moving to Aalborg next season, but they will show no mercy tonight and register a comfortable win in this televised match.
Danish League: Top 10 Goal Scorers
1. Chao Zhai (Randers HK) 116
2. Bojana Petrovic (Slagelse FH) 101
3. Camilla Andersen (Slagelse FH) 82
4. Aasa Eriksson (Horsens HK) 79
5. Ausra Fridrikas (Slagelse FH) 78
6. Olga Assink (Viborg HK) 76
7. Agnes Farkas (Aalborg DH) 71
8. Susan Andersen (Sönderjyske HK) 69
9. Mette Vestergaard (FCK Handball) 67
10. Rikke Hörlykke (GOG) 65
For a complete list of scorers, visit the excellent site Europamester.dk. A top 22 is also available at the Danish federation site. But good luck finding it. Unfortunately, I'm yet to come across one that includes goals scored on penalties. Which is quite essential.
2. Bojana Petrovic (Slagelse FH) 101
3. Camilla Andersen (Slagelse FH) 82
4. Aasa Eriksson (Horsens HK) 79
5. Ausra Fridrikas (Slagelse FH) 78
6. Olga Assink (Viborg HK) 76
7. Agnes Farkas (Aalborg DH) 71
8. Susan Andersen (Sönderjyske HK) 69
9. Mette Vestergaard (FCK Handball) 67
10. Rikke Hörlykke (GOG) 65
For a complete list of scorers, visit the excellent site Europamester.dk. A top 22 is also available at the Danish federation site. But good luck finding it. Unfortunately, I'm yet to come across one that includes goals scored on penalties. Which is quite essential.
January 26, 2004
Hypo Scandal: Eye Witness Account
Here's a report of the bizarre event yesterday in Budapest based on the observations of "Paha" who witnessed both the match and the transpiring scuffle first hand. As a Ferencvaros fan, he's probably as neutral an observer as we can get.
According to him, fans of Vasas still feel very much in conflict with Hypo in general and Prokop in particular after their many important clashes in the past in the Champions League and before that the European Cup.
During the game on Sunday, the fans from Vasas Budapest were shouting obscenities to Gunnar Prokop in both Hungarian and German. Prokop didn't show any reaction to the insults until after the match.
Then he started to reply by shouting things back as well as making hand gestures towards the fans from the opposing team. This made the fans crazy, but they remained in the stands. Someone from the Hypo staff - not Prokop - then went on to asperse the Vasas supporters with a glass of water. Of plastic I should add.
This didn't make them any happier. One of them then went as far as spitting at Prokop. Meanwhile, the Hypo boss didn't win any friends as he had turned a certain bodypart - the behind I should say - in the direction of the home team's fans.
Things escalated further when Hypo's coach Martin Matuschkowitz climbed from the court and into the seats where the Vasas fans were treated with another glass of water. Someone blocked him physically, restraining him as well. And this is where the "fun" really begins.
Hypo players Simona Spiridon and Tetyana Shynkarenko didn't like what they saw and literally climbed into the seats to fight (watch the pictures at ftc.handball.hu). Apparently, they wanted a piece of the action or perhaps wanted to assist Matuschkowitz. Fact is: They were in a physical confrontation.
However, the brawl was soon stopped when security guards came back and separated the angry parties. This was 15 minutes after the match ended, and almost everyone had left the arena.
The shouting between the fans and the entire Hypo team continued, though, but no further physical contact transpired. One Vasas fan was reported inured after being hit by the plastic glass.
Something tells me that this is Hypo's first and last season in Hungary.
According to him, fans of Vasas still feel very much in conflict with Hypo in general and Prokop in particular after their many important clashes in the past in the Champions League and before that the European Cup.
During the game on Sunday, the fans from Vasas Budapest were shouting obscenities to Gunnar Prokop in both Hungarian and German. Prokop didn't show any reaction to the insults until after the match.
Then he started to reply by shouting things back as well as making hand gestures towards the fans from the opposing team. This made the fans crazy, but they remained in the stands. Someone from the Hypo staff - not Prokop - then went on to asperse the Vasas supporters with a glass of water. Of plastic I should add.
This didn't make them any happier. One of them then went as far as spitting at Prokop. Meanwhile, the Hypo boss didn't win any friends as he had turned a certain bodypart - the behind I should say - in the direction of the home team's fans.
Things escalated further when Hypo's coach Martin Matuschkowitz climbed from the court and into the seats where the Vasas fans were treated with another glass of water. Someone blocked him physically, restraining him as well. And this is where the "fun" really begins.
Hypo players Simona Spiridon and Tetyana Shynkarenko didn't like what they saw and literally climbed into the seats to fight (watch the pictures at ftc.handball.hu). Apparently, they wanted a piece of the action or perhaps wanted to assist Matuschkowitz. Fact is: They were in a physical confrontation.
However, the brawl was soon stopped when security guards came back and separated the angry parties. This was 15 minutes after the match ended, and almost everyone had left the arena.
The shouting between the fans and the entire Hypo team continued, though, but no further physical contact transpired. One Vasas fan was reported inured after being hit by the plastic glass.
Something tells me that this is Hypo's first and last season in Hungary.
Hypo and Prokop in Heated Encounter
Hypo NÖ lost 24-21 in Budapest to their old foes Vasas, but that not was the main story of this Sunday match. As this excellent gallery from FTC Handball documents, some sort of skirmish broke out.
According to Hypo's web site, the team was provoked by rowdy supporters of Vasas. In one of the pictures, there appears to be a physical confrontation between a couple of Hypo players and a few members of the crowd. One man in particular seems to be very angry as he points to Gunnar Prokop.
Vasas Budapest, once the main power in Hungary, lost two Champions League finals in a row to Hypo NÖ in 1993 and 1994. I sincerely hope that the fans were not still angry about that. The handball "Zampano" - as Prokop is often referred to in Austria - still seems to make people angry whereever he goes.
Personally, I have the greatest respect for the man and what he has accomplished in the sport of handball. He may be a bit objectionable at times - especially in the heat of battle - but women's handball would not be the same without him.
And his wife, Liese Prokop, is also highly admirable. Both as a world-class athlete (Olympic silver medalist in Mexico '68 and former world record holder in pentathlon - the precursor to heptathlon) and now as a high-ranking politician in Niederösterreich.
According to Hypo's web site, the team was provoked by rowdy supporters of Vasas. In one of the pictures, there appears to be a physical confrontation between a couple of Hypo players and a few members of the crowd. One man in particular seems to be very angry as he points to Gunnar Prokop.
Vasas Budapest, once the main power in Hungary, lost two Champions League finals in a row to Hypo NÖ in 1993 and 1994. I sincerely hope that the fans were not still angry about that. The handball "Zampano" - as Prokop is often referred to in Austria - still seems to make people angry whereever he goes.
Personally, I have the greatest respect for the man and what he has accomplished in the sport of handball. He may be a bit objectionable at times - especially in the heat of battle - but women's handball would not be the same without him.
And his wife, Liese Prokop, is also highly admirable. Both as a world-class athlete (Olympic silver medalist in Mexico '68 and former world record holder in pentathlon - the precursor to heptathlon) and now as a high-ranking politician in Niederösterreich.
Norway: Larvik Slam Vipers
Larvik HK took their 63rd consecutive league victory when they bettered Vaag Vipers 39-27 (20-13) at home. The win expanded their lead to 4 points in the second stage of Gildeserien - a round robin with 6 clubs that will determine the seedings before the playoff.
Katja Nyberg continued her excellent form with 12 (7) goals, while Lunde and Berge scored 6 each for the snakes. Larvik keeper Mimi Slevigen also did well.
Katja Nyberg continued her excellent form with 12 (7) goals, while Lunde and Berge scored 6 each for the snakes. Larvik keeper Mimi Slevigen also did well.
Danish League: Table and Goal Averages
Standing after round 13 of 22 of the regular season. Ikast still have an outstanding match with GOG-Gudme. The winners of the regular season - Slagelse by all accounts - earn a Champions League spot for next season.
The top 4 finishers go into the playoffs for the Danish championship. The bottom two are relegated to first division, while number 9 and 10 will play two qualification matches against one of the second-placed teams in the two first divisions (they will be combined to form one nationwide Division 1 next season).
Goal averages (teams ranked according to current League standing):
Avg.: Average. GF: Goals For. GA: Goals Against. GD: Goal Difference.
The top 4 finishers go into the playoffs for the Danish championship. The bottom two are relegated to first division, while number 9 and 10 will play two qualification matches against one of the second-placed teams in the two first divisions (they will be combined to form one nationwide Division 1 next season).
Goal averages (teams ranked according to current League standing):
Avg.: Average. GF: Goals For. GA: Goals Against. GD: Goal Difference.
January 25, 2004
Aalborg Win in Kolding
Aalborg DH are still in with a shout to make the playoffs. They came back in the second half to steal a 25-24 (8-14) in Kolding. Kolding IF are not going too strong at the moment, though, so it's hard to describe the victory as impressive.
Christian Dalmose wasn't exactly unlucky in his first outing as Aalborg coach. Midway in the second half, the home team were up 20-12. Scoring her only goal of the match, Bettina Nielsen secured victory a few seconds from time.
After months of struggle, FC Copenhagen's Eszter Siti finally came through with an impressive 8-goal showing against Sönderjyske HK. Susan Andersen, the dominant Sönderjyske player, apparently sustained a shoulder injury. If serious, Sönderjyske's already slim chances of surviving would be virtually non-existent.
Fox Team Nord also appear to be on their way down as they allowed GOG to score 37 goals against them in Gudme.
Kolding IF - Aalborg DH 24-25 (14-8)
Kolding: Nodjialem Myaro 9, Louise Pedersen 6 (4), Louise Svalastog 3, Pernille S. Hansen 3, Susanne Kastrup 2, Christina Roslyng 1.
Aalborg: Erika Nilsson 4, Natalia Derioguina 4 (2), Agnes Farkas 4 (3), Anniken Solberg 3, Beatrix Benyats 3, Louise Mortensen, Maren Villabö og Rikke Nielsen 2, Bettina Nielsen 1
Susp.: 3x2m, 3x2m.
Attendance: 1,238.
FCK - Sönderjyske HK 31-24 (16-9)
FCK: Eszter Siti 8, Helle Wehl 5, Mette Vestergaard 5 (1), Christina Kroghshede 3, Matilda Boson 3, Camilla Thomsen 2, Elly an de Boer 2 (2), Gitte W. Nielsen 1, Lina Møller 1, Sofie Steffensen 1.
Sönderjyske: Anne Jensen 5, Susan Andersen 5 (3), Sorina Teodorovic 4 (1), Stine Svangaard 3, Jannie Kristensen 2, Krisztina Hajdu 2, Trine Nöddesbo, Louise Möhl og Petra Schultz 1.
Susp.: 2x2m, 3x2m.
Attendance: 719.
GOG - Fox Team Nord 37-32 (21-16)
GOG: Rikke Hörlykke 9, Winnie Mölgaard 8 (4), Birgit van Os 4, Monique Feijen 4, Ragnhild Aamodt 4, Krisztina Nagy 3, Tina Flognman 3, Lene Lund Nielsen 2.
Fox: Anja Kristensen 9, Ingrid Hrckova 8, Mette Nielsen 6 (1), Heidi Johansen og Teresa Utkovic 3, Gitte Aaen, Helle Dam Nielsen og Lilian Thörholm 1.
Susp.: 1x2m, 0x2m.
Attendance: 560.
Christian Dalmose wasn't exactly unlucky in his first outing as Aalborg coach. Midway in the second half, the home team were up 20-12. Scoring her only goal of the match, Bettina Nielsen secured victory a few seconds from time.
After months of struggle, FC Copenhagen's Eszter Siti finally came through with an impressive 8-goal showing against Sönderjyske HK. Susan Andersen, the dominant Sönderjyske player, apparently sustained a shoulder injury. If serious, Sönderjyske's already slim chances of surviving would be virtually non-existent.
Fox Team Nord also appear to be on their way down as they allowed GOG to score 37 goals against them in Gudme.
Kolding IF - Aalborg DH 24-25 (14-8)
Kolding: Nodjialem Myaro 9, Louise Pedersen 6 (4), Louise Svalastog 3, Pernille S. Hansen 3, Susanne Kastrup 2, Christina Roslyng 1.
Aalborg: Erika Nilsson 4, Natalia Derioguina 4 (2), Agnes Farkas 4 (3), Anniken Solberg 3, Beatrix Benyats 3, Louise Mortensen, Maren Villabö og Rikke Nielsen 2, Bettina Nielsen 1
Susp.: 3x2m, 3x2m.
Attendance: 1,238.
FCK - Sönderjyske HK 31-24 (16-9)
FCK: Eszter Siti 8, Helle Wehl 5, Mette Vestergaard 5 (1), Christina Kroghshede 3, Matilda Boson 3, Camilla Thomsen 2, Elly an de Boer 2 (2), Gitte W. Nielsen 1, Lina Møller 1, Sofie Steffensen 1.
Sönderjyske: Anne Jensen 5, Susan Andersen 5 (3), Sorina Teodorovic 4 (1), Stine Svangaard 3, Jannie Kristensen 2, Krisztina Hajdu 2, Trine Nöddesbo, Louise Möhl og Petra Schultz 1.
Susp.: 2x2m, 3x2m.
Attendance: 719.
GOG - Fox Team Nord 37-32 (21-16)
GOG: Rikke Hörlykke 9, Winnie Mölgaard 8 (4), Birgit van Os 4, Monique Feijen 4, Ragnhild Aamodt 4, Krisztina Nagy 3, Tina Flognman 3, Lene Lund Nielsen 2.
Fox: Anja Kristensen 9, Ingrid Hrckova 8, Mette Nielsen 6 (1), Heidi Johansen og Teresa Utkovic 3, Gitte Aaen, Helle Dam Nielsen og Lilian Thörholm 1.
Susp.: 1x2m, 0x2m.
Attendance: 560.
Glorious Petrovic Puts Viborg Down
Slagelse FH maintained their unbeaten status in the Danish league after a 31-26 (12-11) victory in Antvorskovhallen against their closest followers, Viborg HK. Slagelse are now 6 points clear of Viborg and have practically secured first spot in the regular season.
Reaching 14 goals in total, Bojana Petrovic immediately took center stage with three swift goals that put Slagelse up 3-0. Viborg HK came back in the middle of the first half, but Slagelse again grabbed control and could have led more than 12-11 at the break.
Viborg HK had a good begin to the second half and even pulled ahead 15-14. But then the hammer fell. Slagelse went on a decisive 7-0 goal run that put them in front 21-15. Viborg's attack had simply disintegrated, and keeper Rikke Schmidt was in punishing form.
Viborg salvaged some credibility as a title contender when they managed to keep hold of Slagelse for the rest of the half. Anja Freser (5) played one of her best matches in the Slagelse jersey, while Fridrikas (6) did well as playmaker in the absence of the ankle-injured Camilla Andersen. The new signing Maja Mitrovic was used as defensive support and didn't play a significant role in the match.
Katrine Fruelund (3) and Lotte Kiaerskou (3) didn't have a fortunate day for Viborg. Speed-merchant Natasja Burgers (4) on right back caused the most unrest in Slagelse's defense, while Henriette Mikkelsen (7) as usual counter-attacked well.
Slagelse FH - Viborg HK 31-26 (12-11)
Slagelse: Bojana Petrovic 14 (3), Ausra Fridrikas 6, Anja Freser 5, Stine Frank 3, Stina Madsen 1, Maria Höpfner 1, Mette Melgaard 1.
Viborg: Henriette Mikkelsen 7, Natasja Burgers 4, Olga Assink 4 (1), Lotte Kiaerskou 4 (2), Katrine Fruelund 3 (1), Saskia Mulder 2, Berit Kristensen 1, Helga Nemeth 1.
Susp.: 4x2m, 5x2m.
Attendance: 1,550.
Reaching 14 goals in total, Bojana Petrovic immediately took center stage with three swift goals that put Slagelse up 3-0. Viborg HK came back in the middle of the first half, but Slagelse again grabbed control and could have led more than 12-11 at the break.
Viborg HK had a good begin to the second half and even pulled ahead 15-14. But then the hammer fell. Slagelse went on a decisive 7-0 goal run that put them in front 21-15. Viborg's attack had simply disintegrated, and keeper Rikke Schmidt was in punishing form.
Viborg salvaged some credibility as a title contender when they managed to keep hold of Slagelse for the rest of the half. Anja Freser (5) played one of her best matches in the Slagelse jersey, while Fridrikas (6) did well as playmaker in the absence of the ankle-injured Camilla Andersen. The new signing Maja Mitrovic was used as defensive support and didn't play a significant role in the match.
Katrine Fruelund (3) and Lotte Kiaerskou (3) didn't have a fortunate day for Viborg. Speed-merchant Natasja Burgers (4) on right back caused the most unrest in Slagelse's defense, while Henriette Mikkelsen (7) as usual counter-attacked well.
Slagelse FH - Viborg HK 31-26 (12-11)
Slagelse: Bojana Petrovic 14 (3), Ausra Fridrikas 6, Anja Freser 5, Stine Frank 3, Stina Madsen 1, Maria Höpfner 1, Mette Melgaard 1.
Viborg: Henriette Mikkelsen 7, Natasja Burgers 4, Olga Assink 4 (1), Lotte Kiaerskou 4 (2), Katrine Fruelund 3 (1), Saskia Mulder 2, Berit Kristensen 1, Helga Nemeth 1.
Susp.: 4x2m, 5x2m.
Attendance: 1,550.
Slagelse's New Signing: Mitrovic
Croatian pivot Maja Mitrovic of TV Lützellinden has joined Slagelse. The acquisition was treated as a secret until the player presentation against Viborg on Sunday. The 28-year-old, a former Valencia player, has made roughly one hundred appearances for the national team. She scored 15 goals in the recent World Championship.
Mitrovic is one of a number of players to abandon the financially troubled TV Lützellinden this season. Apparently, she did not receive her pay for November and December and chose to leave the club a couple of weeks ago in the hopes of finding a new employer. Another Lützellinden player, Rosa Munoz-Gregorio, tried to land a contract with Fox Team Nord, but is now back in the squad.
Mitrovic is one of a number of players to abandon the financially troubled TV Lützellinden this season. Apparently, she did not receive her pay for November and December and chose to leave the club a couple of weeks ago in the hopes of finding a new employer. Another Lützellinden player, Rosa Munoz-Gregorio, tried to land a contract with Fox Team Nord, but is now back in the squad.
Report: Paunica to Aalborg
According to DR Sporten, Ikast/Bording's Romanian left back Narcisa Paunica has signed a two-year contract with Aalborg DH. Pivot Isabel Blanco and right back Trine Jensen are also believed to be going north. Both are from Ikast as well.
Update: This transfer has been confirmed by Aalborg.
Update: This transfer has been confirmed by Aalborg.
Bundesliga: Danilovic Stops Nürnberg
HC Leipzig earned a difficult 29-26 (13-12) win away against top side 1. FC Nürnberg to maintain their Bundesliga lead. Milica Danilovic ransacked the Nürnberg defense with 14/6 goals.
7 goals from Miriam Simakova and 6 from Austrian ace Stefanie Ofenböck couldn't alter the outcome for the home team who are now trailing three points behind Leipzig.
Frankfurt/Oder are still in second place, tied on points with Leipzig, as they conquered Lützellinden 36-33 (19-14) at home. Raissa Tichonowitsch (8) and Bianca Urbanke-Rösicke (8/2) had the most goals on offer, while Dutch star Diane Lamein landed 12/4 for the visitors.
7 goals from Miriam Simakova and 6 from Austrian ace Stefanie Ofenböck couldn't alter the outcome for the home team who are now trailing three points behind Leipzig.
Frankfurt/Oder are still in second place, tied on points with Leipzig, as they conquered Lützellinden 36-33 (19-14) at home. Raissa Tichonowitsch (8) and Bianca Urbanke-Rösicke (8/2) had the most goals on offer, while Dutch star Diane Lamein landed 12/4 for the visitors.
Ferencvaros Tackle Hypo
Champions League participants Ferencvaros and Hypo NÖ met in the Hungarian league on Saturday in Budapest. The home team revenged an earlier defeat to the Austrians by winning 31-28 (16-9).
Timea Toth (9/4), Margit Padar (6), and Lucia Uhrakova (6/5) headed the scoring for Ferencvaros who strengthened their grip on third place.
For Hypo, it was the ninth defeat of the season in the Hungarian league. In the absence of Dronic, Gabriela Rotis (10/3) took the initiative. The newly-acquired Brazilian Alexandra Nascimento hit 4 goals.
Hypo are on a handball tour of Budapest. On Wednesday they defeated Spartacus, and on Sunday they will meet the once mighty Vasas Budapest whom they met twice in Champions League finals in the mid-1990's.
Fresh pictures of the match from FTC Handball here. Also check the giggly interview with right wing Katarina Mravikova on the same page. Can't vouch for the content, but it did look amusing.
Other results:
Liss-HNKC Gyõr 2337 (915)
Vac Cornexi-Alcoa 3230 (1412)
Timea Toth (9/4), Margit Padar (6), and Lucia Uhrakova (6/5) headed the scoring for Ferencvaros who strengthened their grip on third place.
For Hypo, it was the ninth defeat of the season in the Hungarian league. In the absence of Dronic, Gabriela Rotis (10/3) took the initiative. The newly-acquired Brazilian Alexandra Nascimento hit 4 goals.
Hypo are on a handball tour of Budapest. On Wednesday they defeated Spartacus, and on Sunday they will meet the once mighty Vasas Budapest whom they met twice in Champions League finals in the mid-1990's.
Fresh pictures of the match from FTC Handball here. Also check the giggly interview with right wing Katarina Mravikova on the same page. Can't vouch for the content, but it did look amusing.
Other results:
Liss-HNKC Gyõr 2337 (915)
Vac Cornexi-Alcoa 3230 (1412)
January 24, 2004
Danish League Results
Ikast/Bording thrashed Randers HK 36-29 to grab third spot, while SK Aarhus took another step away from the relegation zone with a 22-21 victory over Horsens HK.
Ikast/Bording - Randers HK 36-29 (20-15)
Ikast/Bording: Josephine Touray 9, Line Daugaard 7 (2), Kristine Andersen 5, Tonje Kjaergaard 4, Gro Hammerseng 3, Trine Jensen 3, Isabel Blanco 2, Naicisa Paunica 2, Lise Knudsen 1.
Randers: Chao Zhai 10 (4), Tatiana Silitch 5, Annie Andersen 4, Kathrine Munch 4, Tanja Milanovic 4, Lene Tönnesen 1, Steluta Luca 1.
Susp.: 2x2m, 3x2m.
Attendance: 1,725.
SK Aarhus - Horsens HK 22-21 (12-11)
Aarhus: Julie Transel 7, Christina K. Pedersen 7 (2), Karina Björn 3, Camilla Transel 2, Maja Grönbaek 1, Merethe Hansen 1, Camilla Lund.
Horsens: Tine Ladefoged 7 (2), Jane Wangsoe 5, Sara Holmgren 5, Mette Jensen 2, Mette Sjoebjerg 1, Rikke Christensen 1.
Susp.: 2x2n, 1x2m.
Attendance: 675.
Ikast/Bording - Randers HK 36-29 (20-15)
Ikast/Bording: Josephine Touray 9, Line Daugaard 7 (2), Kristine Andersen 5, Tonje Kjaergaard 4, Gro Hammerseng 3, Trine Jensen 3, Isabel Blanco 2, Naicisa Paunica 2, Lise Knudsen 1.
Randers: Chao Zhai 10 (4), Tatiana Silitch 5, Annie Andersen 4, Kathrine Munch 4, Tanja Milanovic 4, Lene Tönnesen 1, Steluta Luca 1.
Susp.: 2x2m, 3x2m.
Attendance: 1,725.
SK Aarhus - Horsens HK 22-21 (12-11)
Aarhus: Julie Transel 7, Christina K. Pedersen 7 (2), Karina Björn 3, Camilla Transel 2, Maja Grönbaek 1, Merethe Hansen 1, Camilla Lund.
Horsens: Tine Ladefoged 7 (2), Jane Wangsoe 5, Sara Holmgren 5, Mette Jensen 2, Mette Sjoebjerg 1, Rikke Christensen 1.
Susp.: 2x2n, 1x2m.
Attendance: 675.
Jensen Lashes out at Dalmose
In B.T., outgoing Aalborg coach Kenneth Jensen chides the ingoing Christian Dalmose for having made his job more difficult.
"For quite a while, Christian Dalmose has been waiting in the wings eager to take over. He hasn't kept a particularly low profile here in Aalborg. Diplomatically speaking, he hasn't helped calm things down in regards to the team," Jensen tells B.T.
Club manager Ole Bach Jensen also gets a farewell salute from the sacked coach.
"Curiously enough it wasn't him, but the board member Jens Holm Danielsen who told me about the firing. After Ole Bach presented Dalmose as Aalborg's new coach in the fall, he hasn't spoken to me for more than 10 minutes in total."
Christian Dalmose doesn't accept Kenneth Jensen's criticism:
"I have naturally watched their matches. But I don't feel I have put any pressure on to take over. Now I will get two months to get to know the team. This can prove highly valuable ahead of next season," he defends himself.
"For quite a while, Christian Dalmose has been waiting in the wings eager to take over. He hasn't kept a particularly low profile here in Aalborg. Diplomatically speaking, he hasn't helped calm things down in regards to the team," Jensen tells B.T.
Club manager Ole Bach Jensen also gets a farewell salute from the sacked coach.
"Curiously enough it wasn't him, but the board member Jens Holm Danielsen who told me about the firing. After Ole Bach presented Dalmose as Aalborg's new coach in the fall, he hasn't spoken to me for more than 10 minutes in total."
Christian Dalmose doesn't accept Kenneth Jensen's criticism:
"I have naturally watched their matches. But I don't feel I have put any pressure on to take over. Now I will get two months to get to know the team. This can prove highly valuable ahead of next season," he defends himself.
Report: Slagelse Close to Pivot Deal
According to an article in Danish weekly Söndagsavisen, Slagelse FH is close to signing a new pivot. She is believed to play in Germany and Slagelse is apparently working to have her license in place before the top brawl with Viborg HK on Sunday.
Nürnberg's Kathrin Blacha, who played formidably in Croatia for the German national side, could be worth a guess. In related news, Cornexi Alcoa's star line player Anita Kulcsar has announced her departure. And could be a subject as well - although the Germany part doesn't fit in.
Slagelse will likely have to do without captain Camilla Andersen for the clash against Viborg as she sprained her ankle against Fox Team Nord on Wednesday.
Nürnberg's Kathrin Blacha, who played formidably in Croatia for the German national side, could be worth a guess. In related news, Cornexi Alcoa's star line player Anita Kulcsar has announced her departure. And could be a subject as well - although the Germany part doesn't fit in.
Slagelse will likely have to do without captain Camilla Andersen for the clash against Viborg as she sprained her ankle against Fox Team Nord on Wednesday.
January 23, 2004
Aalborg DH: Dalmose Takes Over
Aalborg DH has decided to let Kenneth Jensen go after three years in the club and immediately replace him with Christian Dalmose. According to Aalborg's web site, the board made the decision today.
Dalmose was not intended to join the club until next season when he scheduled to begin his three-year contract. His first task as head coach will be against Kolding on Sunday.
Dalmose was not intended to join the club until next season when he scheduled to begin his three-year contract. His first task as head coach will be against Kolding on Sunday.
Dalmose and Ikast Keep Quiet
Christian Dalmose has retracted his threat to sue Ikast/Bording to snatch some sort of economic compensation after they fired him for being 'disloyal'. Both parties have agreed to close the book after that ordeal and keep quiet from now on. Dalmose's new club Aalborg DH has done the same. To rid themselves of more bad PR I suppose.
Ikast's Narcisa Paunica continue to be linked with a future in Aalborg, but the Romanian is still said to be negotiating with her current club as well.
Ikast's Narcisa Paunica continue to be linked with a future in Aalborg, but the Romanian is still said to be negotiating with her current club as well.
Mailing a Lada
Where is Poltoratskaya and Kareeva? That's a question many people have been asking. I just mailed Lada Togliatti to see if they will afford me an answer. Well, I think I mailed them I should say. The mail server was 'vaz.ru' which belongs to the sponsoring automobile-making giant AvtoVAZ.
I'll return with the answer if they know what I'm talking about and are kind enough to reply.
I'll return with the answer if they know what I'm talking about and are kind enough to reply.
Points in French
In France, they have a quite odd points system in the league. Wins are awarded with 3 points, draws get you two points, while a defeat earns you one. I suppose this is a way to make the losing teams feel less bad about themselves.
Weird Facts of the Day
I translated a few select Hungarian (handball) names to English and came up with this:
Farkas - Wolf
Görbicz - Curved
Kulcsar - Pantryman
Nagy - Great
Lovasz - Horseman
Sugar - Radius
It was a crummy translator, so I'm not sure how correct they are. Except for Farkas.
Farkas - Wolf
Görbicz - Curved
Kulcsar - Pantryman
Nagy - Great
Lovasz - Horseman
Sugar - Radius
It was a crummy translator, so I'm not sure how correct they are. Except for Farkas.
January 22, 2004
Bundesliga: Leipzig in Pole Position
HC Leipzig took over the lead in the Bundesliga on Wednesday after a 25-21 (11-9) victory over Bayer Leverkusen. A crisis-struck Frankfurt/Oder squandered away their advantage when they were beaten 39-34 (24-14) in Trier.
Leipzig and Frankfurt both have 16 points and only goal difference separates them, while the competent Nürnberg squad lingers in third place with 15 points. The loss is particularly unpleasant for Frankfurter HC as they were disappointingly ousted from European handball in the weekend after two defeats against Silcotub Zalau.
2,780 were in attendance as Jurack (9/4) and Radzeviciute (5) put on useful offensive displays for Leipzig who must now be considered clear favourites to take the title.
After internal disputes in Frankfurt, Dietmar Rösicke has announced his departure from the club after this season. The instability seems to have affected the team. They allowed 24 goals in the first half against Trier and predictably failed to catch up in the second. It didn't help their cause that veteran star Bianca Urbanke was benched because of an injury.
Playmaker Lina Spalviene (9) and left back Hortenzia Szrnka (6) headed the scoring for Frankfurt, while Svetlana Mozgovaya (15/8) and Maren Baumbach (9) were the main forces in Trier's attack. After a dreadful fall, 'die Miezen' are showing splendid form. Both domestically and in the Champions League.
Leipzig and Frankfurt both have 16 points and only goal difference separates them, while the competent Nürnberg squad lingers in third place with 15 points. The loss is particularly unpleasant for Frankfurter HC as they were disappointingly ousted from European handball in the weekend after two defeats against Silcotub Zalau.
2,780 were in attendance as Jurack (9/4) and Radzeviciute (5) put on useful offensive displays for Leipzig who must now be considered clear favourites to take the title.
After internal disputes in Frankfurt, Dietmar Rösicke has announced his departure from the club after this season. The instability seems to have affected the team. They allowed 24 goals in the first half against Trier and predictably failed to catch up in the second. It didn't help their cause that veteran star Bianca Urbanke was benched because of an injury.
Playmaker Lina Spalviene (9) and left back Hortenzia Szrnka (6) headed the scoring for Frankfurt, while Svetlana Mozgovaya (15/8) and Maren Baumbach (9) were the main forces in Trier's attack. After a dreadful fall, 'die Miezen' are showing splendid form. Both domestically and in the Champions League.
January 21, 2004
Danish League: Round 12 Results
Viborg - Kolding IF 32-20 (15-8)
Viborg: Henriette Mikkelsen 5, Saskia Mulder 4, Natasja Burgers 4, Olga Assink 4, Helga Nemeth 4, Lotte Kiaerskou 3, Berit Kristensen 2, Charlotte Höjfeldt 2, Trine Troelsen 2, Katrine Fruelund 1.
Kolding: Christina Roslyng 5 (2), Nodjialem Myaro 4, Lise Binger 3, Louise Pedersen 3, Susanne Kastrup 2, Louise Svalastog 2, Maiken Hansen 1.
Suspensions: 1x2m, 2x2m.
Attendance: 1,374.
Aalborg DH - GOG 26-28 (13-10)
Aalborg: Agnes Farkas 9 (2), Beatrix Benyats 6, Rikke Nielsen 5, Natalija Derioguina 2, Maren Villabö 1, Erika Nilsson 1, Bettina Nielsen 1, Anniken Solberg 1.
GOG: Winnie Mölgaard 7 (6), Rikke Hörlykke 5, Monique Feijen 3, Lene Lund Nielsen 3, Tine Flognman 3, Ragnhild Aamodt 3, Pearl Van Der Vissel 2, Laila Schmidt 1, Krisztina Nagy 1.
Suspensions: 1x2m, 0x2m.
Attendance: 4,824.
Sönderjyske HK - Ikast/Bording 21-41 (10-18)
Sönderjyske: Louise Möhl 4, Anne Jensen 4, Susan Andersen 4 (1), Stine Svangaard 3, Jannie Kristensen 2, Sorina Teodorovic 2, Petra Schulz 1, Trine Nöddesbo 1.
Ikast/Bording: Isabel Blanco 6, Sanja Jovovic 6 (1), Narcisa Paunica 5, Gro Hammerseng 4, Line Daugaard 4, Lise Knudsen 4, Tonje Kjaergaard 4, Trine Jensen 3, Danijela Ercevic 2, Kristine Andersen 2, Josephine Touray 1.
Suspensions: 2x2m, 3x2m.
Attendance: 1,100
Randers HK - SK Aarhus 35-22 (17-11)
Randers: Tanja Milanovic 9 (1), Annie Andersen 7, Chao Zhai 7 (5), Kathrine Munch 5, Tatiana Silitch 4, Lene Tönnesen 2 (1), Steluta Luca 1.
Aarhus: Camilla Transel 5, Maja Grönbaek 4, Christina Körup Pedersen 4 (1), Karina Björn 3, Camilla Lund 3, Marianne Rokne 2, Julie Transel 1.
Suspensions: 3x2m, 2x2m.
Attendance: 2,431.
Fox Team Nord - Slagelse 25-32 (12-17)
Fox: Teresa Utkovic 9 (1), Ingrid Hrckova 5, Karina Jespersen 3, Heidi Johansen 3, Gitte Aaen 2, Mette Nielsen 1, Anja Kristensen 1, Lilian Thörholm 1.
Slagelse: Ausra Fridrikas 10, Bojana Petrovic 9 (1), Camilla Andersen 4, Anja Freser 3, Stine Frank 3, Kamilla Kristensen 2, Maria Hansen 1.
Suspensions: 2x2m, 4x2m.
Attendance: 1,210.
Horsens HK - FCK Handball 23-28 (10-13)
Horsens: Aasa Eriksson 7 (1), Christina Kristensen 4, Tine Ladefoged 4 (1), Mette Jensen 3, Pernille Hansen 2 (1), Mia Falk 1, Sara Holmgren 1, Jane Wangsöe 1 (1).
FCK: Gitte W. Nielsen 7, Mette Vestergaard 6 (1), Christina Krogshede 4, Helle Wehl 3, Elly an de Boer 3 (2), Eszter Siti 2, Matilda Boson 2, Camilla Thomsen 1.
Suspensions: 1x2m, 4x2m.
Attendance: 614.
Viborg: Henriette Mikkelsen 5, Saskia Mulder 4, Natasja Burgers 4, Olga Assink 4, Helga Nemeth 4, Lotte Kiaerskou 3, Berit Kristensen 2, Charlotte Höjfeldt 2, Trine Troelsen 2, Katrine Fruelund 1.
Kolding: Christina Roslyng 5 (2), Nodjialem Myaro 4, Lise Binger 3, Louise Pedersen 3, Susanne Kastrup 2, Louise Svalastog 2, Maiken Hansen 1.
Suspensions: 1x2m, 2x2m.
Attendance: 1,374.
Aalborg DH - GOG 26-28 (13-10)
Aalborg: Agnes Farkas 9 (2), Beatrix Benyats 6, Rikke Nielsen 5, Natalija Derioguina 2, Maren Villabö 1, Erika Nilsson 1, Bettina Nielsen 1, Anniken Solberg 1.
GOG: Winnie Mölgaard 7 (6), Rikke Hörlykke 5, Monique Feijen 3, Lene Lund Nielsen 3, Tine Flognman 3, Ragnhild Aamodt 3, Pearl Van Der Vissel 2, Laila Schmidt 1, Krisztina Nagy 1.
Suspensions: 1x2m, 0x2m.
Attendance: 4,824.
Sönderjyske HK - Ikast/Bording 21-41 (10-18)
Sönderjyske: Louise Möhl 4, Anne Jensen 4, Susan Andersen 4 (1), Stine Svangaard 3, Jannie Kristensen 2, Sorina Teodorovic 2, Petra Schulz 1, Trine Nöddesbo 1.
Ikast/Bording: Isabel Blanco 6, Sanja Jovovic 6 (1), Narcisa Paunica 5, Gro Hammerseng 4, Line Daugaard 4, Lise Knudsen 4, Tonje Kjaergaard 4, Trine Jensen 3, Danijela Ercevic 2, Kristine Andersen 2, Josephine Touray 1.
Suspensions: 2x2m, 3x2m.
Attendance: 1,100
Randers HK - SK Aarhus 35-22 (17-11)
Randers: Tanja Milanovic 9 (1), Annie Andersen 7, Chao Zhai 7 (5), Kathrine Munch 5, Tatiana Silitch 4, Lene Tönnesen 2 (1), Steluta Luca 1.
Aarhus: Camilla Transel 5, Maja Grönbaek 4, Christina Körup Pedersen 4 (1), Karina Björn 3, Camilla Lund 3, Marianne Rokne 2, Julie Transel 1.
Suspensions: 3x2m, 2x2m.
Attendance: 2,431.
Fox Team Nord - Slagelse 25-32 (12-17)
Fox: Teresa Utkovic 9 (1), Ingrid Hrckova 5, Karina Jespersen 3, Heidi Johansen 3, Gitte Aaen 2, Mette Nielsen 1, Anja Kristensen 1, Lilian Thörholm 1.
Slagelse: Ausra Fridrikas 10, Bojana Petrovic 9 (1), Camilla Andersen 4, Anja Freser 3, Stine Frank 3, Kamilla Kristensen 2, Maria Hansen 1.
Suspensions: 2x2m, 4x2m.
Attendance: 1,210.
Horsens HK - FCK Handball 23-28 (10-13)
Horsens: Aasa Eriksson 7 (1), Christina Kristensen 4, Tine Ladefoged 4 (1), Mette Jensen 3, Pernille Hansen 2 (1), Mia Falk 1, Sara Holmgren 1, Jane Wangsöe 1 (1).
FCK: Gitte W. Nielsen 7, Mette Vestergaard 6 (1), Christina Krogshede 4, Helle Wehl 3, Elly an de Boer 3 (2), Eszter Siti 2, Matilda Boson 2, Camilla Thomsen 1.
Suspensions: 1x2m, 4x2m.
Attendance: 614.
January 20, 2004
GOG-Gudme: Bouwer for Four Years
Bert Bouwer will take over GOG-Gudme as the head coach on February 1st. The 51-year-old Dutchman has signed a 4-year contract with the club. Bouwer was the national coach of the Netherlands for 10 years.
Fixture Dates
The first leg of Round 4 will be played on the 14th and 15th of February, the second takes place a week later on the 21st and 22nd of February.
Cup Winners' Cup: 4th Round Draw
Ferrobus Mislata (ESP) - Silcotub Zalau (ROM)
FC Copenhagen (DEN) - KSK Lutch Moscow (RUS)
Handball Cercle Nimes (FRA) - Vaci NK (HUN)
Üsküdar Istanbul (TUR) - Handball Metz Metropole (FRA)
Four teams from the Champions League will enter for Round 5, the actual quarterfinal.
FC Copenhagen (DEN) - KSK Lutch Moscow (RUS)
Handball Cercle Nimes (FRA) - Vaci NK (HUN)
Üsküdar Istanbul (TUR) - Handball Metz Metropole (FRA)
Four teams from the Champions League will enter for Round 5, the actual quarterfinal.
Challenge Cup: 4th Round Draw
Anadolu University (TUR) - Merignac (FRA)
Universitatea Remin Deva (ROM) - A.S Altamura (ITA)
Havre Athletic Club (FRA) - Vestmannaeyjar (ISL)
1. FC Nürnberg (GER) - Uni Ursus Cluj (ROM)
Borussia Dortmund (GER) - Spono Nottwil (CH)
Colegio de Gaia (POR) - MKS Vitaral Jelfa (POL)
Motor Zaporozhye 2 (UKR) - Brodosplit (CRO)
Bayer Leverkusen (GER) - Eskisehir Osmangazi (TUR)
Universitatea Remin Deva (ROM) - A.S Altamura (ITA)
Havre Athletic Club (FRA) - Vestmannaeyjar (ISL)
1. FC Nürnberg (GER) - Uni Ursus Cluj (ROM)
Borussia Dortmund (GER) - Spono Nottwil (CH)
Colegio de Gaia (POR) - MKS Vitaral Jelfa (POL)
Motor Zaporozhye 2 (UKR) - Brodosplit (CRO)
Bayer Leverkusen (GER) - Eskisehir Osmangazi (TUR)
EHF Cup: 4th Round Draw
Dinamo AKVA Volgograd (RUS) - Buxtehuder SV (GER)
E.S. Besancon Feminin (FRA) - Vaag Vipers (NOR)
Astrakhanochka Astrakhan (RUS) - Nordstrand 2000, Oslo (NOR)
Eurostandard Gjorche Petrov (MKD) - Zeeman Vastgoed (NED)
Cercle Dijon Bourgogne (FRA) - Rapid CFR Bucuresti (ROM)
S.D. Itxako Estella (ESP) - Györi Graboplast Eto KC (HUN)
GAS Anagennisi Artas (GRE) - GOG-Gudme (DEN)
Viborg HK (DEN) - Podravka Vegeta, Koprivnica (CRO)
E.S. Besancon Feminin (FRA) - Vaag Vipers (NOR)
Astrakhanochka Astrakhan (RUS) - Nordstrand 2000, Oslo (NOR)
Eurostandard Gjorche Petrov (MKD) - Zeeman Vastgoed (NED)
Cercle Dijon Bourgogne (FRA) - Rapid CFR Bucuresti (ROM)
S.D. Itxako Estella (ESP) - Györi Graboplast Eto KC (HUN)
GAS Anagennisi Artas (GRE) - GOG-Gudme (DEN)
Viborg HK (DEN) - Podravka Vegeta, Koprivnica (CRO)
Pyttlick Denied a Foreigner Cap
The association of Danish clubs in the League as well as Division 1 and 2 did not welcome national coach Jan Pyttlick's request for a limit to the number of foreigners in the teams. But they did make a concession that obliges clubs to have at least two Danish players under the age of 23 in the first team. Rules blocking a player from appearing on the second team for a time period after stints on the first team will also be made more lenient.
Rösicke Will Say Goodbye
Dietmar Rösicke - coach of Frankfurter HC and husband of German great Bianca Urbanke - has confirmed that he will step down from his post after the completion of the ongoing season, it is reported by Handball-World.com.
The Frankfurters are reigning cup holders and are locked in tight battle with HC Leipzig and 1. FC Nürnberg for the Bundesliga crown. They were surprisingly ousted from the Cup Winners' Cup by Silcotub Zalau this weekend.
The Frankfurters are reigning cup holders and are locked in tight battle with HC Leipzig and 1. FC Nürnberg for the Bundesliga crown. They were surprisingly ousted from the Cup Winners' Cup by Silcotub Zalau this weekend.
Challenge Cup: Massacres
In the weekend, 13 clubs made it to the Round of 16 (1/8 finals) of the Challenge Cup where three clubs had direct entry. But Round 3 wasn't a pretty sight. Only one of the 13 skirmishes were relatively close.
Namely the one that saw Eskisehir Osmangazi of Turkey through 42-40 on aggregate against Dnepryanka Kherson from the Ukraine.
The Turkish sides have done quite well in Europe so far. Their league leaders Anadolu University also made it to the next stage as they crushed their Portuguese opponents with 36 goals in total.
Bayer Leverkusen was the only German team of the three in the competition that had to play in round 3 as reigning Challenge Cup holders Dortmund, and Nürnberg - perhaps the favourites for the Cup - both sat out.
Lord knows what three German teams are doing in the Challenge Cup which is supposed to be a chance for clubs from the minor leagues. But with Dortmund winning last year they did earn an extra spot.
Anyway, Leverkusen crushed Elpides Drama in two undramatic matches, winning 68-38 on agg. Alexandra Uhlig, the former Leipzig and national player (check the link under 'Players'), scored 7 goals for her new club in the second whitewash of the Greeks.
Another strong nation, France, saw both their representatives in the competition go through as well. Paula Gondo's club Merignac beat SSV Dornbirn/Schoren of Austria with 15 goals after two comfortable wins. 2,000 watched the second match in Bordeaux. Impressive figure.
Havre Athletic Club proved that Belgian handball still has far, far to go. Melveren of St. Truiden were pulverized with 41 goals over the two legs.
The two Romanian sides in the Challenge Cup will also make a bid for the title. Ursus Cluj were the only of them to see action in the 3rd round as they thrashed Latsia Nicosia of Cyprus. Universitatea Remin Deva will also take part in the Round of 16.
Spono Nottwil are only fourth in the Swiss league, but had few qualms with APS Makedonikos of Greece whom they ousted 66-38 on agg. Their countrywomen from TV Uster were less fortunate as they were sacked twice by MKS Vitaral Jelfa from Poland.
Two Italian sides collided in round 3. A.S Altamura toppled Policastelliri 71-62 in one of the few somewhat competitive ties. The strong Croats from Brodosplit Inzenjeringa also came in contact with a club from their own country when they did away with Tvin Trgocentar from Virovitica after two victories.
Icelandic top club Vestmannaeyjar routed Etar Veliko 64 of Bulgaria 38-16 in the first of two ties on Iceland, but then somehow managed to lose the symbolic second encounter 17-18. Anna Yakova scored 17 times over the course of the two matches.
The lone Portuguese side left in the competition, Colegio de Gaia, also played twice at home, beating Zeljo NG Hadzici of Bosnia on two occasions.
Motor Zaporozhye's second team beat Drut Belpak Belinichi of Belarus twice in the Ukraine to win 60-49 on aggregate.
Namely the one that saw Eskisehir Osmangazi of Turkey through 42-40 on aggregate against Dnepryanka Kherson from the Ukraine.
The Turkish sides have done quite well in Europe so far. Their league leaders Anadolu University also made it to the next stage as they crushed their Portuguese opponents with 36 goals in total.
Bayer Leverkusen was the only German team of the three in the competition that had to play in round 3 as reigning Challenge Cup holders Dortmund, and Nürnberg - perhaps the favourites for the Cup - both sat out.
Lord knows what three German teams are doing in the Challenge Cup which is supposed to be a chance for clubs from the minor leagues. But with Dortmund winning last year they did earn an extra spot.
Anyway, Leverkusen crushed Elpides Drama in two undramatic matches, winning 68-38 on agg. Alexandra Uhlig, the former Leipzig and national player (check the link under 'Players'), scored 7 goals for her new club in the second whitewash of the Greeks.
Another strong nation, France, saw both their representatives in the competition go through as well. Paula Gondo's club Merignac beat SSV Dornbirn/Schoren of Austria with 15 goals after two comfortable wins. 2,000 watched the second match in Bordeaux. Impressive figure.
Havre Athletic Club proved that Belgian handball still has far, far to go. Melveren of St. Truiden were pulverized with 41 goals over the two legs.
The two Romanian sides in the Challenge Cup will also make a bid for the title. Ursus Cluj were the only of them to see action in the 3rd round as they thrashed Latsia Nicosia of Cyprus. Universitatea Remin Deva will also take part in the Round of 16.
Spono Nottwil are only fourth in the Swiss league, but had few qualms with APS Makedonikos of Greece whom they ousted 66-38 on agg. Their countrywomen from TV Uster were less fortunate as they were sacked twice by MKS Vitaral Jelfa from Poland.
Two Italian sides collided in round 3. A.S Altamura toppled Policastelliri 71-62 in one of the few somewhat competitive ties. The strong Croats from Brodosplit Inzenjeringa also came in contact with a club from their own country when they did away with Tvin Trgocentar from Virovitica after two victories.
Icelandic top club Vestmannaeyjar routed Etar Veliko 64 of Bulgaria 38-16 in the first of two ties on Iceland, but then somehow managed to lose the symbolic second encounter 17-18. Anna Yakova scored 17 times over the course of the two matches.
The lone Portuguese side left in the competition, Colegio de Gaia, also played twice at home, beating Zeljo NG Hadzici of Bosnia on two occasions.
Motor Zaporozhye's second team beat Drut Belpak Belinichi of Belarus twice in the Ukraine to win 60-49 on aggregate.
January 19, 2004
Cup Winners' Cup: Exit Kiev
8 clubs are ready for the fourth round of the Cup Winners' Cup, the pseudo-quarterfinal. The three mentioned first already got there a week ago.Ferrobus Mislata (ESP)
KSK Lutch Moscow (RUS)
Vaci NK (HUN)
Üsküdar (TUR)
Silcotub Zalau (ROM)
Handball Metz Metropole (FRA)
FCK Handball (DEN)
Handball Cercle Nimes (FRA)
Üsküdar are a real surprise. The Turks defeated Spartak Kiev twice, taking out last year's finalists and the most winning club in European handball - at least in the pre-1990 era. Yeliz Yýlmaz scored 26 goals in the two bouts.
Zalau did away with Frankfurt on two occasions to take a fine scalp. Cercle Nimes destroyed Radnicki Beograd in both matches to leave little doubt. Metz were pushed in the second clash with Baku of Azerbaijan, which they won 24-22, but they go through safely.
Who's the favourite to win the title? I don't think it has arrived yet. I suspect it will be the outcast from Champions League's Group B which will earn that status. It could be either: Krim Ljubljana, Ikast/Bording, or Buducnost Monet. A formidable trio. Motor Zaporozhye is also an option.
And from the remaining three groups: Trier, Hypo, and Elda Prestigio appear to be the most obvious candidates for third place in their respective groups.
CL Group B: Krim Lose Again
They were the clear-cut Champions League favourites little over a week ago. But title holders Krim Ljubljana are suddenly finding the going rough after two defeats in a row. On Sunday they were downed 26-24 (12-9) by Buducnost Monet in Podgorica and are now only at third place in Group B.
If Krim fall to Ikast in Denmark next month, the nightmare from 2002 could very well repeat itself. Then, the reigning champions failed to move on from the group stage after losing to Montex Lublin at home.
In front of an enthusiastic crowd of 6,000 in the Moraca arena, the Slovenians had a disastrous start to the match. After 21 minutes they were down 11-4 after having great difficulty passing the seasoned Podgorica keeper Paplacko.
A 4-0 run put them back in contention, and they made it to halftime down only by 3. But that seemed to matter little as Buducnost increased the lead to 5 goals, 20-15, after 45 minutes. Mainly thanks to Polish star Izabela Puchacz (9) who was in exuberant form.
But Krim Ljubljana didn't give up without a fight. And in just 9 minutes they managed to get back into the match. But at 22-22 it was the home team that kept their cool, and Aleksandar Panov could celebrate his second Champions League victory with Buducnost.
The match was marred by rough play, and several members of the crowd crossed the line as well. Objects were thrown on court. Including a fire cracker of some sort which apparently exploded in the hand of Snezana Damjanac when she tried to remove it from court.
Buducnost Monet - Krim Eta Malizia 26-24 (12-9)
Buducnost: Puchacz 9, Kolakovic 7 (5), Bulatovic 3, Volkova 2, Damjanac 2, Jeraminok 2, Marzec 1.
Krim: Logvin 7 (1), Yatsenko 6, Oder 4, Derepasko 3 (2), Verhelyuk 2, Kliukaite 1, Kurent 1.
Suspensions: 7x2m, 6x2m.
Attendance: 6,000 approx.
If Krim fall to Ikast in Denmark next month, the nightmare from 2002 could very well repeat itself. Then, the reigning champions failed to move on from the group stage after losing to Montex Lublin at home.
In front of an enthusiastic crowd of 6,000 in the Moraca arena, the Slovenians had a disastrous start to the match. After 21 minutes they were down 11-4 after having great difficulty passing the seasoned Podgorica keeper Paplacko.
A 4-0 run put them back in contention, and they made it to halftime down only by 3. But that seemed to matter little as Buducnost increased the lead to 5 goals, 20-15, after 45 minutes. Mainly thanks to Polish star Izabela Puchacz (9) who was in exuberant form.
But Krim Ljubljana didn't give up without a fight. And in just 9 minutes they managed to get back into the match. But at 22-22 it was the home team that kept their cool, and Aleksandar Panov could celebrate his second Champions League victory with Buducnost.
The match was marred by rough play, and several members of the crowd crossed the line as well. Objects were thrown on court. Including a fire cracker of some sort which apparently exploded in the hand of Snezana Damjanac when she tried to remove it from court.
Buducnost Monet - Krim Eta Malizia 26-24 (12-9)
Buducnost: Puchacz 9, Kolakovic 7 (5), Bulatovic 3, Volkova 2, Damjanac 2, Jeraminok 2, Marzec 1.
Krim: Logvin 7 (1), Yatsenko 6, Oder 4, Derepasko 3 (2), Verhelyuk 2, Kliukaite 1, Kurent 1.
Suspensions: 7x2m, 6x2m.
Attendance: 6,000 approx.
January 18, 2004
EHF Cup: Favourites Make the Cut
16 clubs are ready for the fourth round of the EHF Cup after the completion of the third round today. There were no major surprises.
Eurostandard Skopje came through against Zalec after the closest contest of all. The two teams finished at 50-50 on aggregate, but after a 28-23 victory to the Slovenians in the second match, Eurostandard made it by scoring one more away goal.
As mentioned below, bookmaker favourites Viborg HK expectedly went through after two wins against Slovan Duslo Sala. They have company in the shape of GOG-Gudme. Their compatriots had little trouble fending off the Swedish top side Team Eslöv with 16 goals in total.
The third round, however, spelled the end for another Danish side. Chao Zhai's Randers HK - with Kjersti Grini in charge - were denied entrance to the next stage by Nordstrand of Oslo. Vaag Vipers made it a week ago against their Greek opponents.
With 8 goals to her name, Ibolya Mehlmann helped put Györi Graboplast through with a 29-26 victory over Oltchim Valcea in the second outing. Winning in Romania. the Hungarians had an 8-goal advantage at halftime in the return leg at home and could dance their way to progression.
Croatian powerhouse Podravka Vegeta lost against Bera Bera by 31-32 in San Sebastian, but still had 6 goals in hand on aggregate. National team player Ljerka Vresk hit 8 goals for the Koprivnica-based side.
France had both their representatives go through. Carmen Lungu and Stephanie Fiossonangaye earned 6 goals each when E.S. Besancon were defeated by Knjaz Milos in Arandjelovac. But the 10-goal victory at home kept them safe.
Cercle Dijon Burgogne already made the cut last weekend after two conquests of Krusevac. 2-0 to France against Serbia.
Astrakhanochka Astrakhan of Russia lost by seven goals to MMKS Piotrcovia in Poland, but had 14 goals to waste after a huge win at home. Turey scored 6 times.
Their compatriots from Rostov-Don had less fortune as they were beaten by GAS Anagennisi Artas of Greece for the second time on Monday. Akva Volgograd were already through last week.
The lone German team in the competition, Buxtehuder SV, defeated Iuventa Michalovce 29-26 at home to earn a 9-goal surplus in total. Henze hit 6 goals.
The cunning wing Cristina Varzaru reached the net 9 times when Rapid Bucuresti took out Wiener Neustadt a comfortable 30-21 in the Romanian capital. Former Kolding player Ala Matuschkowitz - and husband of the Hypo coach Martin Matuschkowitz - scored 6 goals for the visitors from Austria. But to little avail.
Zeeman Vastgoed SEW of the Netherlands were perhaps a minor surprise as they took out HC Sonic/Osijek of Croatia 48-44 on aggregate. Both matches were played this weekend in Holland, and Hofstätter scored a total of 17 goals for the hosts.
S.D. Itxako Estella, the 16th and final club to mention, already qualified a week ago.
Eurostandard Skopje came through against Zalec after the closest contest of all. The two teams finished at 50-50 on aggregate, but after a 28-23 victory to the Slovenians in the second match, Eurostandard made it by scoring one more away goal.
As mentioned below, bookmaker favourites Viborg HK expectedly went through after two wins against Slovan Duslo Sala. They have company in the shape of GOG-Gudme. Their compatriots had little trouble fending off the Swedish top side Team Eslöv with 16 goals in total.
The third round, however, spelled the end for another Danish side. Chao Zhai's Randers HK - with Kjersti Grini in charge - were denied entrance to the next stage by Nordstrand of Oslo. Vaag Vipers made it a week ago against their Greek opponents.
With 8 goals to her name, Ibolya Mehlmann helped put Györi Graboplast through with a 29-26 victory over Oltchim Valcea in the second outing. Winning in Romania. the Hungarians had an 8-goal advantage at halftime in the return leg at home and could dance their way to progression.
Croatian powerhouse Podravka Vegeta lost against Bera Bera by 31-32 in San Sebastian, but still had 6 goals in hand on aggregate. National team player Ljerka Vresk hit 8 goals for the Koprivnica-based side.
France had both their representatives go through. Carmen Lungu and Stephanie Fiossonangaye earned 6 goals each when E.S. Besancon were defeated by Knjaz Milos in Arandjelovac. But the 10-goal victory at home kept them safe.
Cercle Dijon Burgogne already made the cut last weekend after two conquests of Krusevac. 2-0 to France against Serbia.
Astrakhanochka Astrakhan of Russia lost by seven goals to MMKS Piotrcovia in Poland, but had 14 goals to waste after a huge win at home. Turey scored 6 times.
Their compatriots from Rostov-Don had less fortune as they were beaten by GAS Anagennisi Artas of Greece for the second time on Monday. Akva Volgograd were already through last week.
The lone German team in the competition, Buxtehuder SV, defeated Iuventa Michalovce 29-26 at home to earn a 9-goal surplus in total. Henze hit 6 goals.
The cunning wing Cristina Varzaru reached the net 9 times when Rapid Bucuresti took out Wiener Neustadt a comfortable 30-21 in the Romanian capital. Former Kolding player Ala Matuschkowitz - and husband of the Hypo coach Martin Matuschkowitz - scored 6 goals for the visitors from Austria. But to little avail.
Zeeman Vastgoed SEW of the Netherlands were perhaps a minor surprise as they took out HC Sonic/Osijek of Croatia 48-44 on aggregate. Both matches were played this weekend in Holland, and Hofstätter scored a total of 17 goals for the hosts.
S.D. Itxako Estella, the 16th and final club to mention, already qualified a week ago.
CL Group B: Result
Buducnost Monet - Krim Eta Malizia 26-24 (12-9).
CL Group D: Larvik Demolish Spaniards
Larvik HK were in an unstoppable mood as they cruised to an outright 38-23 (16-8) humiliation of Spanish champions Alsa Elda Prestigio at home in Bergslihallen.
With three rounds completed, Larvik still stand at maximum points and look to have first place in Group D in their grasp. After 15 minutes, the Norwegians were ahead 8-2 and it was evident that Elda Prestigio should have swallowed the blue pill on this Sunday.
At 13-4 for the home team, Susana Fraile and Co. showed the first signs of resistance and they made it to the break only down by 8.
Larvik continued where they left off in the second half and made it two 25-11 before slowing down a bit. A little more space was given to the visitors and they managed to escape with a 15-goal defeat.
Kristine Duvholt and Linn-Kristin Riegelhuth (picture) rampaged the Spanish defense on the right side, while Katja Nyberg blasted the ball in from her left back position.
Keeper Mimi Kopperud Slevigen was formidable against Ferencvaros a week ago, and coach Ole Gustav Gjekstad rewarded her with full time in Larvik's goal this time. She responded with another splendid display.
With three rounds completed, Larvik still stand at maximum points and look to have first place in Group D in their grasp. After 15 minutes, the Norwegians were ahead 8-2 and it was evident that Elda Prestigio should have swallowed the blue pill on this Sunday.
At 13-4 for the home team, Susana Fraile and Co. showed the first signs of resistance and they made it to the break only down by 8.
Larvik continued where they left off in the second half and made it two 25-11 before slowing down a bit. A little more space was given to the visitors and they managed to escape with a 15-goal defeat.
Kristine Duvholt and Linn-Kristin Riegelhuth (picture) rampaged the Spanish defense on the right side, while Katja Nyberg blasted the ball in from her left back position.
Keeper Mimi Kopperud Slevigen was formidable against Ferencvaros a week ago, and coach Ole Gustav Gjekstad rewarded her with full time in Larvik's goal this time. She responded with another splendid display.
EHF Cup: Viborg Waltz On
Viborg HK move into the fourth round of the EHF Cup after a 60-39 aggregate win over Slovan Duslo Sala of Slovakia. The return match in Viborg was won 27-23 (14-12).
Viborg - Slovan Duslo Sala 27-23 (14-12)
Viborg: Assink 7, Mikkelsen 4, Nemeth 4, Fruelund 3, Mulder 2, Kristensen 2, Thorsen 2, Skov 1, Lejeune 1, Nörgaard 1.
Sala: Salatova 6, Hrabovska 4, Geczova 4, Kutkova 3, Stuparicova 3, Flaskova 2, Kollarova 1.
Suspensions: 2x2m, 4x2m.
Attendance: 1,373.
Viborg - Slovan Duslo Sala 27-23 (14-12)
Viborg: Assink 7, Mikkelsen 4, Nemeth 4, Fruelund 3, Mulder 2, Kristensen 2, Thorsen 2, Skov 1, Lejeune 1, Nörgaard 1.
Sala: Salatova 6, Hrabovska 4, Geczova 4, Kutkova 3, Stuparicova 3, Flaskova 2, Kollarova 1.
Suspensions: 2x2m, 4x2m.
Attendance: 1,373.
CL Group B: Ikast Brought Down in Zaporozhye
Ikast/Bording were quickly brought down to earth after their triumph over Krim Ljubljana in Slovenia. They lost their undefeated status in the Champions League when they fell to a 29-26 (17-12) loss against Motor Zaporozhye in the Ukraine.In a chillingly cold arena, Zaporozhye took control from the get-go as they successfully applied a 3-2-1 formation that the Ikast attack had difficulty adapting to. The Ukranians were more dangerous as their backs roamed freely against the Danish 6-0 defense.
Particularly Burmistrova and Mukhina left keeper Karin Mortensen in despair with their catapults, and the home team steadily increased the leverage. With a 17-12 advantage at halftime, Motor kept going in the second half and expanded the lead with one goal, to 23-17.
But utilizing a more aggressive defense, Ikast/Bording were beginning to get a hold of Burmistrova. And as Ana Vojcic registered another class performance in goal, Ikast enjoyed a 4-goal run that put them within two goals of the Ukranians. But they never got closer, and Zaporozhye could book their first two points in Group B.
Motor Zaporozhye - Ikast/Bording 29-26 (17-12).
Zaporozhye: Burmistrova 10, Reznir 6, Mukhina 5, Tatarenko 2, Shevchenko 2, Rybina 1, Shutska 1, Kastyel 1, Snitisch 1.
Ikast: Jovovic 7 (5), Paunica 6, Daugaard 5, Jensen 2, Touray 2, Hammerseng 2 (1), Andersen 1, Knudsen 1.
Suspensions: 1x2m, 3x2m.
Attendance: 3,000.
CL Group D: Result
Larvik HK - Alsa Elda Prestigio 38-23 (16-8).
CL Group B: Result
Motor Zaporozhye - Ikast/Bording 29-26 (17-12).
CL Group A: Big Result for Dunaferr in Russia
Dunaferr SE grabbed the lead in Group A after earning an important away victory in Russia. The Hungarians remain undefeated after a 22-21 (13-13) win over Lada Togliatti that should see them through to the next stage.
World Championship top scorer Bojana Radulovics (7/1) did the most damage in offense for Dunaferr, but it was a strong defensive showing that gave them victory. Perhaps illustrated by the 12 suspension minutes given to the visitors.
Little separated the teams until Lada Togliatti amassed a 16-13 goal lead in the second half. But Dunaferr had a strong reply to the Russian excursion as they went on a 6-1 spree that put them ahead by two goals. Lada later tied the match at 21-21 before Dunaferr hit the decider.
Lada Togliatti - Dunaferr SE 21-22 (13-13)
Togliatti: Muravyeva 5 (1), Chaplina 4, Yakovleva 3, Rumenskaya 3, Shipilova 1, Koroleva 1, Cserni 1.
Dunaferr: Radulovics 7 (1), Lovasz 4, Ferling 3, Bulath 3, Bohus 2, Pigniczki 2, Nagy 1.
Suspensions: 1x2m, 6x2m.
Attendance: 2,500.
World Championship top scorer Bojana Radulovics (7/1) did the most damage in offense for Dunaferr, but it was a strong defensive showing that gave them victory. Perhaps illustrated by the 12 suspension minutes given to the visitors.
Little separated the teams until Lada Togliatti amassed a 16-13 goal lead in the second half. But Dunaferr had a strong reply to the Russian excursion as they went on a 6-1 spree that put them ahead by two goals. Lada later tied the match at 21-21 before Dunaferr hit the decider.
Lada Togliatti - Dunaferr SE 21-22 (13-13)
Togliatti: Muravyeva 5 (1), Chaplina 4, Yakovleva 3, Rumenskaya 3, Shipilova 1, Koroleva 1, Cserni 1.
Dunaferr: Radulovics 7 (1), Lovasz 4, Ferling 3, Bulath 3, Bohus 2, Pigniczki 2, Nagy 1.
Suspensions: 1x2m, 6x2m.
Attendance: 2,500.
CL Group D: Ferencvaros Submerge Lublin
Ferencvaros got the job done in the first half against Bystrzyca Lublin at home in Budapest. Leading 20-13 at the interval, the Hungarians wrapped up a secure 32-24 win at full-time.
The Polish champions kept up the pace with the home side for the first 20 minutes as they only trailed by two goals. But with a strong Sugar in goal, Ferencvaros swiftly distanced themselves and managed to build up a 19-12 lead that Lublin did not have the resources to close.
Slovakian right wing Mravikova scored 7 goals for the Budapest side, while national team player Timea Toth joined in with 6 successful strikes. Luberecka and Damiecka each scored 6 times for Lublin.
Ferencvaros - Bystrzyca Lublin 32-24 (20-17)
FTC: Mravikova 7, Toth 6, Kirsner 5, Uhrakova 5 (1), Kocsik 4 (4), Rabai 3, M. Padar 2.
Lublin: Luberecka 6, Damiecka 6, Wlodek 4 (3), Aleksandrovicz 3, Majerek 3, Wolska 1, Hipnarowicz 1.
Suspensions: 3x2m, 3x2m.
Attendance: 1,000.
The Polish champions kept up the pace with the home side for the first 20 minutes as they only trailed by two goals. But with a strong Sugar in goal, Ferencvaros swiftly distanced themselves and managed to build up a 19-12 lead that Lublin did not have the resources to close.
Slovakian right wing Mravikova scored 7 goals for the Budapest side, while national team player Timea Toth joined in with 6 successful strikes. Luberecka and Damiecka each scored 6 times for Lublin.
Ferencvaros - Bystrzyca Lublin 32-24 (20-17)
FTC: Mravikova 7, Toth 6, Kirsner 5, Uhrakova 5 (1), Kocsik 4 (4), Rabai 3, M. Padar 2.
Lublin: Luberecka 6, Damiecka 6, Wlodek 4 (3), Aleksandrovicz 3, Majerek 3, Wolska 1, Hipnarowicz 1.
Suspensions: 3x2m, 3x2m.
Attendance: 1,000.
CL Group A: Valencia Dropped Again
Last year's Champions League finalists El Osito L'Eliana are still without points in Group A after three rounds. DJK/MJC Trier denied the team from Valencia 28-24 (13-14) in Germany.
The Spaniards held a 3-goal edge toward the end of the first half, but Trier closed down the difference to just one pin after 30 minutes, 13-14. In the beginning of the second half, L'Eliana scored just twice in the first 14 minutes as Trier racked up a crucial 22-15 advantage.
With Mangue (6) and Morskova (6/3) their most prolific scorers, Valencia managed to get within 3 goals of Trier with 7 minutes to go. But Marta Mangue's red card doomed their quest, and the German champions ran away with a relatively comfortable 28-24 victory.
Maren Baumbach scored an impressive 12 goals, while Mozgovaya and Althaus both added 5. Accumulating three points, Trier are still in with a bid to move on to the knock-out stage. But it will most likely require a home victory over Lada Togliatti to get there. National team pivot Anja Althaus sustained a finger injury in the second half.
DJK/MJC Trier - El Osito L'Eliana Valencia 28-24 (13-14)
Trier: Baumbach 12, Althaus 5, Mozgovaya 5, Meier 4, Scholl 1, Bohm 1 (1).
L'Eliana: Mangue 6, Morskova 6 (3), Puche Diaz 3 (1), Ilic 2, Escudero 2, Morena 2, Ruiz 1, Arquer 1.
Suspensions: 3x2m, 1x2m.
Attendance: 2,000.
The Spaniards held a 3-goal edge toward the end of the first half, but Trier closed down the difference to just one pin after 30 minutes, 13-14. In the beginning of the second half, L'Eliana scored just twice in the first 14 minutes as Trier racked up a crucial 22-15 advantage.
With Mangue (6) and Morskova (6/3) their most prolific scorers, Valencia managed to get within 3 goals of Trier with 7 minutes to go. But Marta Mangue's red card doomed their quest, and the German champions ran away with a relatively comfortable 28-24 victory.
Maren Baumbach scored an impressive 12 goals, while Mozgovaya and Althaus both added 5. Accumulating three points, Trier are still in with a bid to move on to the knock-out stage. But it will most likely require a home victory over Lada Togliatti to get there. National team pivot Anja Althaus sustained a finger injury in the second half.
DJK/MJC Trier - El Osito L'Eliana Valencia 28-24 (13-14)
Trier: Baumbach 12, Althaus 5, Mozgovaya 5, Meier 4, Scholl 1, Bohm 1 (1).
L'Eliana: Mangue 6, Morskova 6 (3), Puche Diaz 3 (1), Ilic 2, Escudero 2, Morena 2, Ruiz 1, Arquer 1.
Suspensions: 3x2m, 1x2m.
Attendance: 2,000.
January 17, 2004
CL Group D: Result
Ferencvaros - Bystrzyca Lublin 32-24 (20-13).
EHF Cup: Grini and Randers Knocked Out
Norwegian great Kjersti Grini didn't have the most successful begin to her tenure as head coach of Randers HK. The Danish side was knocked out of the EHF Cup after losing 30-26 (15-10) to Nordstrand in Oslo. The first leg in Denmark was drawn 22-22.
CL Group A: Results
DJK/MJC Trier - El Osito L'Eliana 28-24 (13-14)
HC Lada Togliatti - Dunaferr 21-22 (13-13)
HC Lada Togliatti - Dunaferr 21-22 (13-13)
CWC: Copenhagen Topple Zagreb
A 14-2 run in the second half turned the tables completely for FCK Handball who looked to be on their way out of the Cup Winners' Cup against Lokomotiva Zagreb. But a Croatian collapse gave the Copenhagen side a 28-23 (10-15) win which sees them through 52-49 on aggregrate.Having lost 26-24 in Zagreb, FCK looked on verge of elimination after trailing 5 goals at the break. But after a 25-minute spell in which Lokomotiva only scored twice, FCK Handball build up a 7-goal advantage that proved decisive.
Wings Matilda Boson (9) and Helle Wehl (6) were not surprising the leading scorers for FCK as they took advantage of a barrage of fastbreaks.
Arslanagic and Pusic, who reached the semifinals of the Junior World Championship with Croatia last year, scored 7 apiece.
FCK Handball - Lokomotiva Zagreb 28-23 (10-15).
FCK: Matilda Boson 9, Helle Wehl 6, Mette Vestergaard 5, Elly an de Boer 4, Gitte W. Nielsen 2, Eszter Siti 1, Camilla Thomsen 1.
Zagreb: Maida Arslanagic 7, Nikica Pusic 7, Svitlana Pasicnik 3, Dunja Veselovac 2, Antonya Martinovic 1, Maja Cop 1, Ivana Lovric 1, Lidija Horvat 1.
Suspensions: FCK 4x2m, Zagreb 5x2m.
Attendance: 621.
Cup Winners' Cup: Frankfurt Sent Packing
Bundesliga leaders Frankfurter HC were removed from the Cup Winners' Cup already in the third round as they fell victim to Silcotub Zalau. Despite a crowd of 2,155 supporting them, Frankfurt lost the second leg at home 31-34. This completes the humiliation as they had been outgunned 31-21 in Romania.
Hortenzia Szrnka (8) and Raissa Tichonowitsch (7/1) dominated in the Frankfurt attack, but Roxana Gatzel (11/2) and Ileana Jula (9/2) were even stronger for Zalau who win a commanding 65-52 on aggregate.
Hortenzia Szrnka (8) and Raissa Tichonowitsch (7/1) dominated in the Frankfurt attack, but Roxana Gatzel (11/2) and Ileana Jula (9/2) were even stronger for Zalau who win a commanding 65-52 on aggregate.
Viborg Gobbles up Ortuno
Viborg HK has signed the 21-year-old Spanish right back Isabel Ortuno Torrico from Elda Prestigio on a 3-year contract. Ortuno, who has played 17 national team matches, won't arrive in Viborg HK until the summer.
January 16, 2004
CL Group C: Hypo Defeat Nis
Hypo NÖ are still in with a bid to qualify for the quarterfinals of the Champions League after a clear 28-23 (16-11) dismissal of DIN-Classic Nis.
Prokop's side raced away from the Serbs at the end of the first half as they went from 9-9 after 19 minutes to 16-11 at halftime. In the second half, they expanded the lead to 22-14. Despite some muscular strains, left back Sladjana Dronic landed 10 goals for Hypo.
As expected, Knezevic also made her presence felt for Nis. With 15 goals. The rest of the team scored just 8 goals, emphasizing just how one-sided the attack of Nis tends to get. DIN-Classic came within three goals, 26-23, within the last five minutes, but keeper Kryvorutschko was a clear asset for Hypo with 17 saves.
Hypo NÖ - DIN-Classic Nis 28-23 (16-11)
Hypo NÖ: Dronic 10 (4), Shynkarenko 5, Engel 4, Rotis 4, Vijunaite 2, Horacek 2, Budecevic 1.
Nis: Knezevic 15 (5), Andruschenko 3, Mladenovic 2, Miscula 2, Kalinichenko 1.
Attendance: 2,000.
Prokop's side raced away from the Serbs at the end of the first half as they went from 9-9 after 19 minutes to 16-11 at halftime. In the second half, they expanded the lead to 22-14. Despite some muscular strains, left back Sladjana Dronic landed 10 goals for Hypo.
As expected, Knezevic also made her presence felt for Nis. With 15 goals. The rest of the team scored just 8 goals, emphasizing just how one-sided the attack of Nis tends to get. DIN-Classic came within three goals, 26-23, within the last five minutes, but keeper Kryvorutschko was a clear asset for Hypo with 17 saves.
Hypo NÖ - DIN-Classic Nis 28-23 (16-11)
Hypo NÖ: Dronic 10 (4), Shynkarenko 5, Engel 4, Rotis 4, Vijunaite 2, Horacek 2, Budecevic 1.
Nis: Knezevic 15 (5), Andruschenko 3, Mladenovic 2, Miscula 2, Kalinichenko 1.
Attendance: 2,000.
CL Group C: Slagelse Edge Out Kometal
Kometal Skopje came closing to causing an upset in the 3rd round of the Champions Leauge against Slagelse on the outskirts of Copenhagen. But Anja Andersen's side earned a close 29-27 (15-12) win in front of nearly 5,000 spectators in Bröndby-hallen to maintain maximum points.
The match was a chaotic one, dominated by rough physical play and questionable refereeing. But it also had an exciting finish. Slagelse looked to be secure with a 25-20 lead in the second half, but Kometal kept going and reduced the home team's advantage to just 27-26 with over a minute to go.
Kometal were in possession, but a dreadful technical fault from Mirjana Cupic cost dearly and the Macedonians lost the ball. Bojana Petrovic took advantage by scoring her 6th goal to make it 28-26 for Slagelse. Kometal Skopje still had a goal on offer before Camilla Andersen (9/5) capped off a strong display by reaching the target yet again.
Olena Tsygitsa (picture) carved out in stone why she is one of the top players in the world right now. She made defensive right back Anja Freser look hopelessly lost on several occasions with her exquisite shot hand. Todorovska was a busy-body on right wing, but had too many misses on the Slagelse keepers.
Left wing Oxana Raykhel was the main force behind Kometal's comeback in the second half, while the firm Buyanova showed off her potent right hand, but took too many shots to get her goals.
Bojana Petrovic started well in the first half for the Danish champions, but soon began to focus more on the performances of the referees than her own game. A 2-minute suspension from the Polish pair was one of the rewards for that attitude.
Despite starting the match in the unusual pivot position, Valentina Radulovic was like a fish in water against her former club and scored some of the best goals on the night. Especially when she was given her normal left wing spot.
Slagelse FH - Kometal G.P. Skopje 29-27 (15-12).
Slagelse: Camilla Andersen 9 (5), Bojana Petrovic 6, Valentina Radulovic 5, Maria Hansen 3, Stina Madsen 3, Anja Freser 2, Ausra Fridrikas 1.
Skopje: Olena Tsygitsa 8, Oxana Raykhel 7 (2), Olga Buyanova 6 (1), Natalija Todorovska 2, Yuliya Partyanko 2, Galyna Markushevska 2.
Suspensions: Slagelse 5x2m, Kometal Skopje 6x2m.
Attendance: 4,933 in Bröndby Hallen.
The match was a chaotic one, dominated by rough physical play and questionable refereeing. But it also had an exciting finish. Slagelse looked to be secure with a 25-20 lead in the second half, but Kometal kept going and reduced the home team's advantage to just 27-26 with over a minute to go.
Kometal were in possession, but a dreadful technical fault from Mirjana Cupic cost dearly and the Macedonians lost the ball. Bojana Petrovic took advantage by scoring her 6th goal to make it 28-26 for Slagelse. Kometal Skopje still had a goal on offer before Camilla Andersen (9/5) capped off a strong display by reaching the target yet again.
Olena Tsygitsa (picture) carved out in stone why she is one of the top players in the world right now. She made defensive right back Anja Freser look hopelessly lost on several occasions with her exquisite shot hand. Todorovska was a busy-body on right wing, but had too many misses on the Slagelse keepers.
Left wing Oxana Raykhel was the main force behind Kometal's comeback in the second half, while the firm Buyanova showed off her potent right hand, but took too many shots to get her goals.
Bojana Petrovic started well in the first half for the Danish champions, but soon began to focus more on the performances of the referees than her own game. A 2-minute suspension from the Polish pair was one of the rewards for that attitude.
Despite starting the match in the unusual pivot position, Valentina Radulovic was like a fish in water against her former club and scored some of the best goals on the night. Especially when she was given her normal left wing spot.
Slagelse FH - Kometal G.P. Skopje 29-27 (15-12).
Slagelse: Camilla Andersen 9 (5), Bojana Petrovic 6, Valentina Radulovic 5, Maria Hansen 3, Stina Madsen 3, Anja Freser 2, Ausra Fridrikas 1.
Skopje: Olena Tsygitsa 8, Oxana Raykhel 7 (2), Olga Buyanova 6 (1), Natalija Todorovska 2, Yuliya Partyanko 2, Galyna Markushevska 2.
Suspensions: Slagelse 5x2m, Kometal Skopje 6x2m.
Attendance: 4,933 in Bröndby Hallen.
January 15, 2004
Arvidsson Gets the Boot: Grini Takes Charge
Randers HK has suspended head coach Morten Arvidsson after a number of disappointing results. Kjersti Grini, who was not expected to take over until next season, takes over immediately.Randers played to a lacklustre 22-22 draw with Nordstrand in the EHF Cup, and threw away a 4-goal lead against Slagelse in less than two minutes last week. The club management explains that both Arvidsson and the team have been short on enthusiasm lately.
Arvidsson will receive his pay until his contract expires this summer.
Champions League 3rd Round: Preview and Predictions
GROUP A:
Lada Togliatti - Dunaferr SE
Judged on the two first rounds, Lada appear to have the upper hand. They are both strong defensive sides, but Togliatti seem to have more sparkle in their attack. If Radulovics is offered special attention, too much will perhaps rely on Ferling. The Hungarians improved after the disappointment against Trier - who are actually not that bad - and they need to be even sharper in Russia. Home advantage doesn't tend too have great significance with Lada. They play almost equally strong home and away. Poltoratskya seems to have been dropped from the squad, or perhaps she is injured, but Muravyeva was at least as good in Croatia, and has been strong in the first two matches as well.
Prediction: Lada by 5 goals
DJK/MJC Trier - El Osito L'Eliana
This is one of the most open affairs, but the team from La Eliana near Valencia is more proven internationally. With Morskova seemingly going in and out of the squad, they are in dire need of punching power from the backcourt. Marta Mangue could provide some of that, but her performances tend to fluctuate. Much will come down to Puche and Gomez connecting. Trier have a number of good players - Mozgovaya on right back, playmaker Baumbach, and Althaus, the powerful pivot - to name a few. The Germans are struggling in the Bundesliga, but they have improved much over the last month. The draw with Dunaferr show their capabilities, but they could come up a few goals short against the Spaniards - who are doing well in the Honor Division.
Prediction: L'Eliana by 2 goals
GROUP B:
Buducnost Monet - Krim Eta Malizia
With Krim losing to Ikast, the Slovenians could suddenly be in difficulty if they fall in Podgorica. The team from Crna Gora (Montenegro) exchanged coach after the 8-goal loss against Ikast. With Panov in charge, they got the needed win against Motor, but only barely. They need to get both Bulatovic, Puchacz, and Volkova going at the same time to beat the title holders. But I suspect they won't. Krim will be extremely concentrated and put in a commanding display that Buducnost don't have the qualities to match.
Prediction: Krim by 6 goals
Motor Zaporozhye - Ikast/Bording
After being flogged at home in Ukraine against Krim, Motor came close against Buducnost. They beat Slagelse in the EHF Cup at home last season, but the tie had been decided then. Ikast also lost in Zaporozhye last year, but that was early in the season. With Kristine Andersen back in the squad, Ikast will be favourites to secure at least a point. But Burmistrova might prove unpleasant for the Danish side.
Prediction: Ikast by 2 goals
GROUP C
Slagelse - Kometal Gjorche Petrov
Slagelse lost a key defender in Anne Loft against Hypo, but at home in Bröndbyhallen they will be looking to get a comfortable win against their toughest rivals from the group. Slagelse will want to avoid a very strong Larvik side in the quarterfinals, while Kometal still have work to do in order to get through. With Kometal's ace of spades, Indira Kastratovic, sidelined with a long-term injury, strong showings from Bujanova and Croatia all-star Tsygitsa will be important to achieve that, while Todorovska and Raykhel will need to show their fastbreak speed. Still, Slagelse will be tough to deal with. Every one speaks about Petrovic - and she is astonishing right now - but the most effective player is Fridrikas. She spends a lot of time on the bench, but when she does come on, things really start to happen.
Prediction: Slagelse by 7 goals
Hypo NÖ - Din-Classic, Nis
Another close contest should be expected in this meeting. Hypo started well against Skopje, and did quite well in the second half against Slagelse. But home advantage in Maria Enzersdorf doesn't mean much, and the Serbs know they have to win this one after two initial defeats. Ljiljana Knezevic will again be leading the way, and she could steer her team to a narrow win.
Prediction: Din-Classic by 1 goal
GROUP D:
Ferencvaros - Bystrzyca Lublin
This is perhaps the easiest match to predict. Lublin might be the weakest team in the tournament and will provide little resistance to Toth and Co.
Prediction: Ferencvaros by 9 goals
Larvik - Alsa Elda Prestigio
This is the second-easiest. The Spaniards couldn't stop Ferencvaros in Budapest and certainly can't hold back Larvik - one of the top 5 sides in the tournament. Gjekstad will have prepared well against the two Spanish trumps: Fraile and the offensive Spanish defense. Larvik could still need Lina Olsson as back-up for the young Vigdis Haarsaker on right back, but this won't prove decisive in Bergslihallen.
Prediction: Larvik by 10 goals
Lada Togliatti - Dunaferr SE
Judged on the two first rounds, Lada appear to have the upper hand. They are both strong defensive sides, but Togliatti seem to have more sparkle in their attack. If Radulovics is offered special attention, too much will perhaps rely on Ferling. The Hungarians improved after the disappointment against Trier - who are actually not that bad - and they need to be even sharper in Russia. Home advantage doesn't tend too have great significance with Lada. They play almost equally strong home and away. Poltoratskya seems to have been dropped from the squad, or perhaps she is injured, but Muravyeva was at least as good in Croatia, and has been strong in the first two matches as well.
Prediction: Lada by 5 goals
DJK/MJC Trier - El Osito L'Eliana
This is one of the most open affairs, but the team from La Eliana near Valencia is more proven internationally. With Morskova seemingly going in and out of the squad, they are in dire need of punching power from the backcourt. Marta Mangue could provide some of that, but her performances tend to fluctuate. Much will come down to Puche and Gomez connecting. Trier have a number of good players - Mozgovaya on right back, playmaker Baumbach, and Althaus, the powerful pivot - to name a few. The Germans are struggling in the Bundesliga, but they have improved much over the last month. The draw with Dunaferr show their capabilities, but they could come up a few goals short against the Spaniards - who are doing well in the Honor Division.
Prediction: L'Eliana by 2 goals
GROUP B:
Buducnost Monet - Krim Eta Malizia
With Krim losing to Ikast, the Slovenians could suddenly be in difficulty if they fall in Podgorica. The team from Crna Gora (Montenegro) exchanged coach after the 8-goal loss against Ikast. With Panov in charge, they got the needed win against Motor, but only barely. They need to get both Bulatovic, Puchacz, and Volkova going at the same time to beat the title holders. But I suspect they won't. Krim will be extremely concentrated and put in a commanding display that Buducnost don't have the qualities to match.
Prediction: Krim by 6 goals
Motor Zaporozhye - Ikast/Bording
After being flogged at home in Ukraine against Krim, Motor came close against Buducnost. They beat Slagelse in the EHF Cup at home last season, but the tie had been decided then. Ikast also lost in Zaporozhye last year, but that was early in the season. With Kristine Andersen back in the squad, Ikast will be favourites to secure at least a point. But Burmistrova might prove unpleasant for the Danish side.
Prediction: Ikast by 2 goals
GROUP C
Slagelse - Kometal Gjorche Petrov
Slagelse lost a key defender in Anne Loft against Hypo, but at home in Bröndbyhallen they will be looking to get a comfortable win against their toughest rivals from the group. Slagelse will want to avoid a very strong Larvik side in the quarterfinals, while Kometal still have work to do in order to get through. With Kometal's ace of spades, Indira Kastratovic, sidelined with a long-term injury, strong showings from Bujanova and Croatia all-star Tsygitsa will be important to achieve that, while Todorovska and Raykhel will need to show their fastbreak speed. Still, Slagelse will be tough to deal with. Every one speaks about Petrovic - and she is astonishing right now - but the most effective player is Fridrikas. She spends a lot of time on the bench, but when she does come on, things really start to happen.
Prediction: Slagelse by 7 goals
Hypo NÖ - Din-Classic, Nis
Another close contest should be expected in this meeting. Hypo started well against Skopje, and did quite well in the second half against Slagelse. But home advantage in Maria Enzersdorf doesn't mean much, and the Serbs know they have to win this one after two initial defeats. Ljiljana Knezevic will again be leading the way, and she could steer her team to a narrow win.
Prediction: Din-Classic by 1 goal
GROUP D:
Ferencvaros - Bystrzyca Lublin
This is perhaps the easiest match to predict. Lublin might be the weakest team in the tournament and will provide little resistance to Toth and Co.
Prediction: Ferencvaros by 9 goals
Larvik - Alsa Elda Prestigio
This is the second-easiest. The Spaniards couldn't stop Ferencvaros in Budapest and certainly can't hold back Larvik - one of the top 5 sides in the tournament. Gjekstad will have prepared well against the two Spanish trumps: Fraile and the offensive Spanish defense. Larvik could still need Lina Olsson as back-up for the young Vigdis Haarsaker on right back, but this won't prove decisive in Bergslihallen.
Prediction: Larvik by 10 goals
Leipzig-Krim on DVD
Leipzig will be selling a DVD of the successful final in the HCL Masters when the home team beat none other than Krim Ljubljana. The DVD will contain a bunch of extra material and should be available in February from HC Leipzig's web site.
Interesting initiative.
Interesting initiative.
Karina Jespersen Returns
Bottom-club Fox Team Nord recently strengthened itself by acquiring Karina Jespersen from the Italian club Mortara. Jespersen, a former FIF (now FCK) and national team player, left the Italians because of a contract dispute.
Fox, however, chose not to sign Rosa Munoz Gregorio from Lützellinden who had been training with the team. The Spaniard had the potential, but not was not in the physical form required, the sports manager of Fox Team Nord told Radio ANR.
Fox, however, chose not to sign Rosa Munoz Gregorio from Lützellinden who had been training with the team. The Spaniard had the potential, but not was not in the physical form required, the sports manager of Fox Team Nord told Radio ANR.
Follow-up on Astrup
Heidi Astrup dislocated her collar bone and tore several ligaments in her shoulder. It is not likely she will be able to play any further this season. This leaves Aalborg DH's hopes of making the top 4, which would secure them a playoff berth, in tatters.
However, Astrup hasn't been close her peak level for the last year or so. Her absence could give court time to the former Randers and Selbu player Anniken Solberg who is a quite useful playmaker. Rikke Nielsen is also a gifted playmaker, but has played right back frequently. This could open the door for lefty Beatrix Benyats who has done pretty well when she has had the chance.
However, Astrup hasn't been close her peak level for the last year or so. Her absence could give court time to the former Randers and Selbu player Anniken Solberg who is a quite useful playmaker. Rikke Nielsen is also a gifted playmaker, but has played right back frequently. This could open the door for lefty Beatrix Benyats who has done pretty well when she has had the chance.
Aalborg Punished, Astrup Out
Wednesday evening was one of misery for Aalborg. Not only did Kenneth Jensen's side experience a cruel 32-21 (14-10) beating in Viborg, they also lost Heidi Astrup to injury.
Astrup accidentally tripped over the leg of a Viborg player in a fastbreak and landed hard on her shoulder. She may have fractured her collar bone, according to her husband Thomas Holme who is a physiotherapist with Aalborg. For Astrup it was an awful return to Viborg where she spent so many years as the dominating player.
But the home crowd paid tribute to their old hero by chanting her name when Astrup was helped from court with her arm in a sling. Of course, the 200 Aalborg fans could have contributed as well, but let's just be sentimental and assume the first.
The injury happened in the second half and had little impact on the outcome. Viborg have been rampant in the Danish league lately and were in a different class entirely. The Dutch trio of Assink, Mulder, and Burgers has hardly ever been more dangerous, and Nicolas again astonished with a save percentage around 55.
Farkas was surprisingly benched in the second half when the Aalborg attack could have used some more firepower. Natalia Deriouguina also returned to her former club, but was totally neutralized by a staunch Viborg defense.
Viborg-Aalborg DH 32-21 (14-10).
Viborg: Olga Assink 7, Saskia Mulder 7 (1), Katrine Fruelund 6, Natasja Burgers 3, Lotte Kiaerskou 3 (1), Rikke Skov 2, Leila Lejeune 2, Henriette Mikkelsen 2.
Aalborg: Agnes Farkas 5 (4), Heidi Astrup 3, Natalia Deriouguina 2, Beatrix Benyats 2, Rikke Nielsen 2, Maren Villabö 2, Erika Nilsson 2, Bettina Nielsen 2, Trine Overgaard 1.
Suspensions: Viborg 2x2m, Aalborg 3x2m.
Attendance: 1,623 in Viborg Stadionhal.
Astrup accidentally tripped over the leg of a Viborg player in a fastbreak and landed hard on her shoulder. She may have fractured her collar bone, according to her husband Thomas Holme who is a physiotherapist with Aalborg. For Astrup it was an awful return to Viborg where she spent so many years as the dominating player.
But the home crowd paid tribute to their old hero by chanting her name when Astrup was helped from court with her arm in a sling. Of course, the 200 Aalborg fans could have contributed as well, but let's just be sentimental and assume the first.
The injury happened in the second half and had little impact on the outcome. Viborg have been rampant in the Danish league lately and were in a different class entirely. The Dutch trio of Assink, Mulder, and Burgers has hardly ever been more dangerous, and Nicolas again astonished with a save percentage around 55.
Farkas was surprisingly benched in the second half when the Aalborg attack could have used some more firepower. Natalia Deriouguina also returned to her former club, but was totally neutralized by a staunch Viborg defense.
Viborg-Aalborg DH 32-21 (14-10).
Viborg: Olga Assink 7, Saskia Mulder 7 (1), Katrine Fruelund 6, Natasja Burgers 3, Lotte Kiaerskou 3 (1), Rikke Skov 2, Leila Lejeune 2, Henriette Mikkelsen 2.
Aalborg: Agnes Farkas 5 (4), Heidi Astrup 3, Natalia Deriouguina 2, Beatrix Benyats 2, Rikke Nielsen 2, Maren Villabö 2, Erika Nilsson 2, Bettina Nielsen 2, Trine Overgaard 1.
Suspensions: Viborg 2x2m, Aalborg 3x2m.
Attendance: 1,623 in Viborg Stadionhal.
January 14, 2004
Löwy Back for Hypo
In the Hungarian league, Hypo NÖ took the scalp of Bekescabai ENK 35-22 (15-8). Dora Löwy was finally back in the Hypo squad after a long-term injury. As Sladjana Dronic was spared ahead of the CL-meeting with Nis, the young Brazilian Alexandra Nascimento earned her debut for the Austrians. Rotis (10) and Shynkarenko (8) scored the most.
The Spelling of a Club: Togliatti
This may seem like a petty issue, but I'm a sucker for details. Especially getting them right. Which isn't always easy.
After trying a few variations, I have settled on my preferred way of spelling the Russian club Lada: Togliatti. This runs counter to the majority choice in handball which is Toljatti. The EHF likes that one too - if much of a conscious choice has been made.
As we know, translating from cyrillic to latin leaves a lot of wiggle room depending on the languages involved. It's difficult to say there is a right and wrong way to do it because of varying relationships between phonetics and alphabets.
As this is an English-language blog, I want to get it right in English. This excludes 'Toljatti'. Tolyatti would be the appropriate solution - as suggested by Bartleby and Encyclopedia Brittanica.
But Togliatti is even more appealing. Until 1964 the city - which is home to the massive AvtoVAZ automobile factories and as such the birthplace of that lovely car, the Lada - was Stavropol-on-the-Volga. The name was changed when the notorious Italian communist leader Palmiro Togliatti (note the spelling of his name) died that year.
Since the cyrillic name of the city refers to a person with a latin (Italian) name, which ought not be anglicized, it would be most fitting if we ended up with the name we started with.
Additionally, Lada Togliatti is also a very famous hockey club. And it is almost exclusively known as Togliatti - rather than other variations - on the international scene. The same goes for the football club.
Even the English version of Pravda uses Togliatti (although also applying other forms!), and so does several Russian tourist sites that are in English.
Togliatti it is!
Motor is straighforward as Zaporozhye is the established English form of this city's name. Volgograd shouldn't cause much trouble either, but should it be AKVA or AQUA? I'll have to think about that.
After trying a few variations, I have settled on my preferred way of spelling the Russian club Lada: Togliatti. This runs counter to the majority choice in handball which is Toljatti. The EHF likes that one too - if much of a conscious choice has been made.
As we know, translating from cyrillic to latin leaves a lot of wiggle room depending on the languages involved. It's difficult to say there is a right and wrong way to do it because of varying relationships between phonetics and alphabets.
As this is an English-language blog, I want to get it right in English. This excludes 'Toljatti'. Tolyatti would be the appropriate solution - as suggested by Bartleby and Encyclopedia Brittanica.
But Togliatti is even more appealing. Until 1964 the city - which is home to the massive AvtoVAZ automobile factories and as such the birthplace of that lovely car, the Lada - was Stavropol-on-the-Volga. The name was changed when the notorious Italian communist leader Palmiro Togliatti (note the spelling of his name) died that year.
Since the cyrillic name of the city refers to a person with a latin (Italian) name, which ought not be anglicized, it would be most fitting if we ended up with the name we started with.
Additionally, Lada Togliatti is also a very famous hockey club. And it is almost exclusively known as Togliatti - rather than other variations - on the international scene. The same goes for the football club.
Even the English version of Pravda uses Togliatti (although also applying other forms!), and so does several Russian tourist sites that are in English.
Togliatti it is!
Motor is straighforward as Zaporozhye is the established English form of this city's name. Volgograd shouldn't cause much trouble either, but should it be AKVA or AQUA? I'll have to think about that.
Krim Tickets a Hit
Tickets for Ikast/Bording's home match against Krim Ljubljana on February 8th have been ripped away by Danish handball fans. The demand increased after Ikast's victory in Slovenia. All 4,100 tickets were sold out on Monday, prompting the club to ask for an expansion of Herning Messecenter with 1,000 additional seats.
The club's business manager, Alex Pedersen, predicts that they will sell out as well.
"We have already had reservations for 250 of those tickets, so we expect a completely sold out arena. It's extremely nice that people support the girls and the club for this important match. It's worth noting that we are selling not only to locals, but to people from all over Jutland (the Danish mainland, ed.)," Pedersen states.
Slagelse has also passed 4,000 tickets for the match against Kometal Skopje on Friday in the Champions League. Bröndby-hallen is again the venue.
On the very same night - how's that for timing - Denmark's national team for men are playing against Egypt in another Copenhagen arena: Valby-hallen. But the last preparation match ahead of the European Championship in Slovenia has only sold 2,000 of 3,000 tickets available.
The club's business manager, Alex Pedersen, predicts that they will sell out as well.
"We have already had reservations for 250 of those tickets, so we expect a completely sold out arena. It's extremely nice that people support the girls and the club for this important match. It's worth noting that we are selling not only to locals, but to people from all over Jutland (the Danish mainland, ed.)," Pedersen states.
Slagelse has also passed 4,000 tickets for the match against Kometal Skopje on Friday in the Champions League. Bröndby-hallen is again the venue.
On the very same night - how's that for timing - Denmark's national team for men are playing against Egypt in another Copenhagen arena: Valby-hallen. But the last preparation match ahead of the European Championship in Slovenia has only sold 2,000 of 3,000 tickets available.
CL Top Scorers
With two rounds completed, there is a trio of Serbian players in front. The former Krusevac players Knezevic (now Nis) and Dronic (now Hypo) are right behind Slagelse's Petrovic.
1. Petrovic 20 (Slagelse)
2. Knezevic 18 (DIN-Classic, Nis)
3. Dronic 18 (Hypo NÖ)
4. Burmistrova 17 (Motor Zaporozhye)
5. Touray 17 (Ikast/Bording)
6. Logvin 15 (Krim Ljubljana)
7. Nyberg 15 (Larvik)
8. Muravyeva 15 (Lada Togliatti)
9. Radulovics 14 (Dunaferr SE)
10. Derespasko 13 (Krim Ljubljana)
11. Bulatovic 13 (Buducnost Podgorica)
1. Petrovic 20 (Slagelse)
2. Knezevic 18 (DIN-Classic, Nis)
3. Dronic 18 (Hypo NÖ)
4. Burmistrova 17 (Motor Zaporozhye)
5. Touray 17 (Ikast/Bording)
6. Logvin 15 (Krim Ljubljana)
7. Nyberg 15 (Larvik)
8. Muravyeva 15 (Lada Togliatti)
9. Radulovics 14 (Dunaferr SE)
10. Derespasko 13 (Krim Ljubljana)
11. Bulatovic 13 (Buducnost Podgorica)
Bubalo's Nightmare
Croatian star Klaudija Bubalo injured herself when a 12 cm long piece of wood from a parquet floor drove into her thigh during a training session before a European match with her club Brodoplit. It took surgery to remove it from her leg, and the wound required 15 stitches.
Brodosplit were playing their compatriots from Virovitica in the Challenge Cup and won 24-22 away. With Bubalo injured, her veteran team colleague Kolega stepped up and scored 8 goals.
The 33-year-old Klaudija Bubalo has been one of the best Croatian handballers over the last ten years. The injury to the former Metz player will put a damper on Brodosplit's hopes of annoying Koprivnica this season.
Brodosplit were playing their compatriots from Virovitica in the Challenge Cup and won 24-22 away. With Bubalo injured, her veteran team colleague Kolega stepped up and scored 8 goals.
The 33-year-old Klaudija Bubalo has been one of the best Croatian handballers over the last ten years. The injury to the former Metz player will put a damper on Brodosplit's hopes of annoying Koprivnica this season.
January 13, 2004
Brödsgaard: Less Foreigners
National team captain Karen Brödsgaard wants to put a limit to the number of foreign players in the Danish League, according to TV 2 Sporten.
"I feel that we should do like it has been done in basketball for several years and not allow more than 2 or 3 foreign players on each team. Maybe that's the best solution for women's handball in Denmark. This could help some of the younger Danish players," she suggests.
Brödsgaard transferred from Viborg to Larvik between Christmas and New Year because she was tired of playing second fiddle to the Dutch world-class pivot Olga Assink.
The Association of Handball Players apparently likes the idea, and national coach Pytlick has similar worries about the increasing number of foreign players.
"I feel that we should do like it has been done in basketball for several years and not allow more than 2 or 3 foreign players on each team. Maybe that's the best solution for women's handball in Denmark. This could help some of the younger Danish players," she suggests.
Brödsgaard transferred from Viborg to Larvik between Christmas and New Year because she was tired of playing second fiddle to the Dutch world-class pivot Olga Assink.
The Association of Handball Players apparently likes the idea, and national coach Pytlick has similar worries about the increasing number of foreign players.
Danish League: Kolding Struggling
Horsens HK passed Ikast/Bording to take over third place in the Danish League with a 22-18 conquest of a KIF Kolding side that appears to be in deep trouble. Horsens, who were down 7-8 after a goal-modest first half, have played a match more than Ikast.
Kolding began the season in style as they wrapped up four wins in a row. Recording just one point in the last 7 matches, their fortune has changed drastically. They have endured a flood of injuries, hitting some of their key players. In the weekend they even fell victim to bottom-side Sönderjyske who scored their first win of the season.
The Greenlandic playmaker Ella Grödem was signed last week from Odense to get some acute reinforcement, and she had her first outing against Horsens HK.
Horsens: Sara Holmgren 6, Tine Ladefoged 5 (1), Mette Sjøberg 4, Jane Wangsöe 2, Aasa Eriksson 2, Mette Jensen 2, Pernille Hansen 1 (1).
Kolding: Susanne Kastrup 5, Nodjialem Myaro 3, Louise Petersen 3 (1), Ella Grødem 2, Pernille Hansen 2, Christina Roslyng 2 (2), Louise Svalastog 1.
Suspensions: Horsens 2x2m - Kolding IF 3x2m.
Attendance: 843.
Kolding began the season in style as they wrapped up four wins in a row. Recording just one point in the last 7 matches, their fortune has changed drastically. They have endured a flood of injuries, hitting some of their key players. In the weekend they even fell victim to bottom-side Sönderjyske who scored their first win of the season.
The Greenlandic playmaker Ella Grödem was signed last week from Odense to get some acute reinforcement, and she had her first outing against Horsens HK.
Horsens: Sara Holmgren 6, Tine Ladefoged 5 (1), Mette Sjøberg 4, Jane Wangsöe 2, Aasa Eriksson 2, Mette Jensen 2, Pernille Hansen 1 (1).
Kolding: Susanne Kastrup 5, Nodjialem Myaro 3, Louise Petersen 3 (1), Ella Grødem 2, Pernille Hansen 2, Christina Roslyng 2 (2), Louise Svalastog 1.
Suspensions: Horsens 2x2m - Kolding IF 3x2m.
Attendance: 843.
January 12, 2004
CWC: Spartak Humiliated
Spartak Kiev made the final of the Cup Winners' Cup in 2003. They won't this year. In perhaps the biggest upset of the weekend, the weakened Ukrainian side was dropped by Üsküdar of Istanbul 26-22 at home in Kiev.Yilmaz Yeliz was immodest enough to score 15 times against the highest decorated club in European handball, and the Turks will be looking ahead to the return match in Istanbul with confidence after this success. Üsküdar are only second in the Turkish league after the university club from Anadolu!
7 goals from Radnicki Beograd's national team wing Ognjenovic wasn't enough to prevent Handball Cercle Nimes from defeating the Serbs a resounding 29-17. Nathalie Macra proved her value by scoring 6 times for the French.
As mentioned previously, Lutch of Moscow and Ferrobus Mislata are already through. Vaci NK joined them after winning 32-31 in the second leg against Byaasen. Matyas scored 15 times for the Hungarians, while the talented Snorroeggen put in 11 for the Norwegians.
EHF Cup: Four Teams Through
Four clubs booked a place in the fourth round of the EHF Cup after playing both legs this weekend: Dinamo Akva Volgograd (RUS), Vaag Vipers (NOR), Itxako Estella (ESP), and Cercle Dijon Bourgogne (FRA).The Russian outfit Dinamo Akva played two times in front a 3,000 crowd in Volgograd and scored twice as many goals on aggregate as their opponents BNTU Minsk Region from Belarus. 40-16 in the first tie, and 28-18 in the second for Akva - or Aqua as some prefer.
Vaag Vipers had an even easier time against O.F.N. Ionias of Greece as they won 73-34 combined. The Norwegians put a 16-year-old keeper on court, and she passed with flying colours. Hilde Kvifte punched in 12 goals in both matches.
Itxako Estella were made to work in the first tie, 26-25, against RK Piran of Slovenia, but posted a shut-out in the second test: 31-17. Cercle Dijon took advantage of two effective home games as they put out Napredak Krusevac 72-64 on agg. Batinic scored 12 goals for the Serbs in the first encounter. But that wasn't enough.
Emilya Turey scored 8 times when Astrakhanochka Astrakhan defeated MMKS Piotrcovia 36-22 to almost assure the Russians qualification for the next round.
Right back Stephanie Fiossonangaye reached the net 6 times as E.S. Besancon downed Knjaz Milos in front of 3,200 spectators in France. The Serbs will have their work cut out in Arandjelovac.
Anita Görbicz was Györ's most prolific scorer (6/4) when the Hungarian top side earned a useful 25-21 victory against Oltchim Valcea in Romania. Two other young players, Mörtel and Mehlmann, both scored 5 goals. And so did pivot Ana Dokic. Györ had an 8-goal lead in the second half, but 4 should also be more than sufficient.
Austrian league leaders McDonald's Wiener Neustadt have a few hills to climb after losing 29-34 at home to the strong Romanian side Rapid Bucuresti. It didn't help Wiener Neustadt's case that their two class keepers Rusnachenko and Hofmann were both absent.
Rima Sypkus, who is still going strong at 36, and Dagmar Müller both scored 6 goals for the home team, while Cristina Mihai proved Rapid's main weapon with 8 goals.
Anagennisi Artas of Greece again emphasized that they are a quality team with a 33-27 win over Rostov-Don of Russia. Buxtehuder SV captured a 31-25 win in Slovakia against Iuventa Michalovce to put them in a comfortable position ahead of the return match.
In Skopje, Eurostandard Gjorche Petrov gained a 27-22 win over Zalec of Slovenia to give them the advantage before the away game.
Sonic-Osijek of Croatia and Zeeman Vastgoed of the Netherlands are the only two teams who haven't seen action yet. They meet two times in the weekend.
Camilla Wanted More
Slagelse won by 12 goals against Hypo NÖ, yet captain Camilla Andersen wasn't exactly satisfied with the way the team played, she told newspaper B.T. after the match.
"They should have been sent home with a 20-goal defeat. But it has been a hard week for us with three matches, one of them a "midnight match". There is no doubt that many of were us influenced by that," Andersen explained.
Slagelse had a 16-7 lead at halftime, but allowed the Austrians to score no less than 19 times in the second half. They scored 22 goals themselves, but Camilla Andersen admits they made too many technical mistakes after the break.
Next up is Kometal Skopje. A much more difficult task according to the Slagelse captain.
"I'm positive that we need to be a lot better in the next match. We must be a lot more focused as Kometal is a much better team than Hypo. I know perfectly well that Hypo beat Kometal. But I've seen that match on video, and Kometal was clearly cheated by the referees.
We take nothing for granted despite the big win against Hypo. We really need to be ready for that one, but of course we want another two points. This would give us a really good start to the Champions League," she told B.T.
"They should have been sent home with a 20-goal defeat. But it has been a hard week for us with three matches, one of them a "midnight match". There is no doubt that many of were us influenced by that," Andersen explained.
Slagelse had a 16-7 lead at halftime, but allowed the Austrians to score no less than 19 times in the second half. They scored 22 goals themselves, but Camilla Andersen admits they made too many technical mistakes after the break.
Next up is Kometal Skopje. A much more difficult task according to the Slagelse captain.
"I'm positive that we need to be a lot better in the next match. We must be a lot more focused as Kometal is a much better team than Hypo. I know perfectly well that Hypo beat Kometal. But I've seen that match on video, and Kometal was clearly cheated by the referees.
We take nothing for granted despite the big win against Hypo. We really need to be ready for that one, but of course we want another two points. This would give us a really good start to the Champions League," she told B.T.
CL Group B: Podgorica Edge Motor
Buducnost Monet got their Champions League quest rolling with a tight 27-25 (16-12) win over Motor Zaporozhye in Podgorica. After the defeat against Ikast, victory was the only option for the home side.
And that was exactly what Marijana Bulatovic helped her team achieve as she racked up 8 goals in front of more than 6,000 spectators in the Montenegrin capital. But it got closer than the home crowd would have liked. When former Lublin star Izabela Puchacz-Czapko made it 17-12 in the beginning of the second half, the size of the victory appeared to main question.
But losing only by two goals, Motor Zaporozhye didn't go down willingly in Montenegro. A stellar performance from 9-goal act Burmistrova, the Ukranians showed considerable more teeth than what was expected after the vicious beating they endured at home to Krim Ljubljana a week ago.
Match details:
Podgorica: Bulatovic 8 (1), Kolakovic 6 (6), Puchacz 5, Damjanac 3, Savic 2, Jeraminok 2, Durovic 1.
Zaporozhye: Burmistrova 9, Borodina 5 (2), Kasel 4, Ribina 3, Tatarenko 2, Shevchenko 1, Reznir 1 (1).
Suspensions (min): 4x2 - 4x2.
Attendance: Approx. 6,000-7,000
And that was exactly what Marijana Bulatovic helped her team achieve as she racked up 8 goals in front of more than 6,000 spectators in the Montenegrin capital. But it got closer than the home crowd would have liked. When former Lublin star Izabela Puchacz-Czapko made it 17-12 in the beginning of the second half, the size of the victory appeared to main question.
But losing only by two goals, Motor Zaporozhye didn't go down willingly in Montenegro. A stellar performance from 9-goal act Burmistrova, the Ukranians showed considerable more teeth than what was expected after the vicious beating they endured at home to Krim Ljubljana a week ago.
Match details:
Podgorica: Bulatovic 8 (1), Kolakovic 6 (6), Puchacz 5, Damjanac 3, Savic 2, Jeraminok 2, Durovic 1.
Zaporozhye: Burmistrova 9, Borodina 5 (2), Kasel 4, Ribina 3, Tatarenko 2, Shevchenko 1, Reznir 1 (1).
Suspensions (min): 4x2 - 4x2.
Attendance: Approx. 6,000-7,000
January 11, 2004
CL Group A: Dunaferr Better Than Valencia
Dunaferr SE move into second place in Group A after a 26-23 (13-10) victory over El Osito L'Eliana at home in Dunaujvaros. Last year's finalists Valencia are still without points in the 2004 edition of the Champions League.
The Hungarian champions got back on track after dropping an unexpected point in Rheinland-Pfalz to Trier, but they probably didn't get quite as resonant a victory as they would have liked.
Dunaferr held a 5-goal cushion at 11-6 in the first half after shutting out the Spanish attack, but Cristina Mayo's side stayed in contention as they were only down 13-10 at the interval and 16-14 seven minutes into the second half.
But Dunaferr replied with a good run. Left wing Ivett Nagy made it 22-16 with 13 minutes left on the clock to almost guarantee the victory. However, the Spaniards had more in store and came within two goals again before Bernadett Ferling scored to 26-23.
Registering a modest 50 goals in the first two matches, Dunaferr will likely need some more offensive punch when they travel to Russia to meet group leaders Lada Togliatti on Saturday.
Despite the zero points, Valencia are still in with a shout to progress if they can take care of Dunaferr at home and beat Trier twice.
Match details:
Dunaferr: Nagy 6, Radulovics 5 (3), Ferling 4, Bohus 4, Lov?sz 4, Pigniczki 2, Kindl 1.
Valencia: Mangue 5 (1), Puche 4 (3), Del Olmo 4, Gomez 3, Aguilar 3, Marti 3, Ilic 1.
Suspensions (min): 2x5 - 2x5.
Attendance: 1.500
The Hungarian champions got back on track after dropping an unexpected point in Rheinland-Pfalz to Trier, but they probably didn't get quite as resonant a victory as they would have liked.
Dunaferr held a 5-goal cushion at 11-6 in the first half after shutting out the Spanish attack, but Cristina Mayo's side stayed in contention as they were only down 13-10 at the interval and 16-14 seven minutes into the second half.
But Dunaferr replied with a good run. Left wing Ivett Nagy made it 22-16 with 13 minutes left on the clock to almost guarantee the victory. However, the Spaniards had more in store and came within two goals again before Bernadett Ferling scored to 26-23.
Registering a modest 50 goals in the first two matches, Dunaferr will likely need some more offensive punch when they travel to Russia to meet group leaders Lada Togliatti on Saturday.
Despite the zero points, Valencia are still in with a shout to progress if they can take care of Dunaferr at home and beat Trier twice.
Match details:
Dunaferr: Nagy 6, Radulovics 5 (3), Ferling 4, Bohus 4, Lov?sz 4, Pigniczki 2, Kindl 1.
Valencia: Mangue 5 (1), Puche 4 (3), Del Olmo 4, Gomez 3, Aguilar 3, Marti 3, Ilic 1.
Suspensions (min): 2x5 - 2x5.
Attendance: 1.500
EHF Cup: GOG Overwhelm Swedes
With Rikke Hörlykke hitting the net 7 times, GOG-Gudme strolled to a 31-21 (16-8) dismissal of Swedish league leaders Team Eslöv IK. GOG are going through a crisis in the Danish league where they are fourth from bottom, but they showed little signs of that as they rushed to a 12-4 lead in the first half.
Monique Feijen and Krisztina Nagy also joined in on the scoring with 6 goals each. Eslöv's biggest gun Fanny Lagerström reached the target 8 times, but 6 of those were on penalties.
Match details:
GOG: Rikke Hörlykke 7, Krisztina Nagy 6, Monique Feijen 6, Winnie Mölgaard 4 (3), Pearl van der Vissel 2, Lene Lund Nielsen 2, Tina Flognman 1, Ragnhild Aamodt 1, Sara Andersson 1, Birgit van Os 1.
Team Eslöv: Fanny Lagerström 8 (6), Johanna Wieberg 3, Åsa Könsberg 2, Marie Karmer 2, Sara Eriksson 2, Susanna Oskarsson 2, Caroline Könsberg 1, Emma Hanson 1.
Suspensions: GOG 5x2m, Team Eslöv 2x2m.
Attendance: 480.
Monique Feijen and Krisztina Nagy also joined in on the scoring with 6 goals each. Eslöv's biggest gun Fanny Lagerström reached the target 8 times, but 6 of those were on penalties.
Match details:
GOG: Rikke Hörlykke 7, Krisztina Nagy 6, Monique Feijen 6, Winnie Mölgaard 4 (3), Pearl van der Vissel 2, Lene Lund Nielsen 2, Tina Flognman 1, Ragnhild Aamodt 1, Sara Andersson 1, Birgit van Os 1.
Team Eslöv: Fanny Lagerström 8 (6), Johanna Wieberg 3, Åsa Könsberg 2, Marie Karmer 2, Sara Eriksson 2, Susanna Oskarsson 2, Caroline Könsberg 1, Emma Hanson 1.
Suspensions: GOG 5x2m, Team Eslöv 2x2m.
Attendance: 480.
EHF Cup: Podravka Put 7 into Bera Bera
Podravka Vegeta beat Bera Bera San Sebastian 34-27 (15-15) in Koprivnica to bank a 7-goal advantage ahead of the return leg in the Basque Country.
Ionela Gisca landed 9 goals two days after her 23rd birthday. The same number as Andrijana Budimir, but she was helped by 4 successful 7-m throws to get there, while Renata Hodak scored 8 times. Elizabeth Pineido reached 9 for San Sebastian.
The Spaniards were a tough hurdle for Dunaferr last season in the EHF Cup, but Koprivnica clearly have the upper hand now.
Match details:
Podravka Vegeta: Gilca 9, Budimir 9 (4), Hodak 8, Vresk 5, Tanase 1, Culjak 1, Tatari 1.
Bera Bera: E. Pinedo 9, Alberto 5 (2), Albardia 4, Lopez Quiros 3, Fiedel 2 (1), P. Pineido 2, Garmendia 1, Alegria 1
Suspensions: Podravka Vegeta 8x2m, Bera Bera 5x2m.
Attendance: 1,200.
Ionela Gisca landed 9 goals two days after her 23rd birthday. The same number as Andrijana Budimir, but she was helped by 4 successful 7-m throws to get there, while Renata Hodak scored 8 times. Elizabeth Pineido reached 9 for San Sebastian.
The Spaniards were a tough hurdle for Dunaferr last season in the EHF Cup, but Koprivnica clearly have the upper hand now.
Match details:
Podravka Vegeta: Gilca 9, Budimir 9 (4), Hodak 8, Vresk 5, Tanase 1, Culjak 1, Tatari 1.
Bera Bera: E. Pinedo 9, Alberto 5 (2), Albardia 4, Lopez Quiros 3, Fiedel 2 (1), P. Pineido 2, Garmendia 1, Alegria 1
Suspensions: Podravka Vegeta 8x2m, Bera Bera 5x2m.
Attendance: 1,200.
EHF: Great Work!
Thanks for the all the result updates from your own European tournaments on your web site(s). It's great to see how seriously you take the marketing of the sport. Thumbs up! Way to go! You da man! Bravo! Clap, clap, clap!
CL Group D: Larvik Defeat Ferencvaros
After a tentative first half Larvik HK stamped their authority on Bergslihallen with a convincing 29-22 (13-15) win over Ferencvaros to move top of the table in Group D.
The Hungarians grabbed the lead after 18 minutes as Margit Padar and Timea Toth almost passed a weak Lene Rantala at will. The two backs scored a combined total of 9 goals to help Ferencvaros to a surprising halftime lead.
Mimi Kopperud Slevigen came on as a replacement for Lene Rantala in the second half, and she was the main reason why the team from Budapest only managed 7 goals after the break.
The Norwegian defense also contributed to the unleashing of an avalanche of fastbreaks against the Hungarian goal. But Timea Sugar stood her ground well as she displayed some technically refined goaltending. This prevented Larvik from slipping too far away.
But when ex-javelin thrower Katja Nyberg started to land her heavy bombs from the distance in the net - and in Sugar's face at one point - Larvik quickly piled up a decisive lead.
Larvik coach Ole Gustav Gjekstad told Norwegian TV2 that he was especially happy about the size of the victory. He considers Ferencvaros to be Larvik's main rival for first place. And in case of a defeat in Budapest, the goal score could become significant.
Match details:
Larvik: Nyberg 9 (2), Johansen 5, Brödsgaard 4, Duvholt 3, Haarsaker 3 (2), Heieraas 2, Riegelhuth 2, Larsen 1
Ferencvaros: Toth 7, Kocsik 5 (2), Margit(!) Padar 5, Kirsner 2, Mravikova 2, Uhrakova 1.
Suspensions: Larvik 4x2m, FTC 5x2m.
Attendance: 1,500.
The Hungarians grabbed the lead after 18 minutes as Margit Padar and Timea Toth almost passed a weak Lene Rantala at will. The two backs scored a combined total of 9 goals to help Ferencvaros to a surprising halftime lead.
Mimi Kopperud Slevigen came on as a replacement for Lene Rantala in the second half, and she was the main reason why the team from Budapest only managed 7 goals after the break.
The Norwegian defense also contributed to the unleashing of an avalanche of fastbreaks against the Hungarian goal. But Timea Sugar stood her ground well as she displayed some technically refined goaltending. This prevented Larvik from slipping too far away.
But when ex-javelin thrower Katja Nyberg started to land her heavy bombs from the distance in the net - and in Sugar's face at one point - Larvik quickly piled up a decisive lead.
Larvik coach Ole Gustav Gjekstad told Norwegian TV2 that he was especially happy about the size of the victory. He considers Ferencvaros to be Larvik's main rival for first place. And in case of a defeat in Budapest, the goal score could become significant.
Match details:
Larvik: Nyberg 9 (2), Johansen 5, Brödsgaard 4, Duvholt 3, Haarsaker 3 (2), Heieraas 2, Riegelhuth 2, Larsen 1
Ferencvaros: Toth 7, Kocsik 5 (2), Margit(!) Padar 5, Kirsner 2, Mravikova 2, Uhrakova 1.
Suspensions: Larvik 4x2m, FTC 5x2m.
Attendance: 1,500.
Cup Winners' Cup: Copenhagen Lose, Frankfurt Rattled
Prodigy Maida Arslanagic steered Lokomotiva Zagreb to a 26-24 (15-14) conquest of FCK Handball in the third round of the Cup Winners' Cup to give them a small advantage ahead of the return match in Copenhagen on Saturday. Elly an de Boer's 9 goals wasn't enough to change that fact.Frankfurter HC endured a shocking 31-21 (17-12) loss to Silcotub Zalau in Romania. Tichonowitsch (8/4) and Urbanke-Rösicke (6/1) scored the most goals for the Bundesliga leaders, but Zalau's keeper Tereza Tamas proved a tough hurdle with 25 saves. Return match on Friday in Frankfurt.
Byaasen brought out one of Norway's greatest ever players in Trine Haltvik for the first of two meetings in Hungary against Vaci NK. But 6 goals from the the never-aging veteran couldn't stop the Hungarians from running away with a 23-17 (11-10) victory after a strong showing in the second half. Veronika Farkas did the most damage for Vaci with 6 goals.
Anna Ejsmont scored 12 times in total as Ferroubus Mislata waltzed into the fourth round after two victories over Gil Eanes-Lagos from Portugal. The Austrian side Union Korneuburg departed from the Cup after two clear losses to Lutch Moscow.
CL Group D: Prestigio Hammer Lublin
Spanish champions Elda Prestigio banked their first ever points in the Champions League with a highly comfortable 31-20 (15-10) home win against the Polish representatives from Bystrzyca Lublin.
Lublin tried hard to keep up with Elda Prestigio, but lost contact with the Spaniards at 9-7 to the host side. Leading 15-10 at halftime, Prestigio decided the match when they enjoyed a 9-3 run in the middle of the second half, jumping from 19-14 to 28-17.
Oana Soit (7/4) and Beatriz Morales (6) headed the scoring for the Spaniards, while Wolska's modest 4-goal booty was enough to make her Lublin's most proficient shotmaker.
Larvik and Ferencvaros meet Sunday to settle first place in Group D after the two rounds.
Match details:
Elda: Oana Soit 7 (4), Beatriz Morales 6, Diana Box Alonso 5, Susana Fraile 5, Maaike Turnhout 3, Sandra Gisbert 3, Isabel Ortuño 2.
Lublin: Wolska 4, Maljerek 3, Beata 3, Damiecka 3, Silantieva 2, Wlobek 2, Rola 2, Luberecka 1.
Attendance: 1,300.
Lublin tried hard to keep up with Elda Prestigio, but lost contact with the Spaniards at 9-7 to the host side. Leading 15-10 at halftime, Prestigio decided the match when they enjoyed a 9-3 run in the middle of the second half, jumping from 19-14 to 28-17.
Oana Soit (7/4) and Beatriz Morales (6) headed the scoring for the Spaniards, while Wolska's modest 4-goal booty was enough to make her Lublin's most proficient shotmaker.
Larvik and Ferencvaros meet Sunday to settle first place in Group D after the two rounds.
Match details:
Elda: Oana Soit 7 (4), Beatriz Morales 6, Diana Box Alonso 5, Susana Fraile 5, Maaike Turnhout 3, Sandra Gisbert 3, Isabel Ortuño 2.
Lublin: Wolska 4, Maljerek 3, Beata 3, Damiecka 3, Silantieva 2, Wlobek 2, Rola 2, Luberecka 1.
Attendance: 1,300.
CL Group C: Kometal Too Much for Nis
Kometal Gjorche Petrov bounced back from the disappointment in the first round with an assertive 29-23 (15-8) home victory over DIN-Classic from Nis.The Macedonians were quick to wipe away the setback in Maria Enzersdorf as they practically settled the matter in the first half, running up a 7-goal advantage at the interval. With Knezevic (8/2) and Mladenovic (5) leading the goal scoring, the Serbs didn't give up without a fight.
But they couldn't make significant inroads on a much-improved Skopje side in the second half and found themselves behind 24-16 with 8 minutes to go.
The Kometal wings Todorovska (6), and Raykhel (6) put in dominant performances, while keeper Naceva made 10 saves to help the home side to a number of fastbreaks.
The 2002 Champions League winners move into second place in Group C with a better goal score than Hypo NÖ. DIN-Classic are at the bottom, but they had a tough schedule to begin with. Two victories against Hypo and a home conquest of Kometal could still see them through.
Match details
Kometal: Todorovska 9, Raykhel 6, Bujanova 6 (3), Tsygitsa 3, Velkova 2, Radchenko 1, Partenko 1, Markushewska 1.
Nis: Knezevic 8 (2), Mladenovic 5, Zivadinovic 4 (4), Andrusenko 2, Barto 1, Misula 1, Gjuric 1, Kalinichenko 1.
Suspensions: Kometal 3x2m, Nis 1x2m.
Attendance: 3,000.
January 10, 2004
EHF Cup: Nicolas Stunning for Viborg
Valerie Nicolas saved no less than five penalty throws when Viborg HK took apart Slovan Duslo Sala 33-16 (12-8) in Slovakia to virtually guarantee them a spot in the fourth round of the EHF Cup.
The match was tied at 6-6 before Viborg HK started to pull ahead and make the return match a formality. Olga Assink reached the target 7 times as her team's top scorer. But it was Nicolas who stole the limelight in Sala. Right from the start.
According to Viborg's web site, a mistake had happened and Nicolas had been listed with the wrong number - 12 rather than 28 - in the official match report. This caused the match to be stopped after one minute of play. The problem was then solved by taping over the '8' and adding a '1'. No harm done.
Valerie Nicolas, however, maintained in focus as she managed a save percentage around 70 before being replaced by Louise Bager the last 15 minutes. From the 7m line, Nicolas stopped five out of six shots.
Match details:
Slovan Duslo Sala (top three goal scorers): Andrea Salatova 5, Marcela Kutkova 3, Dagmar Stuparicova 3.
Viborg HK: Olga Assink 7, Leila Lejeune 6, Lotte Kiaerskou 4, Ann Grete Nörgaard 3, Rikke Skov 3, Henriette Mikkelsen 2, Charlotte Höjfeldt 2, Saskia Mulder 2, Helga Nemeth 1, Katrine Fruelund 1, Natasja Burgers 1, Berit Kristensen 1.
Suspensions: Slovan Duslo Sala 2x2m, Viborg HK 2x2m.
Attendance: 1,800.
The match was tied at 6-6 before Viborg HK started to pull ahead and make the return match a formality. Olga Assink reached the target 7 times as her team's top scorer. But it was Nicolas who stole the limelight in Sala. Right from the start.
According to Viborg's web site, a mistake had happened and Nicolas had been listed with the wrong number - 12 rather than 28 - in the official match report. This caused the match to be stopped after one minute of play. The problem was then solved by taping over the '8' and adding a '1'. No harm done.
Valerie Nicolas, however, maintained in focus as she managed a save percentage around 70 before being replaced by Louise Bager the last 15 minutes. From the 7m line, Nicolas stopped five out of six shots.
Match details:
Slovan Duslo Sala (top three goal scorers): Andrea Salatova 5, Marcela Kutkova 3, Dagmar Stuparicova 3.
Viborg HK: Olga Assink 7, Leila Lejeune 6, Lotte Kiaerskou 4, Ann Grete Nörgaard 3, Rikke Skov 3, Henriette Mikkelsen 2, Charlotte Höjfeldt 2, Saskia Mulder 2, Helga Nemeth 1, Katrine Fruelund 1, Natasja Burgers 1, Berit Kristensen 1.
Suspensions: Slovan Duslo Sala 2x2m, Viborg HK 2x2m.
Attendance: 1,800.
CL Group B: Krim Upset in Ljubljana
Reigning title holders Krim Eta Malizia suffered a rare and unexpected defeat at home in Slovenia when they lost 24-27 to Ikast/Bording after leading 13-11 at halftime.
Ironically, their last home defeat was also a 24-27 loss - in February 2002 to Montex Lublin in the last group match. That defeat was disastrous as it knocked them out of th
Ironically, their last home defeat was also a 24-27 loss - in February 2002 to Montex Lublin in the last group match. That defeat was disastrous as it knocked them out of th