April 29, 2004
Shocker in Norway: Larvik Lost
After remaining undefeated for 73 consecutive league matches, the imperial Norwegian club side Larvik HK suffered a crumbling defeat at the hands of Tertnes on Thursday.
32-20 (19-10) for the underdogs was the shocking result in the first playoff semifinal. The first defeat for Larvik in league play for more than three years.
Having to make up 12 goals, the reigning champions are on the brink of a sensational elimination.
32-20 (19-10) for the underdogs was the shocking result in the first playoff semifinal. The first defeat for Larvik in league play for more than three years.
Having to make up 12 goals, the reigning champions are on the brink of a sensational elimination.
April 28, 2004
Hungary: Ferencváros Win in Gyõr
Ferencvárosi TC dealt a black eye to Gyõri ETO KC's hopes of winning the national championship on Wednesday. The Budapest side picked up a 29-26 (15-10) victory on enemy territory to hang on to second place in the 6-round playoff between the top four clubs.
Ferencváros now pose the most serious threat to Dunaferr in the race for gold. The long-time rivals square off in the weekend.
1. Dunaferr 8p (4839)
2. FTC 6p (6850)
3. Gyõr 3p (4353)
4. Vác 1p (4663)
Ferencváros now pose the most serious threat to Dunaferr in the race for gold. The long-time rivals square off in the weekend.
1. Dunaferr 8p (4839)
2. FTC 6p (6850)
3. Gyõr 3p (4353)
4. Vác 1p (4663)
Slagelse Stays Put
Slagelse has decided to play the final against Krim Ljubljana in the same arena as their previous Champions League matches. In Bröndby-hallen west of Copenhagen.
A switch to the national arena, Parken, in central Copenhagen was also under brief consideration. But the club management felt that the deadline was too short to make the proper arrangements, instead preferring to stay in the well-known surroundings in Bröndby for the match on Saturday, May 15.
Slagelse's home city arena of Antvorskovhallen is much too small to cater to the ticket demand for international matches.
A switch to the national arena, Parken, in central Copenhagen was also under brief consideration. But the club management felt that the deadline was too short to make the proper arrangements, instead preferring to stay in the well-known surroundings in Bröndby for the match on Saturday, May 15.
Slagelse's home city arena of Antvorskovhallen is much too small to cater to the ticket demand for international matches.
Norway: Nordstrand Can Smell Final
With a 27-21 (11-10) away win over Byaasen, Nordstrand virtually guaranteed themselves a place in the final of the Norwegian Championship.
Captain Monica Sandve scored 7 times for the visitors, while goal-getter Göril Snorroeggen plotted in 9 pins for Byaasen. With home advantage in the second leg in Oslo, a lot will need to go wrong for Nordstrand if they are to fall short of progression.
Larvik go up against Tertnes in the other semifinal tomorrow. Another Larvik-Nordstrand show-down is clearly in the making.
Captain Monica Sandve scored 7 times for the visitors, while goal-getter Göril Snorroeggen plotted in 9 pins for Byaasen. With home advantage in the second leg in Oslo, a lot will need to go wrong for Nordstrand if they are to fall short of progression.
Larvik go up against Tertnes in the other semifinal tomorrow. Another Larvik-Nordstrand show-down is clearly in the making.
April 27, 2004
Euro Draws: Krim Finish at Home
Krim Ljubljana got the draw they were looking for when Slagelse's name popped up first in today's draw in Vienna. This is the fourth time the Slovenians make the final, and the fourth time they finish at home. The record is 2-1 for Krim - the only defeat coming at the hands of Dunaferr in 1999.
Since the 1993/1994 season, the club finishing at home has won 6 of 10 Champions League finals. Not significant statistically, but the psychological advantage is very often with the away team who can approach the first match with everything to gain, while the home team feels the pressure to perform convincingly in the first outing.
Slagelse's president, Bjarne Stenbäk, didn't conceal his disappointment.
"We would clearly have preferred to play at home in the last match. Finishing at home has always proved to increase the chance of winning. Now it's a greater challenge, but that's okay. We like challenges in Slagelse," Stenbäk tells DR.
Slagelse's Danish rivals from Ikast and Viborg were more fortunate - both of their return matches take place in Denmark.
Champions League:
Slagelse FH - Krim Ljubljana
EHF Cup:
Gyõri Graboplast ETO KC - Viborg HK
Cup Winner's Cup:
Hypo NÖ - Ikast-Bording EH
Challenge Cup:
1. FC Nürnberg - Universitatea Remin Deva
All matches scheduled for May 15/16 and May 22/23.
Since the 1993/1994 season, the club finishing at home has won 6 of 10 Champions League finals. Not significant statistically, but the psychological advantage is very often with the away team who can approach the first match with everything to gain, while the home team feels the pressure to perform convincingly in the first outing.
Slagelse's president, Bjarne Stenbäk, didn't conceal his disappointment.
"We would clearly have preferred to play at home in the last match. Finishing at home has always proved to increase the chance of winning. Now it's a greater challenge, but that's okay. We like challenges in Slagelse," Stenbäk tells DR.
Slagelse's Danish rivals from Ikast and Viborg were more fortunate - both of their return matches take place in Denmark.
Champions League:
Slagelse FH - Krim Ljubljana
EHF Cup:
Gyõri Graboplast ETO KC - Viborg HK
Cup Winner's Cup:
Hypo NÖ - Ikast-Bording EH
Challenge Cup:
1. FC Nürnberg - Universitatea Remin Deva
All matches scheduled for May 15/16 and May 22/23.
Hypo's Hungarian Adventure Ends
The Hungarian Handball Federation has decided to end Hypo NÖ's vacation in the Hungarian league after one year of this unusual and at times controversial experiment.
The decision went against the request for a renewed stay by Hypo boss Gunnar Prokop. The Federation explains that they wanted to make room for another domestic team in the top league, but said that the "cooperation had proved to be useful and fruitful".
The coaches of the 11 clubs in this year's league voted an overwhelming 10-1 against Hypo returning next season. Ferencváros coach András Nemeth pointed to Hypo's at times disappointing performances as one of the reasons, but he didn't want to cut the ties to the Austrians entirely.
"I think the idea of keeping Hypo in our surroundings, say, in our cup system, is great. Moreover, I would even enlarge the bounds and let other Central European teams join. Krim Ljubljana for instance. In my view, this international opening is the right way for development in the future," Nemeth tells Nemzeti Sport.
Hypo NÖ have reached the Cup Winner's Cup final and are destroying the opposition in the Austrian Championship playoffs at the moment. With a rapidly improving team, Gunnar Prokop hit an upbeat note despite the rejection.
"Our matches in Hungary were followed by ten thousand spectators. This number speaks for itself. But the work of the referees was not always fortunate. And Hypo also committed faults that taught us a lesson. This meant that the problems disappeared at the end of the season.
We accept the decision, and at the same time we put forward a proposal that will make the former Danube Cup serve as a model for a tournament with four Hungarian teams and Hypo," Prokop states to Nemzeti Sport.
The decision went against the request for a renewed stay by Hypo boss Gunnar Prokop. The Federation explains that they wanted to make room for another domestic team in the top league, but said that the "cooperation had proved to be useful and fruitful".
The coaches of the 11 clubs in this year's league voted an overwhelming 10-1 against Hypo returning next season. Ferencváros coach András Nemeth pointed to Hypo's at times disappointing performances as one of the reasons, but he didn't want to cut the ties to the Austrians entirely.
"I think the idea of keeping Hypo in our surroundings, say, in our cup system, is great. Moreover, I would even enlarge the bounds and let other Central European teams join. Krim Ljubljana for instance. In my view, this international opening is the right way for development in the future," Nemeth tells Nemzeti Sport.
Hypo NÖ have reached the Cup Winner's Cup final and are destroying the opposition in the Austrian Championship playoffs at the moment. With a rapidly improving team, Gunnar Prokop hit an upbeat note despite the rejection.
"Our matches in Hungary were followed by ten thousand spectators. This number speaks for itself. But the work of the referees was not always fortunate. And Hypo also committed faults that taught us a lesson. This meant that the problems disappeared at the end of the season.
We accept the decision, and at the same time we put forward a proposal that will make the former Danube Cup serve as a model for a tournament with four Hungarian teams and Hypo," Prokop states to Nemzeti Sport.
April 26, 2004
Frankfurt Almost There, Leipzig Fall Further
Only a calamity can prevent Frankfurter HC from capturing the German Championship. Dietmar Rösicke's team denied DJK/MJC Trier 31-29 (12-12) on their home court on Sunday to practically guarantee the Bundesliga title.
Only a bureaucratic victory for Nürnberg, who have been deducted four points for irregularities, can reopen the race for gold. With that in mind, Frankfurt chose to postpone the celebrations for the Final Four of the cup tournament.
Second-ranked HC Leipzig were totally embarrassed by Bayer Leverkusen, losing 33-20 (17-9) in yet another disappointment. Despite the 4-point deduction, Nürnberg could easily grab silver ahead of Leipzig as the two clubs meet in the last round.
Only a bureaucratic victory for Nürnberg, who have been deducted four points for irregularities, can reopen the race for gold. With that in mind, Frankfurt chose to postpone the celebrations for the Final Four of the cup tournament.
Second-ranked HC Leipzig were totally embarrassed by Bayer Leverkusen, losing 33-20 (17-9) in yet another disappointment. Despite the 4-point deduction, Nürnberg could easily grab silver ahead of Leipzig as the two clubs meet in the last round.
Camilla Reacts
One of the critical moments of yesterday's Champions League semifinal occurred after 6 minutes when Camilla Andersen received the ball in a fastbreak and bumped into Bojana Radulovics who had lined up to block her - in the attempt to provoke an offensive foul.Camilla's take on the event which led to the injury of the Hungarian World Championship top scorer:
"I didn't have time too see what was happening. But all of the sudden we were both on the floor, and it was surprising that she was the one who was hurt the most," she explains to B.T.
"We had so much energy. And apparently we were going to use it all up as fast as possible. Several times I had to ask the players to go down a gear. But naturally it was a different match without Radulovics. Just as if Petrovic had sustained an injury in our team," the captain adds before offering her opinion on the upcoming battle against Krim.
"I definitely regard Dunaferr as a better team than Krim, but Krim will be the favourites in the final. In contrast to many of us, Krim have been in a Champions League final many times. They have the routine - but we will be hungrier."
Anja: "My Greatest Triumph"
The Slagelse squad was understandably ecstatic after booking a place in the Champions League final. But none went further than coach Anja Andersen in the assessment of the win over Dunaferr.
"This is without comparison my greatest triumph - and I'm not only thinking about my time as a coach. It's truly the greatest because I have never won the Champions League. As a player I was always obsessed with winning it, and that's why it's something extra special," Anja Andersen tells B.T.
"By now, the Champions League has reached a level that is higher than in national team championships. There are so many really good teams. In my view, it's the biggest thing you can win as a handballer," Anja Andersens is quoted as saying by Jyllands-Posten.
She adds that her entire focus will now be on the final against Krim - despite the Danish Championship finals against Viborg. They will serve as testing ground for the Krim matches, she confides to B.T.
"This is not meant to be condescending toward Viborg who are an excellent opponent. But we have made the Champions League top priority all season, so the domestic final will have to be overshadowed."
Anja Andersen says she is proud of the performance from the entire team.
"Take a Camilla, a Petrovic, a Cano, a Mitrovic - yes, I could keep praising them all. This was without question our best match this year. We have been training to peak at this time, so we couldn't have nailed it much better than this.
I know that Radulovics was injured, but even without her they are strong. From a tactical perspective, everyone solved their task. We shut off the wings, and Mette (Melgaard) guarded Kindl perfectly. And, of course, Rikke had a fantastic match.
The defensive work was extremely good. Who could imagine that we could keep them down to 9 goals in the first half. But right now I'm just so touched and pleased. It's been a very long week of only waiting for this match. It's no wonder that we are all exhausted," the Slagelse coach concludes.
"This is without comparison my greatest triumph - and I'm not only thinking about my time as a coach. It's truly the greatest because I have never won the Champions League. As a player I was always obsessed with winning it, and that's why it's something extra special," Anja Andersen tells B.T.
"By now, the Champions League has reached a level that is higher than in national team championships. There are so many really good teams. In my view, it's the biggest thing you can win as a handballer," Anja Andersens is quoted as saying by Jyllands-Posten.
She adds that her entire focus will now be on the final against Krim - despite the Danish Championship finals against Viborg. They will serve as testing ground for the Krim matches, she confides to B.T.
"This is not meant to be condescending toward Viborg who are an excellent opponent. But we have made the Champions League top priority all season, so the domestic final will have to be overshadowed."
Anja Andersen says she is proud of the performance from the entire team.
"Take a Camilla, a Petrovic, a Cano, a Mitrovic - yes, I could keep praising them all. This was without question our best match this year. We have been training to peak at this time, so we couldn't have nailed it much better than this.
I know that Radulovics was injured, but even without her they are strong. From a tactical perspective, everyone solved their task. We shut off the wings, and Mette (Melgaard) guarded Kindl perfectly. And, of course, Rikke had a fantastic match.
The defensive work was extremely good. Who could imagine that we could keep them down to 9 goals in the first half. But right now I'm just so touched and pleased. It's been a very long week of only waiting for this match. It's no wonder that we are all exhausted," the Slagelse coach concludes.
April 25, 2004
Champions League: Slagelse vs. Krim in Final
Slagelse reached the Champions League final in the club's first season in the finest European tournament. Anja Andersen's side rebounded from the 5-goal loss in Hungary and scored an overwhelming 32-22 (15-9) victory in Bröndby-hallen to go through 61-56 on aggregate.
A fiery Slagelse side rushed to a 5-1 lead as Dunaferr had trouble finding their ground. The fortunes of Szilárd Kiss' team went from bad to worse when its top scorer Bojana Radulovics tweaked her vulnerable right knee after a fastbreak collision with Camilla Andersen.
The incident happened after barely 6 minutes of play. With their star right back out of the game and forced to reorganize an already struggling attack, the Dunaferr players were visibly shaken.
With pivot Maja Mitrovic in stellar form, and Ausra Fridrikas a menacing force, Slagelse went ahead 9-3. But as the Slagelse attack began to falter around the half-way mark of the first 30 minutes, Dunaferr's Zsuzsanna Lovász resisted well from her right wing position.
This allowed the visitors to pull back to within two goals, 9-7. Anja Andersen took a time-out to reshuffle her deck. Camilla Andersen was redirected to left wing - and she responded fittingly with three quick goals that put the initiative back on Slagelse hands.
Dunaferr's attack was in disarray. Left back Gabriella Kindl made a host of errors, and when she did get a shot through, the formidable Rikke Schmidt (picture) had an easy time blocking it. Anita Bulath and Krisztina Pigniczki also had great difficulty doing any damage to the Slagelse defense, while playmaker Bernadett Ferling failed to take charge of a team in crisis.
Dunaferr keeper Katalin Pálinger did take care of a penalty from Bojana Petrovic, but couldn't produce enough saves to stop Slagelse from pulling further ahead. With a 15-9 advantage for the home team at half-time, Dunaferr faced a stiff test in the second half which they needed to win by two goals.
They did got one back to make it 15-10, but from then on there was no discussion about the outcome. Slagelse expanded to 19-11, and when Stephanie Cano made it 23-12 after 42 minutes, the issue was fully settled.
Slagelse would reach an advantage of 12 goals, at 29-17, with ten minutes to go before the match began to turn a bit messy. Pigniczki were given marching orders after her third suspension, while Kindl was red-carded for a challenge on Freser.
In the first half, Slagelse's Anne Loft had also earnt a direct disqualification for a hard push in the back of Bulath. But the more serious culprit was Mette Melgaard who planted a hand in the face of the Hungarian.
Apparently struggling to communicate in an arena full of foghorns, the French referees clearly did not have one of their best days.
Slagelse FH - Dunaferr SE 32-22 (15-9)
Slagelse: Camilla Andersen 8 (2), Ausra Fridrikas 6, Maja Mitrovic 6, Bojana Petrovic 6 (1), Stephanie Cano 3, Mette Melgaard 2. Anja Freser 1.
Dunaferr: Bernadett Ferling 4, Ivett Nagy 4, Beata Bohus 4, Zsuzsanna Lovász 3, Krisztina Pigniczki 2, Gabriella Kindl 2, Anita Bulath 1, Anita Kulcsár 1, Zsuzsanna Pálffy 1.
7-meters: 3/5, 0/2.
Suspensions: 5x2m, 6x2m.
Disqualifications: Anne Loft, Slagelse. Gabriella Kindl and Krisztina Pigniczki, Dunaferr.
Development: 4-1, 6-3, 9-5, 12-7, 13-8, 15-9 (HT), 17-10, 19-11, 24-15, 29-17, 30-21, 32-22 (FT)
Attendance: 4,850 in Bröndby.
A fiery Slagelse side rushed to a 5-1 lead as Dunaferr had trouble finding their ground. The fortunes of Szilárd Kiss' team went from bad to worse when its top scorer Bojana Radulovics tweaked her vulnerable right knee after a fastbreak collision with Camilla Andersen.
The incident happened after barely 6 minutes of play. With their star right back out of the game and forced to reorganize an already struggling attack, the Dunaferr players were visibly shaken.
With pivot Maja Mitrovic in stellar form, and Ausra Fridrikas a menacing force, Slagelse went ahead 9-3. But as the Slagelse attack began to falter around the half-way mark of the first 30 minutes, Dunaferr's Zsuzsanna Lovász resisted well from her right wing position.
This allowed the visitors to pull back to within two goals, 9-7. Anja Andersen took a time-out to reshuffle her deck. Camilla Andersen was redirected to left wing - and she responded fittingly with three quick goals that put the initiative back on Slagelse hands.
Dunaferr's attack was in disarray. Left back Gabriella Kindl made a host of errors, and when she did get a shot through, the formidable Rikke Schmidt (picture) had an easy time blocking it. Anita Bulath and Krisztina Pigniczki also had great difficulty doing any damage to the Slagelse defense, while playmaker Bernadett Ferling failed to take charge of a team in crisis.
Dunaferr keeper Katalin Pálinger did take care of a penalty from Bojana Petrovic, but couldn't produce enough saves to stop Slagelse from pulling further ahead. With a 15-9 advantage for the home team at half-time, Dunaferr faced a stiff test in the second half which they needed to win by two goals.
They did got one back to make it 15-10, but from then on there was no discussion about the outcome. Slagelse expanded to 19-11, and when Stephanie Cano made it 23-12 after 42 minutes, the issue was fully settled.
Slagelse would reach an advantage of 12 goals, at 29-17, with ten minutes to go before the match began to turn a bit messy. Pigniczki were given marching orders after her third suspension, while Kindl was red-carded for a challenge on Freser.
In the first half, Slagelse's Anne Loft had also earnt a direct disqualification for a hard push in the back of Bulath. But the more serious culprit was Mette Melgaard who planted a hand in the face of the Hungarian.
Apparently struggling to communicate in an arena full of foghorns, the French referees clearly did not have one of their best days.
Slagelse FH - Dunaferr SE 32-22 (15-9)
Slagelse: Camilla Andersen 8 (2), Ausra Fridrikas 6, Maja Mitrovic 6, Bojana Petrovic 6 (1), Stephanie Cano 3, Mette Melgaard 2. Anja Freser 1.
Dunaferr: Bernadett Ferling 4, Ivett Nagy 4, Beata Bohus 4, Zsuzsanna Lovász 3, Krisztina Pigniczki 2, Gabriella Kindl 2, Anita Bulath 1, Anita Kulcsár 1, Zsuzsanna Pálffy 1.
7-meters: 3/5, 0/2.
Suspensions: 5x2m, 6x2m.
Disqualifications: Anne Loft, Slagelse. Gabriella Kindl and Krisztina Pigniczki, Dunaferr.
Development: 4-1, 6-3, 9-5, 12-7, 13-8, 15-9 (HT), 17-10, 19-11, 24-15, 29-17, 30-21, 32-22 (FT)
Attendance: 4,850 in Bröndby.
Kiärskou: Season Over
Viborg playmaker Lotte Kiärskou will not be be able to take part in Danish Championship and EHF Cup finals. After an unfortunate fall in the first half against Nordstrand, she broke her left hand and is out for at least a month.
April 24, 2004
Challenge Cup: Romanian-German Final
Return leg results:
IBV Vestmannaeyjar - 1. FC Nürnberg 25-36 (12-19)
Nürnberg through 74-47 on agg.
MKS Vitaral Jelfa Jelenia Gora - Universitatea Remin Deva 31-23 (15-11)
Remin Deva through 64-58 on agg.
IBV Vestmannaeyjar - 1. FC Nürnberg 25-36 (12-19)
Nürnberg through 74-47 on agg.
MKS Vitaral Jelfa Jelenia Gora - Universitatea Remin Deva 31-23 (15-11)
Remin Deva through 64-58 on agg.
EHF Cup: Viborg Walk Over Nordstrand
Viborg HK lived up to their status as favourites by ending Nordstrand's impressive EHF Cup campaign on Saturday night. Viborg replied to the one-goal defeat in Oslo with an undisputed 31-24 (15-8) victory in their home arena, seeing them through 56-50 in total.
Viborg HK - Nordstrand 31-24 (15-8)
Viborg: Henriette Mikkelsen 7, Katrine Fruelund 7, Olga Assink 6, Saskia Mulder 4, Leila Lejeune 3, Berit Kristensen 2, Rikke Skov 1, Lotte Kiärskou 1.
Nordstrand: Linn Rosenlund 6, Iva Zamorska 5, Unni N. Hinkel 3, Randi Gustad 3, Monica Sandve 3, Camilla Tyldum 2, Teresa Sörensen 1, Kari Anne Solfjeld 1.
Suspensions: 3x2m, 3x2m.
Attendance: 2,000.
Viborg HK - Nordstrand 31-24 (15-8)
Viborg: Henriette Mikkelsen 7, Katrine Fruelund 7, Olga Assink 6, Saskia Mulder 4, Leila Lejeune 3, Berit Kristensen 2, Rikke Skov 1, Lotte Kiärskou 1.
Nordstrand: Linn Rosenlund 6, Iva Zamorska 5, Unni N. Hinkel 3, Randi Gustad 3, Monica Sandve 3, Camilla Tyldum 2, Teresa Sörensen 1, Kari Anne Solfjeld 1.
Suspensions: 3x2m, 3x2m.
Attendance: 2,000.
CL: Krim Do It Again
Krim Ljubljana qualified for their fourth Champions League final in six years with a resounding 27-19 (14-9) victory over the Norwegian champions from Larvik HK. The Slovenians make it to the endgame of the finest European tournament with a shattering 60-49 conquest on aggregate.
"Today they were much better than us. I'm disappointed we didn't perform better. On court we had a bunch of nervous players," Larvik coach Ole Gustav Gjekstad told the Norwegian news agency, NTB.
"This is what happens when we can't have all our best players with us. But at the same time we must be pleased that we are among the best four teams in the world. That's not too bad," Gjekstad continued.
Krim Eta Malizia Ljubljana - Larvik HK 27-19 (14-9)
Krim: Rugile Kliukaite 5, Tanja Oder 5, Nataliya Derepasko 5 (3), Liudmila Bodnieva 4, Maryna Vergelyuk 2, Olena Yatsenko 2, Tatjana Logvin 2, Deja Doler 1, Olga Ceckova 1.
Larvik: Inger Sofie Heieraas 5, Katja Nyberg 5 (1), Kari Mette Johansen 4, Vigdis Haarsaker 3 (1), Sara Breistöl 1, Tine Kristiansen 1.
7-meters: 3/5, 2/3.
Suspensions: 2x2m, 1x2m.
Development: 0-2, 3-2, 5-3, 6-5, 10-6, 12-7, 14-9 (HT), 15-10, 16-12, 20-15, 23-17, 25-18, 27-19 (FT).
Attendance: 2,500 in Ljubljana.
"Today they were much better than us. I'm disappointed we didn't perform better. On court we had a bunch of nervous players," Larvik coach Ole Gustav Gjekstad told the Norwegian news agency, NTB.
"This is what happens when we can't have all our best players with us. But at the same time we must be pleased that we are among the best four teams in the world. That's not too bad," Gjekstad continued.
Krim Eta Malizia Ljubljana - Larvik HK 27-19 (14-9)
Krim: Rugile Kliukaite 5, Tanja Oder 5, Nataliya Derepasko 5 (3), Liudmila Bodnieva 4, Maryna Vergelyuk 2, Olena Yatsenko 2, Tatjana Logvin 2, Deja Doler 1, Olga Ceckova 1.
Larvik: Inger Sofie Heieraas 5, Katja Nyberg 5 (1), Kari Mette Johansen 4, Vigdis Haarsaker 3 (1), Sara Breistöl 1, Tine Kristiansen 1.
7-meters: 3/5, 2/3.
Suspensions: 2x2m, 1x2m.
Development: 0-2, 3-2, 5-3, 6-5, 10-6, 12-7, 14-9 (HT), 15-10, 16-12, 20-15, 23-17, 25-18, 27-19 (FT).
Attendance: 2,500 in Ljubljana.
CWC: Ikast Quash Metz
Ikast-Bording EH booked a date in the Cup Winner's Cup final by comfortably upending Metz Metropole 34-25 (16-10) in the return leg at home. Having lost 21-23 in Metz, Ikast make it through 55-48 on aggregate.
A driven Ikast side was fast out of the starting blocks, and the French league leaders found themselves down 4-1 in no time. The home team never looked back from that point.
Karin Mortensen and the Ikast defense were well in place and Metz were hard pressed to find any room. Tatjana Medved and Melinda Jaques Szabo almost took turns missing, allowing Ikast to counter-attack.
The fastbreak goals read 6-0 in Ikast's favour after the first half, matching precisely the home side's lead of 16-10. Ikast expanded further in the second half before Metz briefly pulled back to 19-14 - largely thanks to left back Sonia Cendier who was by far the most dangerous player in the French team.
But the excitement came to a swift end as Ikast continued the fastbreak spectacle. At 28-17 after 49 minutes of play, there was no doubt about the outcome.
Narcisa Paunica repeated her excellent play from the first match in France, but it was left wing Line Daugaard (picture) who stole the show with 9 goals and an almost perfect efficiency. Perhaps her best display all season.
Tatjana Medved clearly continues to struggle with her fitness and left a negative impression with overly rough play.
Ikast-Bording EH - Metz Metropole 34-25 (16-10)
Ikast: Line Daugaard 9, Narcisa Paunica 8, Josephine Touray 6, Sanja Jovovic 2, Bettina Andersen 2, Trine Jensen 2, Gro Hammerseng 1, Isabel Blanco 1, Ana Batinic 1, Sara Hansen 1, Tonje Kjärgaard 1.
Metz: Sonia Cendier 9, Melinda Szabo 5, Tatjana Medved 5, Isabelle Wending 3, Nina Kanto 2, Stephanie Lannes 1.
Suspensions: 5x2m, 7x2m.
Disq.: Tatjana Medved, Metz.
Attendance: 1,620.
A driven Ikast side was fast out of the starting blocks, and the French league leaders found themselves down 4-1 in no time. The home team never looked back from that point.
Karin Mortensen and the Ikast defense were well in place and Metz were hard pressed to find any room. Tatjana Medved and Melinda Jaques Szabo almost took turns missing, allowing Ikast to counter-attack.
The fastbreak goals read 6-0 in Ikast's favour after the first half, matching precisely the home side's lead of 16-10. Ikast expanded further in the second half before Metz briefly pulled back to 19-14 - largely thanks to left back Sonia Cendier who was by far the most dangerous player in the French team.
But the excitement came to a swift end as Ikast continued the fastbreak spectacle. At 28-17 after 49 minutes of play, there was no doubt about the outcome.
Narcisa Paunica repeated her excellent play from the first match in France, but it was left wing Line Daugaard (picture) who stole the show with 9 goals and an almost perfect efficiency. Perhaps her best display all season.
Tatjana Medved clearly continues to struggle with her fitness and left a negative impression with overly rough play.
Ikast-Bording EH - Metz Metropole 34-25 (16-10)
Ikast: Line Daugaard 9, Narcisa Paunica 8, Josephine Touray 6, Sanja Jovovic 2, Bettina Andersen 2, Trine Jensen 2, Gro Hammerseng 1, Isabel Blanco 1, Ana Batinic 1, Sara Hansen 1, Tonje Kjärgaard 1.
Metz: Sonia Cendier 9, Melinda Szabo 5, Tatjana Medved 5, Isabelle Wending 3, Nina Kanto 2, Stephanie Lannes 1.
Suspensions: 5x2m, 7x2m.
Disq.: Tatjana Medved, Metz.
Attendance: 1,620.
EHF Cup: Gyõr First Finalist
With a sturdy 9-goal buffer from the first leg, Gyõri ETO KC could afford to lose 29-26 (13-9) to Vaag Vipers in Kristiansand and still reach the final of the EHF Cup.
The Vipers had a strong begin to the match and were ahead by 5 goals, 9-4, after 20 minutes. But they were never able to take off. And so ends the season for Kristine Lunde and Co. who were also knocked out of the Norwegian championship this week.
Vaag Vipers - Gyõri Graboplast ETO KC 29-26 (13-9)
Vipers: Kvifte 7 (4), Birkeland 6, Asbjörnsen 4, Uglestad 3, Berge 3, Kr. Lunde 3 (2), Bang Grimestad 2, Gundersen 1.
Gyõr: Mehlmann 6, Görbicz 6 (3), Vérten 5, Borbás 3, Mörtel 2, Bodi 2, Jókai 1, Kovacicová 1.
7-meters: 6/7, 3/5.
Suspensions: 0x2m, 4x2m.
Attendance: 800.
The Vipers had a strong begin to the match and were ahead by 5 goals, 9-4, after 20 minutes. But they were never able to take off. And so ends the season for Kristine Lunde and Co. who were also knocked out of the Norwegian championship this week.
Vaag Vipers - Gyõri Graboplast ETO KC 29-26 (13-9)
Vipers: Kvifte 7 (4), Birkeland 6, Asbjörnsen 4, Uglestad 3, Berge 3, Kr. Lunde 3 (2), Bang Grimestad 2, Gundersen 1.
Gyõr: Mehlmann 6, Görbicz 6 (3), Vérten 5, Borbás 3, Mörtel 2, Bodi 2, Jókai 1, Kovacicová 1.
7-meters: 6/7, 3/5.
Suspensions: 0x2m, 4x2m.
Attendance: 800.
Celje Champions
Congratulations to Celje Pivovarno Lasko for winning the men's Champions League. Another great achievement for Slovenian handball in recent years.
It will be interesting to see if Krim Ljubljana can follow suit and make it a double in more ways than one.
It will be interesting to see if Krim Ljubljana can follow suit and make it a double in more ways than one.
Romanian Keeper to Randers
Le Havre Athletic Club's Romanian keeper Ionica Munteanu is teaming up with Randers HK from next season, Gazeta Sporturilor reports.
The 25-year-old Romanian is regarded as one the best goalkeepers in the French league, and this season she has racked up an impressive save percentage of 49.4 according to the stat-savvy Handzone, the highest of anyone in the division.
The 25-year-old Romanian is regarded as one the best goalkeepers in the French league, and this season she has racked up an impressive save percentage of 49.4 according to the stat-savvy Handzone, the highest of anyone in the division.
April 23, 2004
CWC: Hypo Butcher FCK
Austrian powerhouse Hypo NÖ reached their thirteenth European final after demolishing FCK Handball 39-24 (20-12) on Friday in Südstadt.
Hypo also won the first encounter in Copenhagen - 29-27. In the endgame of the Cup Winner's Cup, they will face either Metz or Ikast.
Hypo coach Yuri Klimov is now undefeated in 16 matches since taking over from Martin Matuschkowitz. An impressive streak by the former Olympic gold medalist.
Hypo NÖ - FCK Handball 39-24 (20-12)
Hypo: Bilobrk 12 (7), Dronic 7 (2), Nascimento 4, Rotis 3, Spiridon 3, Engel 3, Shynkarenko 3, Piedade 2, Dora Löwy 1, Budecevic 1.
FCK: Vestergaard 5, de Boer 5 (4), Boson 4, Siti 3, Melanie Nielsen 3, Thomsen 2, Tobiasen 1, Steffensen 1.
Suspensions: 5x2m, 1x2m.
Disqualification: Spiridon, Hypo.
Attendance: 800.
Hypo also won the first encounter in Copenhagen - 29-27. In the endgame of the Cup Winner's Cup, they will face either Metz or Ikast.
Hypo coach Yuri Klimov is now undefeated in 16 matches since taking over from Martin Matuschkowitz. An impressive streak by the former Olympic gold medalist.
Hypo NÖ - FCK Handball 39-24 (20-12)
Hypo: Bilobrk 12 (7), Dronic 7 (2), Nascimento 4, Rotis 3, Spiridon 3, Engel 3, Shynkarenko 3, Piedade 2, Dora Löwy 1, Budecevic 1.
FCK: Vestergaard 5, de Boer 5 (4), Boson 4, Siti 3, Melanie Nielsen 3, Thomsen 2, Tobiasen 1, Steffensen 1.
Suspensions: 5x2m, 1x2m.
Disqualification: Spiridon, Hypo.
Attendance: 800.
European Weekend Schedule
Champions League:
Krim Eta Malizia Ljubljana- Larvik HK (Sat 18:15, time recorrected, TV2 NOR did a "false live", a national specialty)
Slagelse FH - Dunaferr SE (Sun 16:15)
Predictions:
Krim by 3
Slagelse by 2
EHF Cup:
Vaag Vipers - Gyõri Graboplast (Sat 16:15)
Viborg HK - Nordstrand (Sat 20:00)
Predictions:
Gyõr by 3
Viborg by 4
Cup Winner's Cup:
FCK Handball - Hypo NÖ (Fri 18:30)
Ikast-Bording EH - Metropole Metz (Sat 16:15)
Predictions:
Hypo by 2
Draw
Challenge Cup:
IBV Vestmannaeyjar - 1. FC Nürnberg (Sat 16:15)
MKS Vitaral Jelfa Jelenia Gora - Universitatea Remin Deva (Sat 16:00)
Predictions:
Nürnberg by 4
Jelenia Gora by 3
Krim Eta Malizia Ljubljana- Larvik HK (Sat 18:15, time recorrected, TV2 NOR did a "false live", a national specialty)
Slagelse FH - Dunaferr SE (Sun 16:15)
Predictions:
Krim by 3
Slagelse by 2
EHF Cup:
Vaag Vipers - Gyõri Graboplast (Sat 16:15)
Viborg HK - Nordstrand (Sat 20:00)
Predictions:
Gyõr by 3
Viborg by 4
Cup Winner's Cup:
FCK Handball - Hypo NÖ (Fri 18:30)
Ikast-Bording EH - Metropole Metz (Sat 16:15)
Predictions:
Hypo by 2
Draw
Challenge Cup:
IBV Vestmannaeyjar - 1. FC Nürnberg (Sat 16:15)
MKS Vitaral Jelfa Jelenia Gora - Universitatea Remin Deva (Sat 16:00)
Predictions:
Nürnberg by 4
Jelenia Gora by 3
April 22, 2004
Burgers' Career in Shatters
One of the top stars in the Danish league, and one of the best handball players to come out of Holland may be on the brink of retirement. Viborg HK's right back Natasja Burgers received a damning message from doctors examing her knee.
"They told me that the best thing for me was to stop playing handball," Burgers states to TV 2.
The 28-year-old has not made a final decision to retire, but wants a second medical opinion before ending her career. It's unknown if she will be able to play in the Danish Championship final against Slagelse and in the EHF Cup.
Heralded for her fast and technically refined play, the Dutch crowd pleaser was picked as the best right back of the 2003/2004 season by the domestic league coaches. She was expected to leave Viborg after this season in favour of another Danish club.
"They told me that the best thing for me was to stop playing handball," Burgers states to TV 2.
The 28-year-old has not made a final decision to retire, but wants a second medical opinion before ending her career. It's unknown if she will be able to play in the Danish Championship final against Slagelse and in the EHF Cup.
Heralded for her fast and technically refined play, the Dutch crowd pleaser was picked as the best right back of the 2003/2004 season by the domestic league coaches. She was expected to leave Viborg after this season in favour of another Danish club.
Hypo Eyeing Yakova
IBV Vestmannaeyjar may be about to lose its Ukrainian-born right back Anna Yakova to Hypo NÖ. Representatives of the Austrian club took a good look at the left-hander when the Icelandic champions faced off with Nürnberg in the Challenge Cup this weekend.After the match, in which Yakova scored 10 goals, the club representatives held talks with her. This may be a wise move as the 24-year-old is also sought after by Kometal Skopje. And if that wasn't enough, Krim Ljubljana is also said to have considered her as an option to alleviate their problems on the right back position.
Yakova arrived on Iceland for the 2002/2003 season. In the last two seasons with her former club Galytchanka Lviv, she was the top scorer in the Ukrainian league. She holds a dual Ukrainian/Icelandic citizenship and is still under contract with Vestmannaeyjar for next season.
April 21, 2004
Norway: Vipers Wiped Out
Vaag Vipers crashed out of the Norwegian Championship playoffs on Wednesday. The EHF Cup semifinalists, sporting World Handballer nominee Kristine Lunde in their ranks, were taken out by Byaasen over two matches.
The Vipers only won the return match in Kristiansand a slim 23-22 (14-11) and go out 47-50 on aggregate. Byaasen's prodigy Göril Snorroeggen scored seven times for the visiting Trondheim side.
Byaasen had called up right wing Ann Cathrin Eriksen, a retired national team player, to close an acute gap in the squad. With Trine Haltvik also plying her trade, the average age of the Byaasen side wasn't as low as usual.
After some slight difficulties in the first match, Larvik thrashed Gjerpen in the return leg. With 20-6 in the first half it was perhaps evident that Larvik took their frustation from the depressing Krim encounter out on the poor Gjerpen side. Vigdis Haarsaker scored an outstanding 17 goals, 8 of them on penalties, in the easy 41-21 victory.
Nordstrand surprisingly drew Selby in the first leg, but left no doubt in Oslo as they won 29-19 (18-4). Tragic half-time score. Tertnes were already through after getting past Sola in the weekend.
Semifinal match-ups (April 28 and May 2):
Tertnes - Larvik HK
Byaasen - Nordstrand
The Vipers only won the return match in Kristiansand a slim 23-22 (14-11) and go out 47-50 on aggregate. Byaasen's prodigy Göril Snorroeggen scored seven times for the visiting Trondheim side.
Byaasen had called up right wing Ann Cathrin Eriksen, a retired national team player, to close an acute gap in the squad. With Trine Haltvik also plying her trade, the average age of the Byaasen side wasn't as low as usual.
After some slight difficulties in the first match, Larvik thrashed Gjerpen in the return leg. With 20-6 in the first half it was perhaps evident that Larvik took their frustation from the depressing Krim encounter out on the poor Gjerpen side. Vigdis Haarsaker scored an outstanding 17 goals, 8 of them on penalties, in the easy 41-21 victory.
Nordstrand surprisingly drew Selby in the first leg, but left no doubt in Oslo as they won 29-19 (18-4). Tragic half-time score. Tertnes were already through after getting past Sola in the weekend.
Semifinal match-ups (April 28 and May 2):
Tertnes - Larvik HK
Byaasen - Nordstrand
Mocsai: "Dunaferr Much Better"
Time for some - slightly belated - Hungarian reactions. National team coach Lajos Mocsai is confident that the Hungarian champions will finish the job in Denmark on Sunday.
"I'm optimistic because Dunaferr is much better as a team. There will be no problem in the return match in case the girls go onto the court thinking they have to start everything from 0-0. Slagelse is not as tactically prepared as Dunaferr and didn't know what to do against the open defence," Mocsai tells Nemzeti Sport.
Just like the Slagelse camp, the Dunaferr players tried their best to hit an optimistic note ahead of the return match.
Former World Handballer Bojana Radulovics pointed back to Dunaferr's triumph against Krim Ljubljana 5 years ago.
"I have an odd feeling because we had a 10-goal advantage. On the other hand, the Champions League final of 1999 comes to mind where we collected only a small advantage in the 1st match. Still, we won the trophy."
Keeper Katalin Pálinger thought that the high tempo may have hurt them in the end.
"Both teams are capable of everything, and I wouldn't have been more calm after a 10-goal victory. We got tired due to our own speed."
Head coach Szilárd Kiss sang a different tune - and pointed to Gabriella Kindl's critical third suspension as the real reason for Slagelse's comeback.
"The tiredness was not the decisive factor in losing the large advantage. After the disqualification of Kindl, our offensive play fell into pieces and we brought up the opponent," the veteran coach said according to Nemzeti Sport.
Update: Changed Mocsai's wording from "much better team" to "much better as a team". There is of course a difference as the latter places emphasis on the supposed collective superiority of Dunaferr, while the first is a general assessment of strength.
"I'm optimistic because Dunaferr is much better as a team. There will be no problem in the return match in case the girls go onto the court thinking they have to start everything from 0-0. Slagelse is not as tactically prepared as Dunaferr and didn't know what to do against the open defence," Mocsai tells Nemzeti Sport.
Just like the Slagelse camp, the Dunaferr players tried their best to hit an optimistic note ahead of the return match.
Former World Handballer Bojana Radulovics pointed back to Dunaferr's triumph against Krim Ljubljana 5 years ago.
"I have an odd feeling because we had a 10-goal advantage. On the other hand, the Champions League final of 1999 comes to mind where we collected only a small advantage in the 1st match. Still, we won the trophy."
Keeper Katalin Pálinger thought that the high tempo may have hurt them in the end.
"Both teams are capable of everything, and I wouldn't have been more calm after a 10-goal victory. We got tired due to our own speed."
Head coach Szilárd Kiss sang a different tune - and pointed to Gabriella Kindl's critical third suspension as the real reason for Slagelse's comeback.
"The tiredness was not the decisive factor in losing the large advantage. After the disqualification of Kindl, our offensive play fell into pieces and we brought up the opponent," the veteran coach said according to Nemzeti Sport.
Update: Changed Mocsai's wording from "much better team" to "much better as a team". There is of course a difference as the latter places emphasis on the supposed collective superiority of Dunaferr, while the first is a general assessment of strength.
Honours for Pádár
The Hungarian Fair Play Committee has bestowed former national team ace Ildikó Pádár with a prestigious Life Work award, Origo reports.
Pádár appeared in the Hungarian shirt 202 times on senior level and took part in 11 major international championships. She ended her competitive carrer last summer but continued in Ferencváros as an assistant coach.
"Her exemplary career and sportsmanlike play guided many young people to the sport of handball," the Committee explains its decision.
Pádár famously overshadowed pivot colleague and international darling Erzsébet Kocsis at the World Championship in 1995 when Hungary won silver.
Pádár appeared in the Hungarian shirt 202 times on senior level and took part in 11 major international championships. She ended her competitive carrer last summer but continued in Ferencváros as an assistant coach.
"Her exemplary career and sportsmanlike play guided many young people to the sport of handball," the Committee explains its decision.
Pádár famously overshadowed pivot colleague and international darling Erzsébet Kocsis at the World Championship in 1995 when Hungary won silver.
Viborg Hanging on to Assink
Viborg HK and Olga Assink have agreed to extend their engagement until 2007. The Dutch pivot has been one of the club's main assets all season and made the All Star team of the league."She's an extremely positive person, one of the best line players in the Danish league, and the top scorer of Viborg HK," a press release reads.
Another Dutch Viborg player making the All Star team is right back Natasja Burgers. She has not yet come to terms with the club and could move to another Danish destination as she may not be too enthuasistic about playing second-fiddle to Grit Jurack next season.
Angola Champs, Tunisia Miss Russia
Angola expectedly won the African Championship this weekend after dishing out a 31-20 (14-10) beating to the surprise package from Cameroon in the final. Both nations thereby qualified for next year's World Championship in Russia.
The third and final spot was grabbed by Cote d'Ivoire who snuck past Tunisia in the second half to win 26-22 (11-13) in the bronze final.
The Tunisians will be cursing their luck. In the semifinal, they only lost to Angola after extra time. And in the main round, they had actually beaten Cote d'Ivoire.
They were probably expecting to meet - and beat - Cameroon in the battle for third. But somehow the Cameroonians took out the Ivory girls in the other semfinal.
Angola have participated in all World Championships since 1990, and Cote d'Ivoire since 1995 (with the exception of 2001 when Congo made it). Tunisia joined them at the last two championships, but in 2005 it's time for Cameroon to make their debut.
The third and final spot was grabbed by Cote d'Ivoire who snuck past Tunisia in the second half to win 26-22 (11-13) in the bronze final.
The Tunisians will be cursing their luck. In the semifinal, they only lost to Angola after extra time. And in the main round, they had actually beaten Cote d'Ivoire.
They were probably expecting to meet - and beat - Cameroon in the battle for third. But somehow the Cameroonians took out the Ivory girls in the other semfinal.
Angola have participated in all World Championships since 1990, and Cote d'Ivoire since 1995 (with the exception of 2001 when Congo made it). Tunisia joined them at the last two championships, but in 2005 it's time for Cameroon to make their debut.
April 20, 2004
Petrakova Seeking Nürnberg Contract
Aalborg DH's Belarusian national team keeper Natalia Petrakova is currently practicing with 1. FC Nürnberg in the hopes of securing a contract, Handball-World writes. The Aalborg goaltender did not get her commitment with the Danish club renewed after a season of mixed fortunes.
Brustuen Says Yes to Ikast
Ikast-Bording's new line player duo is in place for next season. In addition to Karen Brödsgaard, the 6m circle will be attended by Ane Brustuen from Gjövik and Vardal, the newspaper Oppland Arbeiderland reports today.
The young Brustuen successfully took part ín the Junior World Championship last year in Macedonia. She was later called up to the senior squad for a few matches and is one of Marit Breivik's prospects for the future.
The young Brustuen successfully took part ín the Junior World Championship last year in Macedonia. She was later called up to the senior squad for a few matches and is one of Marit Breivik's prospects for the future.
April 19, 2004
Lützellinden Loses License
The financial woes afflicting women's handball in Germany continue. Handball-World reports on Monday that TV Lützellinden, a former championship-winning club, has lost its license for next season.
The club was not capable of meeting an extended April 15 deadline to produce a bank guarantee. The chairmanship of the governing HBVF organisation has therefore suspended its license for the 2004/2005 season.
Lützellinden has a week to appeal.
The club was not capable of meeting an extended April 15 deadline to produce a bank guarantee. The chairmanship of the governing HBVF organisation has therefore suspended its license for the 2004/2005 season.
Lützellinden has a week to appeal.
Finances End Nürnberg's Bundesliga Bid
1. FC Nürnberg's chances to win the Bundesliga title ended on Friday when the German Handball Federation turned down an appeal from the club to maintain a 4-point deduction.
Despite numerous warnings from the Federation, Nürnberg had failed to pay a number of bills on time. The deduction sees them slip down to third in the table, two points behind Leipzig whom they meet in the last round in what looks like a battle for an EHF Cup spot.
Nürnberg has not given up hope yet. The club has vowed to make further legal objections against the decision.
Despite numerous warnings from the Federation, Nürnberg had failed to pay a number of bills on time. The deduction sees them slip down to third in the table, two points behind Leipzig whom they meet in the last round in what looks like a battle for an EHF Cup spot.
Nürnberg has not given up hope yet. The club has vowed to make further legal objections against the decision.
Slagelse Reactions
Captain Camilla Andersen (B.T.):
"It's definitely a good platform for the return match. We just can't afford to make so many foolish mistakes - by this I mean the missed shots and some of the suspensions.
It's not acceptable to make illegal substitutions, and on top of that getting a suspension for protests from the bench. I won't blame the referees for the defeat, but some of our suspensions were more than questionable.
And it didn't help things that we were under pressure for the entire match from a fanatical home crowd and an opposing team going at full speed.
All our mistakes were promptly punished, and we have to fix that. Dunaferr are certainly a good team, and they are better than a year ago. But despite of that, we should be capable of knocking them out of the Champions League over two matches.
We have to keep them running from start till end. It was obvious that many of their players were very tired in the last 10 minutes."
Coach Anja Andersen (B.T.):
Our biggest problem today was probably the wings. We certainly didn't have much luck from there, even though there were plenty of chances.
This can be a lot better in the return match where we also need to make the defense work 100 percent. But altogether I'm very pleased. I did say beforehand that my ambition was to win by one goal. It turned out to be a defeat by 5, and I can live with that.
Ausra was fantastic. She played so well. It was impressive to how see how hard she worked for the team throughout the match. Big kudos to Ausra. She also shot Pálinger in the right places. Against Pálinger the ball must not be placed low, and we just have to practice that thoroughly.
Keeper Rikke Schmidt (B.T.):
"I'll willingly admit that it was important we didn't lose by 10 goals. We would have stood no chance on Sunday in Bröndby-hallen. Now we know exactly what to work on to go through."
"It's definitely a good platform for the return match. We just can't afford to make so many foolish mistakes - by this I mean the missed shots and some of the suspensions.
It's not acceptable to make illegal substitutions, and on top of that getting a suspension for protests from the bench. I won't blame the referees for the defeat, but some of our suspensions were more than questionable.
And it didn't help things that we were under pressure for the entire match from a fanatical home crowd and an opposing team going at full speed.
All our mistakes were promptly punished, and we have to fix that. Dunaferr are certainly a good team, and they are better than a year ago. But despite of that, we should be capable of knocking them out of the Champions League over two matches.
We have to keep them running from start till end. It was obvious that many of their players were very tired in the last 10 minutes."
Coach Anja Andersen (B.T.):
Our biggest problem today was probably the wings. We certainly didn't have much luck from there, even though there were plenty of chances.
This can be a lot better in the return match where we also need to make the defense work 100 percent. But altogether I'm very pleased. I did say beforehand that my ambition was to win by one goal. It turned out to be a defeat by 5, and I can live with that.
Ausra was fantastic. She played so well. It was impressive to how see how hard she worked for the team throughout the match. Big kudos to Ausra. She also shot Pálinger in the right places. Against Pálinger the ball must not be placed low, and we just have to practice that thoroughly.
Keeper Rikke Schmidt (B.T.):
"I'll willingly admit that it was important we didn't lose by 10 goals. We would have stood no chance on Sunday in Bröndby-hallen. Now we know exactly what to work on to go through."
April 18, 2004
Champions League: Dunaferr Leave Door Open
A late charge from the Danish champions kept the semifinal tie between Dunaferr SE and Slagelse FH wide open. The Hungarians bring a 5-goal advantage with them to Copenhagen after winning 34-29 (18-11) in Dunaújváros.But Dunaferr coach Szilárd Kiss could have wished for more. After dominating the first 45 minutes entirely, his team was up 29-19 and looked close to delivering a knock-out already in the first leg.
This clearly didn't please Bojana Petrovic and Ausra Fridrikas who combined well to close in on the runaway hosts.
With three minutes to go, Slagelse were only behind 32-28. Then Anita Kulcsár and Bernadett Ferling gave Dunaferr some more breathing space before Slagelse pivot Mette Melgaard closed off the chaotic, yet entertaining encounter.
With Radulovics coming out strong, Dunaferr soon took control of the first half. Only sporadic efforts passed Katalin Pálinger by a struggling Slagelse attack. With a 4-0 run in the last 5 minutes of the first half, Dunaferr opened up a 7-goal lead.
Slagelse appeared to make ground early in the second half when Dunaferr's gap was cut down to 5. A more aggressive defense seemed to have paid off for Anja Andersen's side, but Dunaferr soon found a way through. In a span of seven minutes, they doubled the lead to 10 before wasting it away again to a Slagelse insurgency.
Despite the outrageous number of suspensions, the match was not particularly rough.
Dunaferr SE - Slagelse FH 34-29 (18-11)
Dunaferr: Bojana Radulovics 10 (1), Bernadett Ferling 10 (4), Gabi Kindl 4, Ivett Nagy 3, Zsuzsanna Pálffy 3, Anita Kulcsár 2, Anita Bulath 1, Krisztina Pigniczki 1.
Slagelse: Bojana Petrovic 13 (6), Ausra Fridrikas 6, Mette Melgaard 3, Camilla Andersen 2, Anja Freser 2, Maja Mitrovic 1, Stephanie Cano 1, Stine Frank 1.
7-meters: 5/8, 6/6.
Suspensions: 8x2m, 10x2m.
Disqualification: Gabi Kindl, Dunaferr.
Development: 3-3, 6-5, 9-6, 12-7, 14-10, 18-11 (HT), 21-14, 25-18, 29-19, 31-23, 32-26, 34-29 (FT).
Attendance: 4,000 in Dunaújváros.
Correction: Petrovic scored on six penalties, rather than five.
CWC Result
Metropole Metz - Ikast-Bording EH 23-21 (11-11)
Metz: Szabo 7, Cendier 5, Medved 4 (1), Kanto 2, Vogein 2, Dajcman 1, Hadj 1
Ikast: Paunica 11 (3), Touray 4, Daugaard 3, Hammerseng 1, Blanco 1, Tonje Kjärgaard 1.
Suspensions: 2x2m, 1x2m.
Attendance: 4,800.
Match details updated.
Metz: Szabo 7, Cendier 5, Medved 4 (1), Kanto 2, Vogein 2, Dajcman 1, Hadj 1
Ikast: Paunica 11 (3), Touray 4, Daugaard 3, Hammerseng 1, Blanco 1, Tonje Kjärgaard 1.
Suspensions: 2x2m, 1x2m.
Attendance: 4,800.
Match details updated.
EHF Cup Result
Gyõri Graboplast ETO KC - Vaag Vipers 29-20 (18-10)
Gyõr: Görbicz 10, Mehlmann 6, Dokic 4, Vérten 3, Bódi 2, Nitescu 1, Mörtel 1, Kovacicova 1, Jókai 1.
Vipers: Asbjörnsen 5, Berge 4, Lunde 4, Kvifte 3, Ropstad 2, Birkeland 2.
Attendance: 2,800. (Updated)
Technical remark: The scores were updated live from the arena with an internet-capable mobile phone, using a system called General Packet Radio Service (GPRS). Impressive.
Gyõr: Görbicz 10, Mehlmann 6, Dokic 4, Vérten 3, Bódi 2, Nitescu 1, Mörtel 1, Kovacicova 1, Jókai 1.
Vipers: Asbjörnsen 5, Berge 4, Lunde 4, Kvifte 3, Ropstad 2, Birkeland 2.
Attendance: 2,800. (Updated)
Technical remark: The scores were updated live from the arena with an internet-capable mobile phone, using a system called General Packet Radio Service (GPRS). Impressive.
Anja "Senses" the Final
Anja Andersen hits an optimistic note before the Champions League semifinal against Dunaferr. The Slagelse coach confides to B.T. that she can almost sense victory.
"I have a real good feeling that we will make it through to the final. It may sound strange, but deep inside I also knew that we would do poorly in the second semifinal against Randers, so my perceptions are rarely wrong."
Andersen thinks that her players have moved up a gear recently.
"A victory demands absolute concentration by everyone involved with the team. But I'm not nervous about this. For a while, I have noticed that the players have become more and more motivated in training. That's obviously because we are getting ready for the decisive matches."
"I have a real good feeling that we will make it through to the final. It may sound strange, but deep inside I also knew that we would do poorly in the second semifinal against Randers, so my perceptions are rarely wrong."
Andersen thinks that her players have moved up a gear recently.
"A victory demands absolute concentration by everyone involved with the team. But I'm not nervous about this. For a while, I have noticed that the players have become more and more motivated in training. That's obviously because we are getting ready for the decisive matches."
Stitching Sandve
The result of Monica Sandve's clash with Rikke Skov is quite evident in this article. 12 stitches were required.
The headline reads: "- Sew it up nicely, I'm getting married".
Viborg's Rikke Skov had a gash on her chin that required stitching as well.
The headline reads: "- Sew it up nicely, I'm getting married".
Viborg's Rikke Skov had a gash on her chin that required stitching as well.
Champions League: Larvik's Penalty Nightmare
Larvik's hopes of reaching the Champions League final for the first time ever faded into obscurity as one 7-meter after another went astray. Missing 8 penalty throws at top European level is not affordable, and Krim Ljubljana could pick up a 33-30 (18-17) win that leaves the Slovenians with a clear path to the ultimate round.
Larvik's troubles already commenced prior to the throw-off. Defensive ace and attacking joker Tonje Larsen was ruled out with a knee ailment. And head coach Ole Gustav Gjekstad didn't even show up. In his case, the reasons were more fortunate. His girlfriend was about to give birth and he wanted to be at her side.
One has to give full credit to Tone Tiselj's side, though. They were determined from the first minute and showed off their fast and fluent attacking style. Scoring from virtually all positions, the visitors were up 8-4 after 10 minutes.
Larvik dug deep and slowly pulled back as half-time approached. With Nyberg stomped after hitting the posts twice on early penalties, playmaker Inger Sofie Heieraas took over more responsibility in Larvik's attack.
Pivot Karen Brödsgaard also played a major part in the Norwegian offensive, scoring four times in the first half in addition to earning a vast number of 7-meters throughout the match.
Down only one goal at the break, Larvik could hold their heads up high. And in the beginning of the second half, Linn-Kristin Riegelhuth came alive on right back. She put the home team ahead twice. But Larvik couldn't build further on her goal to 24-23.
Instead Krim scored three times in a row to take back control. Pivot Deja Doler had posed serious problems for the Norwegian central defense in the first half, and Liudmila Bodnieva rankled them in the second half as the Krim backcourters threaded the ball through to the line.
This won the reigning champions a number of 7-meters as well. But the difference in efficiency was blatant. Only Tatjana Logvin had a miss on Lene Rantala on her three tries, while Derepasko scored on all of her five attempts.
In Larvik's camp, Nyberg was the main culprit with four of the 8 misses - three of them hitting the posts - but Linn-Kristin Riegelhuth and Inger Sofie Heieraas were also to blame.
Larvik HK - Krim Ljubljana 30-33 (17-18)
Larvik: Linn-Kristin Riegelhuth 7 (2), Karen Brödsgaard 5, Inger Sofie Heieraas 5 (1), Katja Nyberg 5 (2), Vigdis Haarsaker 4, Kari Mette Johansen 3, Sara Breistöl 1.
Krim: Nataliya Derepasko 9 (5), Tatjana Logvin 8 (2), Maryna Vergelyuk 4, Deja Doler 4, Tanja Oder 3, Liudmila Bodnieva 3, Olena Yatsenko 1, Olga Ceckova 1.
7-meters: 5/13, 7/8.
Suspensions: 2x2m, 4x2m.
Development: 2-2, 3-7, 6-10, 9-11, 11-13, 14-17, 17-18 (HT), 17-20, 20-21, 24-23, 24-26, 27-29, 29-31, 30-33 (FT).
Attendance: 1,500 in Bergslihallen.
Larvik's troubles already commenced prior to the throw-off. Defensive ace and attacking joker Tonje Larsen was ruled out with a knee ailment. And head coach Ole Gustav Gjekstad didn't even show up. In his case, the reasons were more fortunate. His girlfriend was about to give birth and he wanted to be at her side.
One has to give full credit to Tone Tiselj's side, though. They were determined from the first minute and showed off their fast and fluent attacking style. Scoring from virtually all positions, the visitors were up 8-4 after 10 minutes.Larvik dug deep and slowly pulled back as half-time approached. With Nyberg stomped after hitting the posts twice on early penalties, playmaker Inger Sofie Heieraas took over more responsibility in Larvik's attack.
Pivot Karen Brödsgaard also played a major part in the Norwegian offensive, scoring four times in the first half in addition to earning a vast number of 7-meters throughout the match.
Down only one goal at the break, Larvik could hold their heads up high. And in the beginning of the second half, Linn-Kristin Riegelhuth came alive on right back. She put the home team ahead twice. But Larvik couldn't build further on her goal to 24-23.
Instead Krim scored three times in a row to take back control. Pivot Deja Doler had posed serious problems for the Norwegian central defense in the first half, and Liudmila Bodnieva rankled them in the second half as the Krim backcourters threaded the ball through to the line.
This won the reigning champions a number of 7-meters as well. But the difference in efficiency was blatant. Only Tatjana Logvin had a miss on Lene Rantala on her three tries, while Derepasko scored on all of her five attempts.
In Larvik's camp, Nyberg was the main culprit with four of the 8 misses - three of them hitting the posts - but Linn-Kristin Riegelhuth and Inger Sofie Heieraas were also to blame.
Larvik HK - Krim Ljubljana 30-33 (17-18)
Larvik: Linn-Kristin Riegelhuth 7 (2), Karen Brödsgaard 5, Inger Sofie Heieraas 5 (1), Katja Nyberg 5 (2), Vigdis Haarsaker 4, Kari Mette Johansen 3, Sara Breistöl 1.
Krim: Nataliya Derepasko 9 (5), Tatjana Logvin 8 (2), Maryna Vergelyuk 4, Deja Doler 4, Tanja Oder 3, Liudmila Bodnieva 3, Olena Yatsenko 1, Olga Ceckova 1.
7-meters: 5/13, 7/8.
Suspensions: 2x2m, 4x2m.
Development: 2-2, 3-7, 6-10, 9-11, 11-13, 14-17, 17-18 (HT), 17-20, 20-21, 24-23, 24-26, 27-29, 29-31, 30-33 (FT).
Attendance: 1,500 in Bergslihallen.
April 17, 2004
Challenge Cup: Nürnberg Cruising
Nürnberg left little doubt against their Icelandic adversaries in the first leg of the Challenge Cup semifinal. With a crushing 38-22 (19-11) victory for the home team, a place in the final seems unavoidable.
The Strass sisters of Austria had an unusal meeting on opposing teams. The Nürnberg-based Barbara had most fun out of the rendezvous.
The little speed demon of a wing scored 10 times for the German side. Vestmannaeyjar's Ukrainian right back Anna Yakova registered a similar figure for the visitors, but her teammates had little to contribute with as far as goal were concerned.
According to Handball-World, Nürnberg's head coach Herbert Müller said afterwards that the couldn't have imagined such a result even in his wildest dreams.
1. FC Nürnberg - IB Vestmannaeyjar 38-22 (19-11)
Nürnberg: Strass 10, Christeanu 9 (4), Blacha 5, Ofenböck 5, Tobiasz 4, Rohde 1, Simakova 1, Schmid 1, Klimankova 1, Harlander 1.
Vestmannaeyjar: Yakova 10 (3), Engl 4, Gorkorian 3 (1), Nielsen 2, Gudmansdottir 2, Strass 1.
Suspensions: 3x2m, 2x2m.
Attendance: 1,000.
The Strass sisters of Austria had an unusal meeting on opposing teams. The Nürnberg-based Barbara had most fun out of the rendezvous.
The little speed demon of a wing scored 10 times for the German side. Vestmannaeyjar's Ukrainian right back Anna Yakova registered a similar figure for the visitors, but her teammates had little to contribute with as far as goal were concerned.
According to Handball-World, Nürnberg's head coach Herbert Müller said afterwards that the couldn't have imagined such a result even in his wildest dreams.
1. FC Nürnberg - IB Vestmannaeyjar 38-22 (19-11)
Nürnberg: Strass 10, Christeanu 9 (4), Blacha 5, Ofenböck 5, Tobiasz 4, Rohde 1, Simakova 1, Schmid 1, Klimankova 1, Harlander 1.
Vestmannaeyjar: Yakova 10 (3), Engl 4, Gorkorian 3 (1), Nielsen 2, Gudmansdottir 2, Strass 1.
Suspensions: 3x2m, 2x2m.
Attendance: 1,000.
CWC: Hypo Overrun FCK
Hypo NÖ gained a useful two-goal advantage ahead of the return match with a 29-27 (13-14) victory over FCK Handball in Copenhagen.
The multinational Austrians were down 14-11 in the first half and had two suspensions to contend with. But the home team failed to capitalize, and a strong Hypo side set off on a 9-1 run that put them up 20-15 in the second half.
FCK tried a 4-2 formation to cope with the Hypo onslaught and managed to reduce the gap to just two goals. But a major challenge still awaits them on Friday in the Südstadt.
FCK Handball - Hypo NÖ 27-29 (14-13)
FCK: Mette Vestergaard 12 (4), Matilda Boson 5, Eszter Siti 4, Lene Tobiasen 2, Elly an de Boer 2, Gitte W. Nielsen 1, Christina Krogshede 1.
Hypo: Gabriela Rotis 7, Anda Bilobrk 6 (4), Sladjana Dronic 5 (4), Dora Löwy 4 (1), Simona Spiridon 3, Tetyana Shynkarenko 2, Alexandra Nascimento 1, Katrin Engel 1.
Suspensions: 2x2m, 6x2m.
Disqualification: Simona Spiridon, Hypo.
Attendance: 912.
The multinational Austrians were down 14-11 in the first half and had two suspensions to contend with. But the home team failed to capitalize, and a strong Hypo side set off on a 9-1 run that put them up 20-15 in the second half.
FCK tried a 4-2 formation to cope with the Hypo onslaught and managed to reduce the gap to just two goals. But a major challenge still awaits them on Friday in the Südstadt.
FCK Handball - Hypo NÖ 27-29 (14-13)
FCK: Mette Vestergaard 12 (4), Matilda Boson 5, Eszter Siti 4, Lene Tobiasen 2, Elly an de Boer 2, Gitte W. Nielsen 1, Christina Krogshede 1.
Hypo: Gabriela Rotis 7, Anda Bilobrk 6 (4), Sladjana Dronic 5 (4), Dora Löwy 4 (1), Simona Spiridon 3, Tetyana Shynkarenko 2, Alexandra Nascimento 1, Katrin Engel 1.
Suspensions: 2x2m, 6x2m.
Disqualification: Simona Spiridon, Hypo.
Attendance: 912.
EHF Cup: Nordstrand Edge Viborg
Nordstrand earned a slim 26-25 (12-11) victory over Viborg HK after a hard-fought first semifinal leg in Oslo. The Norwegians lost captain Monica Sandve following a bloody fastbreak collision with Viborg's Rikke Skov after 20 minutes of the first half.
Anette Hovind Johansen scored the decider after the ball rebounded off Viborg keeper Louise Bager's back and landed in the net.
Pivot Randi Gustad was named best Nordstrand player, while Lotte Kiärskou's 10 goals earned her the same honour for the Viborg side.
Nordstrand - Viborg HK 26-25 (12-11)
Nordstrand: Anette Hovind Johansen 8, Randi Gustad 7, Linn Rosenlund 3, Monica Sandve 2, Iva Zamorska 2, Unni Nyhammer Hinkel 2, Tine Kristiansen 1, Kari Anne Solfjeld 1.
Viborg: Lotte Kiärskou 10, Katrine Fruelund 5, Henriette Mikkelsen 3, Olga Assink 3, Rikke Skov 2, Camilla Thorsen 1, Saskia Mulder 1.
Suspensions: 1x2m, 1x2m.
Attendance: 1,300.
Anette Hovind Johansen scored the decider after the ball rebounded off Viborg keeper Louise Bager's back and landed in the net.
Pivot Randi Gustad was named best Nordstrand player, while Lotte Kiärskou's 10 goals earned her the same honour for the Viborg side.
Nordstrand - Viborg HK 26-25 (12-11)
Nordstrand: Anette Hovind Johansen 8, Randi Gustad 7, Linn Rosenlund 3, Monica Sandve 2, Iva Zamorska 2, Unni Nyhammer Hinkel 2, Tine Kristiansen 1, Kari Anne Solfjeld 1.
Viborg: Lotte Kiärskou 10, Katrine Fruelund 5, Henriette Mikkelsen 3, Olga Assink 3, Rikke Skov 2, Camilla Thorsen 1, Saskia Mulder 1.
Suspensions: 1x2m, 1x2m.
Attendance: 1,300.
Challenge Cup: Deva Demolish Polish Side
Universitatea Remin Deva made easy work of MKS Vitaral Jelfa Jelenia Gora from Poland in the first Challenge Cup semifinal. The Romanians won a crushing 41-27 (21-11) at home in Transylvania to almost guarantee progression.
The team from Jelenia Gora is no stranger to comebacks, though. In the quarterfinals they moved through despite losing by 11 goals away to Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg.
But Remin Deva, who are second in the Romanian league and won the Challenge Cup two years ago, are not likely to slip up.
The team from Jelenia Gora is no stranger to comebacks, though. In the quarterfinals they moved through despite losing by 11 goals away to Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg.
But Remin Deva, who are second in the Romanian league and won the Challenge Cup two years ago, are not likely to slip up.
Senocico to Randers
Mihaela Senocico of Jolidon Cluj will be teaming up with Randers HK from next season, Gazeta Sporturilor reported on Friday.
According to Danish news agency Ritzau, the clubs have come to an agreement over the 22-year-old national team playmaker, but a contract is yet to be signed.
Randers is expected to introduce an undisclosed number of new signings on a press briefing next week, perhaps including one or two additional players from Romania.
According to Danish news agency Ritzau, the clubs have come to an agreement over the 22-year-old national team playmaker, but a contract is yet to be signed.
Randers is expected to introduce an undisclosed number of new signings on a press briefing next week, perhaps including one or two additional players from Romania.
Aalborg Forced to Play
The Danish Handball Federation turned down a request from Aalborg DH to postpone Saturday's cup match against Randers HK.
Coach Christian Dalmose and most of the Aalborg squad are currently vacationing. As a result, the club will show up with a second team tomorrow.
Coach Christian Dalmose and most of the Aalborg squad are currently vacationing. As a result, the club will show up with a second team tomorrow.
April 16, 2004
European Weekend Schedule
Champions League:Larvik HK - Krim Eta Malizia Ljubljana (Sat 19:15)
Dunaferr SE - Slagelse FH (Sun 18:00)
Predictions:
Larvik by 2
Dunaferr by 7
EHF Cup:
Gyõri Graboplast ETO KC - Vaag Vipers (Sun 16:00)
Nordstrand 2000 - Viborg HK (Sat 16:15)
Predictions:
Gyõr by 6
Viborg by 1
Cup Winner's Cup:
FCK Handball - Hypo NÖ (Sat 16:15)
Metropole Metz - Ikast-Bording EH (Sun 18:00)
Predictions:
FCK by 4
Metz by 3
Challenge Cup:
1. FC Nürnberg - IB Vestmannaeyjar (Sat 18:00)
Universitatea Remin Deva - MKS Vitaral Jelfa Jelenia Gora (Sat 11:00)
Predictions:
Nürnberg by 7
Remin Deva by 8
Update: Gyõr - Vipers begin Sunday at 16:00, not 18:00.
FCK Seething over EHF Decision
FCK Handball wants an explanation from the European Handball Federation. The federation stipulated Friday the 23rd of April for the return leg between Hypo and FCK in the Cup Winner's Cup.
According to the EHF regulations, matches must be played on Saturdays or Sundays unless the clubs agree to another date. Which they didn't in this case. FCK later accepted the decision, but is demanding to know why the EHF followed the wishes of the Austrian club.
"So far I have only watched the Federation president making jokes at our expense on TV 2," FCK's president, Flemming Östergaard, states in a press release.
In a fax, the EHF administration clarified that the decision was reached to allow the match to be broadcast live on Austrian television.
"It's a slippery slope if a tv transmission is enough for the EHF to dictate a match date that are not in accordance with the regulations," Östergaard maintains.
Often referred to as the most powerful man in Danish sports, the president of the Parken Sport & Entertainment conglomerate says he's looking forward to meet Hypo boss Gunnar Prokop on Saturday for the first leg.
Prokop allegedly called Östergaard a "stupid man" because of the dispute.
"It will be pleasant to meet this grumpy person. He's basically protecting the interests of his club, and I take no issue with that. I just can't understand that the EHF simply follows his cue in this matter," Östergaard says.
According to the EHF regulations, matches must be played on Saturdays or Sundays unless the clubs agree to another date. Which they didn't in this case. FCK later accepted the decision, but is demanding to know why the EHF followed the wishes of the Austrian club.
"So far I have only watched the Federation president making jokes at our expense on TV 2," FCK's president, Flemming Östergaard, states in a press release.
In a fax, the EHF administration clarified that the decision was reached to allow the match to be broadcast live on Austrian television.
"It's a slippery slope if a tv transmission is enough for the EHF to dictate a match date that are not in accordance with the regulations," Östergaard maintains.
Often referred to as the most powerful man in Danish sports, the president of the Parken Sport & Entertainment conglomerate says he's looking forward to meet Hypo boss Gunnar Prokop on Saturday for the first leg.
Prokop allegedly called Östergaard a "stupid man" because of the dispute.
"It will be pleasant to meet this grumpy person. He's basically protecting the interests of his club, and I take no issue with that. I just can't understand that the EHF simply follows his cue in this matter," Östergaard says.
Lindemann Headed for Kolding
Christine Lindemann is hooking up with her former coach Morten Arvidsson in Kolding IF from next season, JydskeVestkysten writes on Friday.
The contract has not been signed yet, but the parties have reached an agreement. Kolding IF will still need to fend off relegation in a playoff against a team from the 1st Division.
Morten Arvidsson was sacked in Lindemann's current club, Randers HK, a few months ago and replaced with Kjersti Grini.
The contract has not been signed yet, but the parties have reached an agreement. Kolding IF will still need to fend off relegation in a playoff against a team from the 1st Division.
Morten Arvidsson was sacked in Lindemann's current club, Randers HK, a few months ago and replaced with Kjersti Grini.
Mia - Now With Baby
Norwegian glamour wing Mia Hundvin gave birth to a baby boy on Wednesday. The father is renowned snowboarder Terje Haakonsen.
The 27-year-old departed from Slagelse after divorcing with Camilla Andersen and signed with Aalborg DH ahead of this season. But her pregnancy was announced shortly after arriving in the club, and she only played a few matches before becoming a "consultant" with Aalborg.
The 27-year-old departed from Slagelse after divorcing with Camilla Andersen and signed with Aalborg DH ahead of this season. But her pregnancy was announced shortly after arriving in the club, and she only played a few matches before becoming a "consultant" with Aalborg.
Wilbek Turned Barcelona Down
Former Danish national team coach Ulrik Wilbek turned down an offer to replace Valero Rivera as coach of FC Barcelona, Ekstra Bladet has reported.
Ulrik Wilbek wants to continue his work with Viborg HK's men who recently won promotion to the TDC League, the top division in Denmark.
Wilbek was the main architect behind the Danish women's national team in the 90's. He stepped down after winning three major championships in a row with the squad.
Ulrik Wilbek wants to continue his work with Viborg HK's men who recently won promotion to the TDC League, the top division in Denmark.
Wilbek was the main architect behind the Danish women's national team in the 90's. He stepped down after winning three major championships in a row with the squad.
April 15, 2004
Burmistrova to Become Ukrainian?
A major boost for the Ukrainian Olympic squad could be in the making. The World Championship semifinalists are seriously considering the deployment of three high-profile Russians from Motor Zaporozhye for their national side.
The players in question are Zhanna Kashel, Ludmila Shevchenko, and Anna Burmistrova (formerly Prokopenko). None of them are restricted by past national team matches for Russia.
Russia's coach Evgeni Trefilov is notorious for showing little interest in players outside Russia - or Togliatti for that sake - so this could be a major chance for the Zaporozhye trio to try their luck in a new domain. As Ukrainian citizens.
The players in question are Zhanna Kashel, Ludmila Shevchenko, and Anna Burmistrova (formerly Prokopenko). None of them are restricted by past national team matches for Russia.
Russia's coach Evgeni Trefilov is notorious for showing little interest in players outside Russia - or Togliatti for that sake - so this could be a major chance for the Zaporozhye trio to try their luck in a new domain. As Ukrainian citizens.
Hong Pays Scandinavian Visit
Jeong-Ho Hong is back in Denmark. But not for good. The 1992 Olympic champion is merely paying a friendly visit to her former clubs.
The right back first stopped by to visit Bäkkelaget in Norway and is now in Slagelse to say hello. According to newspaper B.T., she is not planning a return to Scandinavia. Instead, the veteran has extended her contract with Omron, the J-League runners-up this season, for one more year.
Returning to Asia for shoulder surgery, Hong left Slagelse after winning three titles with the club last season. Anja Andersen was the main instigator in bringing the Korean to Bäkkelaget in the late 90's. The two of them notoriously clashed in the 1996 Olympic final in Atlanta.
The right back first stopped by to visit Bäkkelaget in Norway and is now in Slagelse to say hello. According to newspaper B.T., she is not planning a return to Scandinavia. Instead, the veteran has extended her contract with Omron, the J-League runners-up this season, for one more year.
Returning to Asia for shoulder surgery, Hong left Slagelse after winning three titles with the club last season. Anja Andersen was the main instigator in bringing the Korean to Bäkkelaget in the late 90's. The two of them notoriously clashed in the 1996 Olympic final in Atlanta.
Danish Cup Results
7th Round (JHF - Jutland Federation):
Taars/Ugilt IF - Ikast-Bording EH 20-34 (15-14)
6th Round (SHF - KHF - FHF - LFHF - East Federations):
Lyngby HK - Slagelse FH 17-41 (9-22)
Last night's opponents of Ikast and Slagelse are both from the 2nd Divisions. Not sure how Ikast managed to lose the first half, but 20-5 in the second is unequivocal. Narcisa Paunica netted 8 times.
Lyngby normally attract 70 spectators for their home matches. Last night 1,200 turned up to see the prominent visitors in the Copenhagen suburb. Petrovic was resting on the bench, while Anja Freser served as assistant coach. Camilla Andersen and Ausra Fridrikas were not spared, however, and the latter scored 10 goals.
Taars/Ugilt IF - Ikast-Bording EH 20-34 (15-14)
6th Round (SHF - KHF - FHF - LFHF - East Federations):
Lyngby HK - Slagelse FH 17-41 (9-22)
Last night's opponents of Ikast and Slagelse are both from the 2nd Divisions. Not sure how Ikast managed to lose the first half, but 20-5 in the second is unequivocal. Narcisa Paunica netted 8 times.
Lyngby normally attract 70 spectators for their home matches. Last night 1,200 turned up to see the prominent visitors in the Copenhagen suburb. Petrovic was resting on the bench, while Anja Freser served as assistant coach. Camilla Andersen and Ausra Fridrikas were not spared, however, and the latter scored 10 goals.
April 14, 2004
Frankfurt Choke Again
Frankfurter HC are doing their best to make the Bundesliga finale as exciting as possible. Bianca Urbanke and Co. lost 28-30 (18-15) at home to their nearest title competitors from 1. FC Nürnberg on Wednesday. Now they only enjoy a buffer of one point before the remaining two rounds of the season.
But they can find solace in an easier schedule than Herbert Müller's surprisingly strong Nürnberg side. Leipzig will have plenty to play for in the last round against Nürnberg with second place and EHF Cup qualification on the line.
Round 21:
Frankfurter HC - DJK/MJC Trier
1. FC Nürnberg - TV Lützellinden
Round 22:
TV Lützellinden - Frankfurter HC
HC Leipzig - 1. FC Nürnberg
But they can find solace in an easier schedule than Herbert Müller's surprisingly strong Nürnberg side. Leipzig will have plenty to play for in the last round against Nürnberg with second place and EHF Cup qualification on the line.
Round 21:
Frankfurter HC - DJK/MJC Trier
1. FC Nürnberg - TV Lützellinden
Round 22:
TV Lützellinden - Frankfurter HC
HC Leipzig - 1. FC Nürnberg
Norway: Nordstrand Held to Draw
Results from Norwegian Championship quarterfinals, first leg:
Gjerpen Larvik HK 29-32 (15-19)
Gjerpen (top scorers only): Heidi Löke 11.
Larvik: Katja Nyberg 8.
Suspensions: 3x2m, 2x2m.
Attendance: 1,410
Sola HK Tertnes 26-25 (12-12)
Sola: Monica Nesvik 6.
Tertnes: Anne Petersen, Sölvi Hylleseth 6.
Suspensions: 4x2m, 5x2m.
Attendance: 218.
Byaasen Vaag Vipers 28-24 (12-12)
Byaasen: Göril Snorroeggen 8.
Vaag: Bodil Flo Berge 7.
Suspensions: 2x2m, 2x2m.
Attendance: 281.
Selbu Nordstrand 19-19 (15-10)
Selbu: Hege Vifstad 8.
Nordstrand: Camilla Ditlöv Tyldym 4.
Suspensions: 7x2m, 1x2m.
Attendance: 166.
The playoffs use the typical European modus which means that goals do count.
Nordstrand kept Selbu down to an astounding 4 goals in the second half, yet failed to win. They should have no trouble in the return match in Oslo, though.
The Vipers have not been impressive in the Norwegian league in 2004. Four goals ought to be surmountable in Kristiansand, but the snakes are now on a three-match losing streak against the Trondheim side.
Larvik were cruising to a comfortable win, but a late surge from the home team made the result very respectable. Perhaps too respectable from Larvik's perspective when you consider their next obstacle: Champions League holders Krim Ljubljana.
Sola dipped Tertnes, but a cushion of one goal shouldn't suffice for the second leg in Bergen.
Disastrous attendance figures by the way - with a notable exception in Gjerpen - but according to a few Danish journalists we are bound to get more spectators for women's handball if matches were shown less frequently on television, and if we had fewer foreigners in the league.
Yeah, right.
Gjerpen Larvik HK 29-32 (15-19)
Gjerpen (top scorers only): Heidi Löke 11.
Larvik: Katja Nyberg 8.
Suspensions: 3x2m, 2x2m.
Attendance: 1,410
Sola HK Tertnes 26-25 (12-12)
Sola: Monica Nesvik 6.
Tertnes: Anne Petersen, Sölvi Hylleseth 6.
Suspensions: 4x2m, 5x2m.
Attendance: 218.
Byaasen Vaag Vipers 28-24 (12-12)
Byaasen: Göril Snorroeggen 8.
Vaag: Bodil Flo Berge 7.
Suspensions: 2x2m, 2x2m.
Attendance: 281.
Selbu Nordstrand 19-19 (15-10)
Selbu: Hege Vifstad 8.
Nordstrand: Camilla Ditlöv Tyldym 4.
Suspensions: 7x2m, 1x2m.
Attendance: 166.
The playoffs use the typical European modus which means that goals do count.
Nordstrand kept Selbu down to an astounding 4 goals in the second half, yet failed to win. They should have no trouble in the return match in Oslo, though.
The Vipers have not been impressive in the Norwegian league in 2004. Four goals ought to be surmountable in Kristiansand, but the snakes are now on a three-match losing streak against the Trondheim side.
Larvik were cruising to a comfortable win, but a late surge from the home team made the result very respectable. Perhaps too respectable from Larvik's perspective when you consider their next obstacle: Champions League holders Krim Ljubljana.
Sola dipped Tertnes, but a cushion of one goal shouldn't suffice for the second leg in Bergen.
Disastrous attendance figures by the way - with a notable exception in Gjerpen - but according to a few Danish journalists we are bound to get more spectators for women's handball if matches were shown less frequently on television, and if we had fewer foreigners in the league.
Yeah, right.
Jang Makes German Promise
Time for a slight revival of the Asian tour with an unusual story. After the Olympic Games in Athens, Korean left wing So-Hee Jang wants to move to Germany to study.
But the 25-year-old also wishes to continue her handball career. And the bronze medal winner in Croatia has vowed to do just that. For a team in the 2nd Bundesliga Nord - SGH Rosengarten. A bottom-side to boot!
According to newspaper Hamburger Abendblatt, So-Hee Jang developed a friendship with a young German player from SGH Rosengarten when the Korean national team played against them last year in a friendly match.
The two of them have been in touch through email, SMS, and letters ever since. So-Hee Jang, who lives in Seoul, only speaks a little bit of English. So her brother in Daegu helps her translate the letters for her 17-year-old friend on a different continent.
Apparently, So-Hee Jang hopes to stay with the family of the German penpal if she comes to Europe to study. And she has pledged to play for Rosengarten if the opportunity arises. The club lies in the outskirts of Hamburg.
So-Hee Jang will get a chance to meet her friend when the Korean team prepares for the Olympic Games on a training camp in Germany.
But the 25-year-old also wishes to continue her handball career. And the bronze medal winner in Croatia has vowed to do just that. For a team in the 2nd Bundesliga Nord - SGH Rosengarten. A bottom-side to boot!
According to newspaper Hamburger Abendblatt, So-Hee Jang developed a friendship with a young German player from SGH Rosengarten when the Korean national team played against them last year in a friendly match.
The two of them have been in touch through email, SMS, and letters ever since. So-Hee Jang, who lives in Seoul, only speaks a little bit of English. So her brother in Daegu helps her translate the letters for her 17-year-old friend on a different continent.
Apparently, So-Hee Jang hopes to stay with the family of the German penpal if she comes to Europe to study. And she has pledged to play for Rosengarten if the opportunity arises. The club lies in the outskirts of Hamburg.
So-Hee Jang will get a chance to meet her friend when the Korean team prepares for the Olympic Games on a training camp in Germany.
Dunaferr Showing Teeth
Dunaferr SE took a major leap toward defending the Hungarian Championship when they fended off their closest rivals of Gyõri ETO KC 24-17 (11-8) at home in Dunaújváros on Tuesday.
The comfortable victory served as an encouraging prelude ahead of the Champions League task against Slagelse on Sunday. Dunaferr have opened the playoff between the top four teams of the regular season with two victories.
They already had an advantage of one point going ínto the 6-round playoff, but are now in a position where they can afford to lose in Gyõr and still take the title.
Dunaferr SE - Gyõri Graboplast ETO KC 24-17 (11-8)
Dunaferr: Radulovics 7, Ferling 5, Pálffy 5, Pigniczki 3, Nagy 2, Kulcsár 1, Bulath 1
Gyõr: Görbicz 5, Dokic 3, Mörtel 3, Kovacicova 2, Juhász 1, Borbás 1, Mehlmann 1, Bódi 1.
The comfortable victory served as an encouraging prelude ahead of the Champions League task against Slagelse on Sunday. Dunaferr have opened the playoff between the top four teams of the regular season with two victories.
They already had an advantage of one point going ínto the 6-round playoff, but are now in a position where they can afford to lose in Gyõr and still take the title.
Dunaferr SE - Gyõri Graboplast ETO KC 24-17 (11-8)
Dunaferr: Radulovics 7, Ferling 5, Pálffy 5, Pigniczki 3, Nagy 2, Kulcsár 1, Bulath 1
Gyõr: Görbicz 5, Dokic 3, Mörtel 3, Kovacicova 2, Juhász 1, Borbás 1, Mehlmann 1, Bódi 1.
Knudsen Extends
Right back Lise Knudsen has extended her contract with Ikast-Bording EH for two further years. Her original contract was set to expire in 2005, but the obligation now runs to July 2007.
Collecting 10 caps so far in the Danish jersey, the 20-year old was called up for the Worlds in Croatia.
Collecting 10 caps so far in the Danish jersey, the 20-year old was called up for the Worlds in Croatia.
April 13, 2004
Oh and Lim Sweep J-League
We complete our Asian tour by taking a look at the Japan Handball League. It was decided in March when Hiroshima Maple Reds overcame Omron 35-27 (18-14) in the playoff final in Tokyo.Headed by Korean stars O-Kyeong Lim and Seong-Ok Oh (picture), Hiroshima comfortably won the regular season which featured six clubs and 15 rounds.
In the playoff semifinal, the second and third place finishers of the regular season met. Here Chateraise were knocked out by Omron.
Chateraise is the former club of Heidi Astrup who had a brief stay in Japan in 1997/98 before returning to the Danish league mid-season - much to the dismay of Viborg's rivals at the time.
Aiko Hayafune, who was Japan's top scorer in Croatia, is part of the current Chateraise squad.
More information - in English - about the Japan Handball League can be found here.
The Korean Crisis
It's perhaps a bit late to touch upon a tournament that was decided in January. But it's interesting enough to warrant mention.
In another sad example of handball's poor standing outside the European continent, the Korean Handball League plummeted further into the obscure this season.
To even speak of a season is perhaps a bit much for a tournament lasting just three weeks. Despite the bronze medal in Croatia, the women's league took the hardest hit when the event began in late December.
Two senior teams, Kwangju Metropolitan City Hall and Allianz Life Insurance, shut down ahead of the season. And as two other clubs, First Fire & Marine Insurance and Samcheok City Hall, chose not to participate, only four clubs were left to do battle for national gold.
This development left Samcheok's formidable right wing Sun-Hee Woo, a Croatia All Star, completely out of the tournament. The equally formidable Sang-Eun Lee - who holds the Olympic scoring record for her incredible 18 goals against Hungary in Sydney 2000 - was in the same situation as she was formerly in the ranks of Allianz Life Insurance.
Of the remaining four teams, only two of them are actual clubs - the others are university sides. The average attendance is below 100 in a country that's generally excited by sports. Which was evident in 2002 during the World Cup.
The Korean Handball League was eventually won by Daegu City Hall who defeated Changwon Cycle Race Corporation over two matches.
National team pivot Soon-Young Huh of Daegu was elected Most Valuable Player of the Korean Handball League, while Hae-Lim Song, another Daegu player, led the scoring with 57 goals.
Yeon-Hee Kim of Korean National Sports University was named the best rookie of the three-week season.
In another sad example of handball's poor standing outside the European continent, the Korean Handball League plummeted further into the obscure this season.
To even speak of a season is perhaps a bit much for a tournament lasting just three weeks. Despite the bronze medal in Croatia, the women's league took the hardest hit when the event began in late December.
Two senior teams, Kwangju Metropolitan City Hall and Allianz Life Insurance, shut down ahead of the season. And as two other clubs, First Fire & Marine Insurance and Samcheok City Hall, chose not to participate, only four clubs were left to do battle for national gold.
This development left Samcheok's formidable right wing Sun-Hee Woo, a Croatia All Star, completely out of the tournament. The equally formidable Sang-Eun Lee - who holds the Olympic scoring record for her incredible 18 goals against Hungary in Sydney 2000 - was in the same situation as she was formerly in the ranks of Allianz Life Insurance.
Of the remaining four teams, only two of them are actual clubs - the others are university sides. The average attendance is below 100 in a country that's generally excited by sports. Which was evident in 2002 during the World Cup.
The Korean Handball League was eventually won by Daegu City Hall who defeated Changwon Cycle Race Corporation over two matches.
National team pivot Soon-Young Huh of Daegu was elected Most Valuable Player of the Korean Handball League, while Hae-Lim Song, another Daegu player, led the scoring with 57 goals.
Yeon-Hee Kim of Korean National Sports University was named the best rookie of the three-week season.
Zienkiewicz Still Around
Renate Zienkiewicz is one of six players to jump ship when Buntekuh Lübeck is demoted from the Bundesliga after the season, Handball-World reports. A few more could follow suit and abandon the bottom-side which is dead-last with just three points after 19 rounds.
Having just turned 37, Zienkiewicz is one of the few remaining active players from the winning German team at the World Championship in Norway in 1993. She is pursuing a new club for next season.
Other former world champions from that year - who are still going strong - include keeper Michaela Schanze (SV-Union Halle-Neustadt) and of course the unstoppable Bianca Urbanke-Rösicke who can be crowned German champion tomorrow with Frankfurter HC.
Having just turned 37, Zienkiewicz is one of the few remaining active players from the winning German team at the World Championship in Norway in 1993. She is pursuing a new club for next season.
Other former world champions from that year - who are still going strong - include keeper Michaela Schanze (SV-Union Halle-Neustadt) and of course the unstoppable Bianca Urbanke-Rösicke who can be crowned German champion tomorrow with Frankfurter HC.
Norwegian Top Scorers
It's perhaps the most talented player of the generally talented Byaasen side who topped the goal scoring standings after the completion of the Norwegian league's main round. Namely Göril Snorroeggen. It's a good idea to get used to the spelling of that name.
Anne Petersen didn't get the most stellar reviews for her performance in the Danish shirt at the World Championship in Croatia. The right back from Tertnes was a surprise invention of Jan Pytlick in the injury-ridden months leading up to the tournament. But the former goalkeeper didn't let that disappointment get to her in Tertnes. Quite the opposite it seems.
Top 10 total goals in main round A
1. Göril Snorroeggen (Byaasen) 64 (11)
2. Sölvi Hylleseth, (Tertnes) 61 (7)
3. Hilde Kvifte (Vaag) 59 (16)
4. Anne Petersen (Tertnes) 58 (1)
5. Hege Vifstad (Selbu) 56 (13)
6. Randi Gustad (Nordstrand) 56 (0)
7. Linn-Kristin Riegelhuth (Larvik) 55 (8)
8. Katja Nyberg (Larvik) 55 (25)
9. Vigdis Haarsaker (Larvik) 54 (8)
10. Monica Sandve (Nordstrand) 51 (1)
Top 10 field goals (7-metres excluded)
1. Anne Petersen 57
2. Randi Gustad 56
3. Sölvi Hylleseth 54
4. Göril Snorroeggen 53
5. Monica Sandve 50
6. Linn-Kristin Riegelhuth 47
7. Vigdis Haarsaker 46
8. Ingunn Birkeland (Vaag) 46
9. Hilde Kvifte 43
10. Hege Vifstad 43
The Norwegians quarterfinal playoffs begin tomorrow with these pairings:
Selbu - Nordstrand
Byaasen - Vaag
Sola - Tertnes
Gjerpen - Larvik
Anne Petersen didn't get the most stellar reviews for her performance in the Danish shirt at the World Championship in Croatia. The right back from Tertnes was a surprise invention of Jan Pytlick in the injury-ridden months leading up to the tournament. But the former goalkeeper didn't let that disappointment get to her in Tertnes. Quite the opposite it seems.
Top 10 total goals in main round A
1. Göril Snorroeggen (Byaasen) 64 (11)
2. Sölvi Hylleseth, (Tertnes) 61 (7)
3. Hilde Kvifte (Vaag) 59 (16)
4. Anne Petersen (Tertnes) 58 (1)
5. Hege Vifstad (Selbu) 56 (13)
6. Randi Gustad (Nordstrand) 56 (0)
7. Linn-Kristin Riegelhuth (Larvik) 55 (8)
8. Katja Nyberg (Larvik) 55 (25)
9. Vigdis Haarsaker (Larvik) 54 (8)
10. Monica Sandve (Nordstrand) 51 (1)
Top 10 field goals (7-metres excluded)
1. Anne Petersen 57
2. Randi Gustad 56
3. Sölvi Hylleseth 54
4. Göril Snorroeggen 53
5. Monica Sandve 50
6. Linn-Kristin Riegelhuth 47
7. Vigdis Haarsaker 46
8. Ingunn Birkeland (Vaag) 46
9. Hilde Kvifte 43
10. Hege Vifstad 43
The Norwegians quarterfinal playoffs begin tomorrow with these pairings:
Selbu - Nordstrand
Byaasen - Vaag
Sola - Tertnes
Gjerpen - Larvik
April 12, 2004
Luca Okay
Steluta Luca was taken home in a ambulance after yesterday's semifinal with Slagelse, and it was feared that the Randers right back may have sustained a fracture in her back or the pelvis region. But examinations luckily show her to be fine.
"She has been x-rayed and there are no fractures. Her pain was only due to the blow. But it's questionable if she will be ready for our cup match against Aalborg DH on Saturday," Randers HK's head administrator, Kirsten Kuhlmann, tells national news agency Ritzau.
"She has been x-rayed and there are no fractures. Her pain was only due to the blow. But it's questionable if she will be ready for our cup match against Aalborg DH on Saturday," Randers HK's head administrator, Kirsten Kuhlmann, tells national news agency Ritzau.
Junior Qualifiers Settled: No Hungary
Over the weekend, 13 nations reserved a spot at the Women's 19 European Championship which takes place this summer from July 30 to August 8:
Sweden
Poland
Germany
Serbia and Montenegro
Croatia
France
Norway
Austria
Denmark
Iceland
Slovenia
Spain
Portugal
Three countries were prequalified:
Czech Republic (hosts)
Russia (title holders)
Romania (runners-up)
In group 1, Netherlands lacked a couple of goals in the direct comparison with Sweden and Poland who also finished on 4 points. Germany defeated SCG 35-28 in the second group, while Croatia saw off France 26-19 in the third. All four qualified, though.
The biggest upset happened in group 4 where Hungary fell 22-23 to Austria in the last round and failed to qualify. The Hungarians had drawn Norway in the first round.
In group 5, Ukraine was a no-show because of reasons related to visa and travel expenditure. This paved the way for Denmark and Iceland who both went through.
Slovenia, Spain, and Portugal won the last three groups, which only featured three nations each, and made it to the Czech Republic as well.
Note: Unlike the IHF, the European Handball Federation does not use the term Junior (or Youth) for its championship, but apply the age categories in official tournament names. Which leaves us with the awkward sounding name: Women's 19 European Championship. Anyhow, the tournament is for players aged 19 and under.
Sweden
Poland
Germany
Serbia and Montenegro
Croatia
France
Norway
Austria
Denmark
Iceland
Slovenia
Spain
Portugal
Three countries were prequalified:
Czech Republic (hosts)
Russia (title holders)
Romania (runners-up)
In group 1, Netherlands lacked a couple of goals in the direct comparison with Sweden and Poland who also finished on 4 points. Germany defeated SCG 35-28 in the second group, while Croatia saw off France 26-19 in the third. All four qualified, though.
The biggest upset happened in group 4 where Hungary fell 22-23 to Austria in the last round and failed to qualify. The Hungarians had drawn Norway in the first round.
In group 5, Ukraine was a no-show because of reasons related to visa and travel expenditure. This paved the way for Denmark and Iceland who both went through.
Slovenia, Spain, and Portugal won the last three groups, which only featured three nations each, and made it to the Czech Republic as well.
Note: Unlike the IHF, the European Handball Federation does not use the term Junior (or Youth) for its championship, but apply the age categories in official tournament names. Which leaves us with the awkward sounding name: Women's 19 European Championship. Anyhow, the tournament is for players aged 19 and under.
April 11, 2004
Lindemann: New Destination
Keeper Christine Lindemann is in the last stages of her long stay in Randers HK. The tall German has told Handball-World that she is leaving the club after the season.
Tine Lindemann has found a new destination, but does not wish to reveal it yet. Sönderjyske HK, which relies strongly on a Danish-German cooperation and has high ambitions for the future, has been brought up as a possibility. But with their relegation in mind it could be doubtful.
Regarded as one of the best keepers in the world in the mid to late '90s, Lindemann has almost 150 matches in the national team jersey to her name. She won bronze at the 1997 World Championship on home soil, and her previous clubs include the once mighty Walle Bremen.
Tine Lindemann, as she prefers to be called, arrived in Randers in 1999 at the supervision of Morten Arvidsson. Unfortunately, the sympathetic German contracted a serious case of mononucleosis, or kissing disease, which forced her into a 18-month break from handball.
Lindemann is a versatile sportswoman. In addition to being a top-notch beachhandballer, she's also a competent track and field athlete.
Tine Lindemann has found a new destination, but does not wish to reveal it yet. Sönderjyske HK, which relies strongly on a Danish-German cooperation and has high ambitions for the future, has been brought up as a possibility. But with their relegation in mind it could be doubtful.
Regarded as one of the best keepers in the world in the mid to late '90s, Lindemann has almost 150 matches in the national team jersey to her name. She won bronze at the 1997 World Championship on home soil, and her previous clubs include the once mighty Walle Bremen.
Tine Lindemann, as she prefers to be called, arrived in Randers in 1999 at the supervision of Morten Arvidsson. Unfortunately, the sympathetic German contracted a serious case of mononucleosis, or kissing disease, which forced her into a 18-month break from handball.
Lindemann is a versatile sportswoman. In addition to being a top-notch beachhandballer, she's also a competent track and field athlete.
Katja Nyberg Under Fire
The Norwegian club Byaasen does not not have the greatest relationship with Larvik. Before the season, the two clubs were involved in a transfer dispute over Vigdis Haarsaker.
The foes recently met in the league in Trondheim - a close-fought match which Larvik won 24-23. Now the club has released a short video from the match which shows a blunt tackle from Larvik star Katja Nyberg.
They call it an "Easter Quiz", asking their visitors how the offense should have been punished: Yellow card, two-minute suspension, or red card? Judge for yourselves.
Nyberg was given a two-minute suspension.
The foes recently met in the league in Trondheim - a close-fought match which Larvik won 24-23. Now the club has released a short video from the match which shows a blunt tackle from Larvik star Katja Nyberg.
They call it an "Easter Quiz", asking their visitors how the offense should have been punished: Yellow card, two-minute suspension, or red card? Judge for yourselves.
Nyberg was given a two-minute suspension.
France Double Up
France are in rampant form at the moment. An impressive 4,600 spectators watched on in Lyon as the world champions took out Serbia and Montenegro 32-25 (17-16) to seize a second win after the success on Friday.
France - Serbia and Montenegro 32-25 (17-16)
France: Korfanty 8, Fiossonangaye 5, Herbrecht 4, Wendling 4, Said Mohamed 3, Pexqueux 3, Tervel 3, Macra 2, Kanto 1.
SCG: Budimir 6, Batinic 4, Savic 4, Durovic 2, Popovic 1, Miladenovic 1, Krajnovic 1, Ognjenovic 1, Selmanovic 1.
Update: The first stated result, 33-24, was incorrect.
France - Serbia and Montenegro 32-25 (17-16)
France: Korfanty 8, Fiossonangaye 5, Herbrecht 4, Wendling 4, Said Mohamed 3, Pexqueux 3, Tervel 3, Macra 2, Kanto 1.
SCG: Budimir 6, Batinic 4, Savic 4, Durovic 2, Popovic 1, Miladenovic 1, Krajnovic 1, Ognjenovic 1, Selmanovic 1.
Update: The first stated result, 33-24, was incorrect.
Slagelse Solve Randers Puzzle
Things were back to normal when Slagelse FH clashed with Randers HK in the third and decisive semifinal on home ground.
After the embarrassing rout in Randers on Thursday, the reigning champions defeated Kjersti Grini's side an uncontested 34-28 (16-11) to move into the playoff final against Viborg.
Randers HK's hopes of upsetting Bojana Petrovic and Co. took a major blow after just 6 minutes of play when right back Steluta Luca was carried from court.
The Romanian came down heavily after being tackled midair by Anne Loft. According to early reports she was hurt in her pelvis region.
In an untidy first half, Slagelse showed a clear improvement on the first two encounters when Tanja Milanovic was allowed to run wild and score almost 30 goals.
This time Anja Freser had a close eye on the Serb as Anja Andersen effectively opted for an asymmetric 5-1 formation. In addition to the absence of Luca, this put a damper on the normally bursting offensive machine of Randers.
Within the last 10 minutes of the first half, Slagelse began to take advantage in the fastbreak phase and moved from 9-8 to 13-8.
Petrovic slammed in the last goal before the interval when she took off from 12-meter territory to pass Christine Lindemann.
Despite a pair of quality goals from left wing Laura Danielsen, Slagelse destroyed Randers' remaining dreams of a championship final with a 4-0 spell that put them ahead 21-13 after 38 minutes.
The home team had a buffer of 9 goals when Chao Zhai came to light, putting on one of her classic offensive shows that unfortunately have been rare lately.
Anja Freser and Stine Frank took turns scoring as Slagelse coasted to a comfortable win.
In fact, the dramatic highlight of the match was a sideline skirmish between Anja Andersen and Ausra Fridrikas. After a fine breakthrough goal from the Austrian, Anja apparently had some corrections to make.
But Fridrikas brushed off the coach and tried to escape to a different seat. Andersen pushed her down in her chair before the Lithuanian-born legend got up again and moved away from the heated exchange.
Slagelse FH - Randers HK 34-28 (16-11)
Slagelse: Bojana Petrovic 11 (2), Anja Freser 6, Camilla Andersen 5 (3), Stine Frank 4, Ausra Fridrikas 4, Maja Mitrovic 2, Mette Melgaard 2.
Randers: Chao Zhai 12 (4), Laura Danielsen 6, Tanja Milanovic 5 (4), Tatiana Silitch 2, Lene Tönnnesen 2, Kathrine Munch 1.
Suspensions: 3x2m, 5x2m.
Attendance: 1,412.
After the embarrassing rout in Randers on Thursday, the reigning champions defeated Kjersti Grini's side an uncontested 34-28 (16-11) to move into the playoff final against Viborg.
Randers HK's hopes of upsetting Bojana Petrovic and Co. took a major blow after just 6 minutes of play when right back Steluta Luca was carried from court.
The Romanian came down heavily after being tackled midair by Anne Loft. According to early reports she was hurt in her pelvis region.
In an untidy first half, Slagelse showed a clear improvement on the first two encounters when Tanja Milanovic was allowed to run wild and score almost 30 goals.
This time Anja Freser had a close eye on the Serb as Anja Andersen effectively opted for an asymmetric 5-1 formation. In addition to the absence of Luca, this put a damper on the normally bursting offensive machine of Randers.
Within the last 10 minutes of the first half, Slagelse began to take advantage in the fastbreak phase and moved from 9-8 to 13-8.
Petrovic slammed in the last goal before the interval when she took off from 12-meter territory to pass Christine Lindemann.
Despite a pair of quality goals from left wing Laura Danielsen, Slagelse destroyed Randers' remaining dreams of a championship final with a 4-0 spell that put them ahead 21-13 after 38 minutes.
The home team had a buffer of 9 goals when Chao Zhai came to light, putting on one of her classic offensive shows that unfortunately have been rare lately.
Anja Freser and Stine Frank took turns scoring as Slagelse coasted to a comfortable win.
In fact, the dramatic highlight of the match was a sideline skirmish between Anja Andersen and Ausra Fridrikas. After a fine breakthrough goal from the Austrian, Anja apparently had some corrections to make.
But Fridrikas brushed off the coach and tried to escape to a different seat. Andersen pushed her down in her chair before the Lithuanian-born legend got up again and moved away from the heated exchange.
Slagelse FH - Randers HK 34-28 (16-11)
Slagelse: Bojana Petrovic 11 (2), Anja Freser 6, Camilla Andersen 5 (3), Stine Frank 4, Ausra Fridrikas 4, Maja Mitrovic 2, Mette Melgaard 2.
Randers: Chao Zhai 12 (4), Laura Danielsen 6, Tanja Milanovic 5 (4), Tatiana Silitch 2, Lene Tönnnesen 2, Kathrine Munch 1.
Suspensions: 3x2m, 5x2m.
Attendance: 1,412.
April 10, 2004
France Accelerate Past Serbs
A terrific second half from France resulted in a 32-24 (10-12) trouncing of Serbia and Montenegro in the Olympic Hall of Albertville in the first of two test matches.
After a tentative first half for the French, the visitors were ahead 12-10. But in the second half the floodgates of the Serbian defense opened and the world champions slammed in 22 goals.
Domestic league stars Sophie Herbrecht and Myriam Korfanty combined to score 13 goals for France, while the forceful Ljiljana Knezevic lived up to her goalscoring reputation by netting 9 times - five of them from 7-meters.
France - Serbia and Montenegro 32-24 (10-12)
France: Herbrecht 7, Korfanty 6, Wendling 4, Pecqueux-Rolland 4, Baudoin 4, Jacques 3 (3), Fiossonangaye 1, Macra 1, Tervel 1, Castioni 1.
SCG: Knezevic 9 (5), Budimir 4. Djokic 3, Lojpur 2, Savic 2, Selmanovic 2, Batinic 1, Vilimonovic 1.
After a tentative first half for the French, the visitors were ahead 12-10. But in the second half the floodgates of the Serbian defense opened and the world champions slammed in 22 goals.
Domestic league stars Sophie Herbrecht and Myriam Korfanty combined to score 13 goals for France, while the forceful Ljiljana Knezevic lived up to her goalscoring reputation by netting 9 times - five of them from 7-meters.
France - Serbia and Montenegro 32-24 (10-12)
France: Herbrecht 7, Korfanty 6, Wendling 4, Pecqueux-Rolland 4, Baudoin 4, Jacques 3 (3), Fiossonangaye 1, Macra 1, Tervel 1, Castioni 1.
SCG: Knezevic 9 (5), Budimir 4. Djokic 3, Lojpur 2, Savic 2, Selmanovic 2, Batinic 1, Vilimonovic 1.
Draw Puts Ikast Out
It required another nervewrecking drama for Viborg HK to make the final of the Danish Championship. After an enticing duel against their grand Jutlandic rivals from Ikast-Bording EH, they survived the last attacking wave to grab a 30-30 (15-14) draw in Herning.
As Viborg won the first leg at home 23-22, they make the finals with three points against one. They will face either Slagelse or Randers, depending on the outcome on Sunday, for the title. If Slagelse go through, Viborg HK are secured entry into the last qualification round of the Champions League as a minimum.
After a season of turmoil with coaches going in and out, Ikast made a firm last imprint. Clearly encouraged by the strong showing in Viborg, the home team got off to a flying start. Even though Touray was denied a goal that clearly crossed the line via the crossbar, Narcisa Paunica could still put the home team in front 6-3 after ten minutes.
Viborg looked wobbly at this stage, but found a saviour in keeper prodigy Louise Bager Nörgaard (picture). Thanks to her saves on two penalty throws and a host of other shots, Viborg rebounded in the middle of the first half. Defensive ace Rikke Skov also contributed to the comeback for the greens with a couple of missiles.
As Ikast found themselves in a goal drought, Viborg could enjoy a 4-0 stint that put them in front 7-6. Ikast coach Ole Damgaard called a time-out almost solely dedicated to instructions on how to pass Louise Bager. But it took a while before it sunk in, and Viborg extended their advantage to three goals at 12-9.
At that point, Josephine Touray took matters in her own hands and fought herself past the powerful central defense of Viborg to score a brilliant solo goal. A resolved Narcisa Paunica and a much-improved Trine Jensen aided her cause and Ikast made it to half-time down just one goal, 14-15.
Viborg quickstarted the second half with goals from the wing duo of Mikkelsen and Mulder and looked to be autopiloting to the final. But despite a third missed penalty on Bager, Ikast managed to strike back with the strong support of 3,600 in their "second home arena", Messecenter Herning.
But it all seemed in vain as Saskia Mulder was in red-hot form. With her 5th goal on as many tries she put Viborg ahead 23-20. A rampant Paunica would have none of it, however, and took most of the responsibility as Ikast again clawed themselves back.
There was still Fruelund to contend with, however. The experienced left back scored two goals in a row for Viborg to give the visitors a 30-28 lead with 4 minutes to go. But once again Paunica showed her audacity by blasting in two big shots to tie the match at 30-30.
Her efforts did seem in vain as Kiärskou broke through to secure a 7-meter with 75 seconds to go. But Fruelund's shot was repelled by Ana Vojcic, and Ikast had more than a minute to get the desired win. But they were not able to penetrate the staunch Viborg defensive line and time ran out with only a desperate free throw as the last option. Not enough.
Ikast-Bording EH - Viborg HK 30-30 (14-15)
Ikast: Narcisa Paunica 10 (4), Trine Jensen 5, Tonje Kjärgaard 4, Josephine Touray 4, Sara Hansen 3, Gro Hammerseng 1, Isabel Blanco 1, Line Daugaard 1, Sanja Jovovic 1 (1).
Viborg: Katrine Fruelund 7, Olga Assink 5, Rikke Skov 5, Saskia Mulder 5, Henriette Mikkelsen 3, Natasja Burgers 3, Camilla Thorsen 1, Lotte Kiärskou 1.
Suspensions: 2x2m, 4x2m.
Attendance: 3,621.
As Viborg won the first leg at home 23-22, they make the finals with three points against one. They will face either Slagelse or Randers, depending on the outcome on Sunday, for the title. If Slagelse go through, Viborg HK are secured entry into the last qualification round of the Champions League as a minimum.
After a season of turmoil with coaches going in and out, Ikast made a firm last imprint. Clearly encouraged by the strong showing in Viborg, the home team got off to a flying start. Even though Touray was denied a goal that clearly crossed the line via the crossbar, Narcisa Paunica could still put the home team in front 6-3 after ten minutes.
Viborg looked wobbly at this stage, but found a saviour in keeper prodigy Louise Bager Nörgaard (picture). Thanks to her saves on two penalty throws and a host of other shots, Viborg rebounded in the middle of the first half. Defensive ace Rikke Skov also contributed to the comeback for the greens with a couple of missiles.
As Ikast found themselves in a goal drought, Viborg could enjoy a 4-0 stint that put them in front 7-6. Ikast coach Ole Damgaard called a time-out almost solely dedicated to instructions on how to pass Louise Bager. But it took a while before it sunk in, and Viborg extended their advantage to three goals at 12-9.
At that point, Josephine Touray took matters in her own hands and fought herself past the powerful central defense of Viborg to score a brilliant solo goal. A resolved Narcisa Paunica and a much-improved Trine Jensen aided her cause and Ikast made it to half-time down just one goal, 14-15.
Viborg quickstarted the second half with goals from the wing duo of Mikkelsen and Mulder and looked to be autopiloting to the final. But despite a third missed penalty on Bager, Ikast managed to strike back with the strong support of 3,600 in their "second home arena", Messecenter Herning.
But it all seemed in vain as Saskia Mulder was in red-hot form. With her 5th goal on as many tries she put Viborg ahead 23-20. A rampant Paunica would have none of it, however, and took most of the responsibility as Ikast again clawed themselves back.
There was still Fruelund to contend with, however. The experienced left back scored two goals in a row for Viborg to give the visitors a 30-28 lead with 4 minutes to go. But once again Paunica showed her audacity by blasting in two big shots to tie the match at 30-30.
Her efforts did seem in vain as Kiärskou broke through to secure a 7-meter with 75 seconds to go. But Fruelund's shot was repelled by Ana Vojcic, and Ikast had more than a minute to get the desired win. But they were not able to penetrate the staunch Viborg defensive line and time ran out with only a desperate free throw as the last option. Not enough.
Ikast-Bording EH - Viborg HK 30-30 (14-15)
Ikast: Narcisa Paunica 10 (4), Trine Jensen 5, Tonje Kjärgaard 4, Josephine Touray 4, Sara Hansen 3, Gro Hammerseng 1, Isabel Blanco 1, Line Daugaard 1, Sanja Jovovic 1 (1).
Viborg: Katrine Fruelund 7, Olga Assink 5, Rikke Skov 5, Saskia Mulder 5, Henriette Mikkelsen 3, Natasja Burgers 3, Camilla Thorsen 1, Lotte Kiärskou 1.
Suspensions: 2x2m, 4x2m.
Attendance: 3,621.
April 8, 2004
Slagelse Crushed in Randers
Randers HK forced Slagelse FH into a third and decisive semifinal clash on Sunday after beating the reigning champions a lopsided 35-26 (19-14) at home in Randershallen.
This is the first defeat for Slagelse against Danish opposition since a Cup quarterfinal against Ikast in early October of last year when they also took a heavy fall.
Slagelse will still be favoured to ditch Randers by the wayside in the third encounter on home ground in Antvorskovhallen. But Kjersti Grini's side must be bursting with confidence after turning the title favourites into a disorganized mess.
Dominant throughout the match, Tanja Milanovic did almost as she pleased against a shaky Slagelse defense and ended up with 14 goals on her account.
Even when the Serbian left back faltered on a penalty, she would pick up the rebound to score. A constant menace on right back, Steluta Luca also put the Slagelse defenders on their heels.
Captain Laura Danielsen gained revenge for her misfortunes in the first leg by consistently converting her shots from the left wing and on fastbreaks.
Keeper Christine Lindemann backed up her team with an array of saves, particularly in the second half when a panicking Slagelse side fired off shots almost at random.
For once, Bojana Petrovic played a genuinely bad match that she will soon want to forget. Right back Anja Freser looked out of sorts as well. Camilla Andersen registered a more respectable performance, but was never truly convinving.
The best Slagelse player was by far and way Ausra Fridrikas who was once again tossed on court by Anja Andersen around the ten minute mark to solve an acute offensive problem.
This time she initially replaced Petrovic on left back before being moved around further. The Austrian legend landed 5 goals prior to leaving the court with an injured ankle after 40 minutes of play.
Certainly a discomforting development for the Slagelse camp, but Randers coach Kjersti Grini also got a scare when Chao Zhai limped out with a similar affliction.
Slagelse started the match by going up 2-0, but it soon became clear that they had left their usual attacking tools outside the jampacked arena in Randers.
Kathrine Munch made a sneaky steal to put the home side up 6-3 after ten minutes. With Fridrikas on court, Slagelse rallied to within one goal, at 9-8 for Randers, but from then on Randers never looked back.
The Champions League semifinalists were bordering on the humiliating at the beginning of the second half when Randers raced from 19-14 to a devastating 25-16. Slagelse were not unlucky to escape with a 9-goal loss.
Randers HK - Slagelse FH 35-26 (19-14)
Randers: Tanja Milanovic 14 (5), Laura Danielsen 7, Steluta Luca 7, Annie Andersen 2, Kathrine Munch 2, Lene Tönnesen 2, Tatiana Silitch 1.
Slagelse: Camilla Andersen 7 (1), Ausra Fridrikas 5, Bojana Petrovic 5, Stine Frank 3, Mette Melgaard 3, Marie Höpfner 2, Anja Freser 1.
Suspensions: 2x2m, 2x2m.
Attendance: 3,209.
This is the first defeat for Slagelse against Danish opposition since a Cup quarterfinal against Ikast in early October of last year when they also took a heavy fall.
Slagelse will still be favoured to ditch Randers by the wayside in the third encounter on home ground in Antvorskovhallen. But Kjersti Grini's side must be bursting with confidence after turning the title favourites into a disorganized mess.
Dominant throughout the match, Tanja Milanovic did almost as she pleased against a shaky Slagelse defense and ended up with 14 goals on her account.
Even when the Serbian left back faltered on a penalty, she would pick up the rebound to score. A constant menace on right back, Steluta Luca also put the Slagelse defenders on their heels.
Captain Laura Danielsen gained revenge for her misfortunes in the first leg by consistently converting her shots from the left wing and on fastbreaks.
Keeper Christine Lindemann backed up her team with an array of saves, particularly in the second half when a panicking Slagelse side fired off shots almost at random.
For once, Bojana Petrovic played a genuinely bad match that she will soon want to forget. Right back Anja Freser looked out of sorts as well. Camilla Andersen registered a more respectable performance, but was never truly convinving.
The best Slagelse player was by far and way Ausra Fridrikas who was once again tossed on court by Anja Andersen around the ten minute mark to solve an acute offensive problem.
This time she initially replaced Petrovic on left back before being moved around further. The Austrian legend landed 5 goals prior to leaving the court with an injured ankle after 40 minutes of play.
Certainly a discomforting development for the Slagelse camp, but Randers coach Kjersti Grini also got a scare when Chao Zhai limped out with a similar affliction.
Slagelse started the match by going up 2-0, but it soon became clear that they had left their usual attacking tools outside the jampacked arena in Randers.
Kathrine Munch made a sneaky steal to put the home side up 6-3 after ten minutes. With Fridrikas on court, Slagelse rallied to within one goal, at 9-8 for Randers, but from then on Randers never looked back.
The Champions League semifinalists were bordering on the humiliating at the beginning of the second half when Randers raced from 19-14 to a devastating 25-16. Slagelse were not unlucky to escape with a 9-goal loss.
Randers HK - Slagelse FH 35-26 (19-14)
Randers: Tanja Milanovic 14 (5), Laura Danielsen 7, Steluta Luca 7, Annie Andersen 2, Kathrine Munch 2, Lene Tönnesen 2, Tatiana Silitch 1.
Slagelse: Camilla Andersen 7 (1), Ausra Fridrikas 5, Bojana Petrovic 5, Stine Frank 3, Mette Melgaard 3, Marie Höpfner 2, Anja Freser 1.
Suspensions: 2x2m, 2x2m.
Attendance: 3,209.
Serbian Selection
The coach of Serbia and Montenegro, Zoran Ivic, has announced his selection for the two tests against the French world champions. The first match is played tomorrow in the Olympic Hall of Albertville, while the second is staged in Lyon on Sunday.
Keepers: Sladjana Djeric (Knjaz Milos), Jelena Savkovic (DIN)
Wings: Jelena Popovic (Medicinar), Maja Savic (Buducnost), Aleksandra Djurovic (Buducnost), Svetlana Ognjenovic (JP Radnicki)
Backs: Aida Selmanovic (DIN), Dragica Vilimonovic (Knjaz Milos), Bolgarka Vamoc (Buducnost), Ljiljana Knezevic (Buducnost), Andrijana Budimir (Podravka), Ana Batinic (Ikast), Katarina Bulatovic (Hjumel Rosa), Dragana Krajnovic (Var-handball)
Pivots: Ivana Mladenovic (DIN), Maja Lojpur (JP Radnicki).
If anyone is surprised to see Ana Batinic' name in the mix, the reason is simple. She is not allowed to represent Ikast-Bording in the Danish league because of the circumstances surrounding her transfer. But she is free to play in the Cup Winner's Cup.
Bojana Petrovic is obviously occupied elsewhere as Slagelse play Randers today in the second - and perhaps decisive - semifinal playoff match.
The French team, which is exclusively domestic, looks like this:
Keepers: Joanne Dudziak (HBC Nîmes), Joanna Bouveret (Toulon)
Field: Stephanie Fiossonangaye, Véronique Pecqueux Rolland, Myriame Said Mohmaed, Sophie Herbrecht, Alexandra Castioni, Raphaelle Tervel (all Besancon), Estelle Vogein, Melinda Jacques, Nina Kanto, Isabelle Wendling (all Metz), Nathalie Macra (Nîmes), Marie Vautherot (Bègles), Myriam Korfanty (Mios), Paule Baudoin (Le Havre).
Keepers: Sladjana Djeric (Knjaz Milos), Jelena Savkovic (DIN)
Wings: Jelena Popovic (Medicinar), Maja Savic (Buducnost), Aleksandra Djurovic (Buducnost), Svetlana Ognjenovic (JP Radnicki)
Backs: Aida Selmanovic (DIN), Dragica Vilimonovic (Knjaz Milos), Bolgarka Vamoc (Buducnost), Ljiljana Knezevic (Buducnost), Andrijana Budimir (Podravka), Ana Batinic (Ikast), Katarina Bulatovic (Hjumel Rosa), Dragana Krajnovic (Var-handball)
Pivots: Ivana Mladenovic (DIN), Maja Lojpur (JP Radnicki).
If anyone is surprised to see Ana Batinic' name in the mix, the reason is simple. She is not allowed to represent Ikast-Bording in the Danish league because of the circumstances surrounding her transfer. But she is free to play in the Cup Winner's Cup.
Bojana Petrovic is obviously occupied elsewhere as Slagelse play Randers today in the second - and perhaps decisive - semifinal playoff match.
The French team, which is exclusively domestic, looks like this:
Keepers: Joanne Dudziak (HBC Nîmes), Joanna Bouveret (Toulon)
Field: Stephanie Fiossonangaye, Véronique Pecqueux Rolland, Myriame Said Mohmaed, Sophie Herbrecht, Alexandra Castioni, Raphaelle Tervel (all Besancon), Estelle Vogein, Melinda Jacques, Nina Kanto, Isabelle Wendling (all Metz), Nathalie Macra (Nîmes), Marie Vautherot (Bègles), Myriam Korfanty (Mios), Paule Baudoin (Le Havre).
China and Romania: Strong
Romania hosted two Four-Nation tournaments last week where China, Azerbaijan, and the Ukraine were invited. In the first of the tournaments, which was played in Sighisoara, China proved that they shouldn't be underestimated in Athens by upsetting the hosts 30-25.
The Romanians struck back in the weekend by winning 29-28 in Cluj. Ukraine were a huge disappointment and couldn't even cope with Azerbaijan. But as in the case of Romania, their squad was not the strongest as the legionnaires were missing.
"Cetatea Sighisoara"
Romania - Azerbaijan 35-24 (19-13)
Romania: Valentina Elisai 8, Elena Avadanei 6, Mihaela Senocico 4, Ana Maria Lazer 4, Cristina Mihai 3, Ramona Vaduva 2, Georgeta Virtic 2, Ramona Farcau 1, Roxana Gatzel 1, Oana Manea 1, Adina Meirosu 1, Aurelia Bradeanu 1, Mihaela Urcan 1.
China - Romania 30-25 (13-11)
Romania: Mihaela Senocico 8, Aurelia Bradeanu 3, Elena Avadanei 3, Roxana Gatzel 2, Cristina Mihai 2, Valentina Elisei 2, Georgeta Virtic 1, Ana Maria Lazer 1, Adina Meirosu 1, Ramona Farcau 1.
Romania - Ukraine 31-22 (14-12)
Romania: Elena Avadanei 8, Mihaela Senocico 5, Adina Meirosu 5, Roxana Gatzel 4, Georgeta Virtic 4, Cristina Mihai 2, Ramona Vaduva 2, Aurelia Bradeanu 1.
"Trofeul Feleac"
Romania - Azerbaijan 41-26 (22-11)
Romania: Valentina Elisei 8, Elena Avadanei 7, Mihaela Senocico 6, Mihaela Urcan 5, Cristina Mihai 3, Ramona Farcau 3, Roxana Gatzel 3, Adina Meirosu 3, Ana Maria Lazer 1, Ramona Vaduva 1, Oana Manea 1.
China - Ukraine 29-24 (14-12)
Romania - China 29-28 (16-14)
Romania: Mihaela Senocico 8, Valentina Elisei 5, Elena Avadanei 5, Adina Meirosu 4, Aurelia Bradeanu 3, Cristina Mihai 2, Georgeta Virtic 2.
Azerbaijan - Ukraine 29-24 (16-14)
Romania - Ukraine 42-30 (19-13)
Romania: Mihaela Senocico 9, Ramona Farcau 5, Roxana Gatzel 4, Valentina Elisei 4, Ramona Vaduva 4, Adina Meirosu 3, Aurealia Bradeanu 3, Cristina Mihai 3, Ana Maria Lazer 2, Mihaela Urcan 2, Georgeta Virtic 1, Oana Manea 1, Elena Avadanei 1.
China - Azerbaijan 40-31 (19-11)
The Romanians struck back in the weekend by winning 29-28 in Cluj. Ukraine were a huge disappointment and couldn't even cope with Azerbaijan. But as in the case of Romania, their squad was not the strongest as the legionnaires were missing.
"Cetatea Sighisoara"
Romania - Azerbaijan 35-24 (19-13)
Romania: Valentina Elisai 8, Elena Avadanei 6, Mihaela Senocico 4, Ana Maria Lazer 4, Cristina Mihai 3, Ramona Vaduva 2, Georgeta Virtic 2, Ramona Farcau 1, Roxana Gatzel 1, Oana Manea 1, Adina Meirosu 1, Aurelia Bradeanu 1, Mihaela Urcan 1.
China - Romania 30-25 (13-11)
Romania: Mihaela Senocico 8, Aurelia Bradeanu 3, Elena Avadanei 3, Roxana Gatzel 2, Cristina Mihai 2, Valentina Elisei 2, Georgeta Virtic 1, Ana Maria Lazer 1, Adina Meirosu 1, Ramona Farcau 1.
Romania - Ukraine 31-22 (14-12)
Romania: Elena Avadanei 8, Mihaela Senocico 5, Adina Meirosu 5, Roxana Gatzel 4, Georgeta Virtic 4, Cristina Mihai 2, Ramona Vaduva 2, Aurelia Bradeanu 1.
"Trofeul Feleac"
Romania - Azerbaijan 41-26 (22-11)
Romania: Valentina Elisei 8, Elena Avadanei 7, Mihaela Senocico 6, Mihaela Urcan 5, Cristina Mihai 3, Ramona Farcau 3, Roxana Gatzel 3, Adina Meirosu 3, Ana Maria Lazer 1, Ramona Vaduva 1, Oana Manea 1.
China - Ukraine 29-24 (14-12)
Romania - China 29-28 (16-14)
Romania: Mihaela Senocico 8, Valentina Elisei 5, Elena Avadanei 5, Adina Meirosu 4, Aurelia Bradeanu 3, Cristina Mihai 2, Georgeta Virtic 2.
Azerbaijan - Ukraine 29-24 (16-14)
Romania - Ukraine 42-30 (19-13)
Romania: Mihaela Senocico 9, Ramona Farcau 5, Roxana Gatzel 4, Valentina Elisei 4, Ramona Vaduva 4, Adina Meirosu 3, Aurealia Bradeanu 3, Cristina Mihai 3, Ana Maria Lazer 2, Mihaela Urcan 2, Georgeta Virtic 1, Oana Manea 1, Elena Avadanei 1.
China - Azerbaijan 40-31 (19-11)
April 7, 2004
Naoukovitch Leaves Lada for Podravka
Podravka Vegeta announced today that it has signed a two-year contract with Lada Togliatti's backcourt bomber Marina Naoukovitch.Podravka recently received a setback as Marija Culjak was sidelined with a grave knee injury, and it's expected that an undisclosed number of players will leave the club after the season. Reinforcements for the accomplished Koprivnica club were therefore expected.
The main claim to fame of the 24-year-old Naoukovitch in the Russian national jersey was her dazzling 16 goals against Hungary at the European Championship in 2002. In Croatia, she spent the better part of the tournament on the bench, but did net 11 goals.
She is somewhere between 186 and 189cm tall, depending on the source, and only recently switched from Akva Volgograd to Lada Togliatti.
The Russian champions Lada Togliatti will undergo major changes for next season. The robust pivot Oxana Romenskaya is expected to retire, according to Handnews' sources.
It has been a public secret for a long time that left back Anna Kareeva is headed to GOG in the Danish league. And she takes with her keeper Inna Souslina. They are both 2001 world champions.
The injured Irina Poltoratskya abandoned Lada Togliatti earlier in the season to hook up with Slagelse.
Leipzig Let Go of Nowak
Leipzig head coach Maik Nowak has been relieved of his duties with immediate effect. The club's decision to sack Nowak was reached at a board meeting Tuesday evening.
Currently lying third in the Bundesliga, the ambitious HC Leipzig side has had an disappointing season. With the reappearence of their former protagonist Grit Jurack, they were the odds-on favourites for the championship.
But their title aspirations were crushed by the Urbanke-Rösicke connection of Frankfurter HC, against whom Leipzig lost both matches this season. But those two defeats were merely a confirmation of a generally lackluster season as the self-declared "Title Hunters" dropped points left and right.
The most recent setback came in the 18th round when they were downed by Borussia Dortmund. This loss put their hopes of finishing in second place in even greater jeopardy. They will probably need to count on the help of Frankfurt/Oder if they are to pass 1. FC Nürnberg when the two team meet in the last round.
According to Handball-World, assistant coach "Joschi" Holz takes charge of the team for the rest of the season. His firsk task is a postponed match from round 16 against lowly Buntekuh Lübeck.
More: HBVF.
Currently lying third in the Bundesliga, the ambitious HC Leipzig side has had an disappointing season. With the reappearence of their former protagonist Grit Jurack, they were the odds-on favourites for the championship.
But their title aspirations were crushed by the Urbanke-Rösicke connection of Frankfurter HC, against whom Leipzig lost both matches this season. But those two defeats were merely a confirmation of a generally lackluster season as the self-declared "Title Hunters" dropped points left and right.
The most recent setback came in the 18th round when they were downed by Borussia Dortmund. This loss put their hopes of finishing in second place in even greater jeopardy. They will probably need to count on the help of Frankfurt/Oder if they are to pass 1. FC Nürnberg when the two team meet in the last round.
According to Handball-World, assistant coach "Joschi" Holz takes charge of the team for the rest of the season. His firsk task is a postponed match from round 16 against lowly Buntekuh Lübeck.
More: HBVF.
Macedonia: Next Stage
The Macedonian Championship has reached the second stage, a round-robin involving six clubs which will settle the eventual playoff pairings.
The Gjorche Petrov clubs, Kometal and Eurostandard, have built massive leads after the regular season and will start with 6 and 5 points respectively. Kometal Skopje are 22-0 with a 898-290 goal score in the regular season. Which means they have allowed less than 14 goals on average per match.
Olena Radchenko of Kometal Skopje leads the top scoring list with 177 goals. The Macedonian powerhouse also took home their 11th national Cup title recently - by mashing Tutunski Prilep 33-13.
Link: Kometal Fans.
The Gjorche Petrov clubs, Kometal and Eurostandard, have built massive leads after the regular season and will start with 6 and 5 points respectively. Kometal Skopje are 22-0 with a 898-290 goal score in the regular season. Which means they have allowed less than 14 goals on average per match.
Olena Radchenko of Kometal Skopje leads the top scoring list with 177 goals. The Macedonian powerhouse also took home their 11th national Cup title recently - by mashing Tutunski Prilep 33-13.
Link: Kometal Fans.
Danish Cup: Early Stages
The Danish Cup final isn't played until late December, but the tournament has been in full swing for a while. As most of the the lesser teams have been sorted out, we are nearing the Round of 16.
Which means that the big clubs are not only appearing, they are facing each other. GOG and FCK Handball clashed on Sunday in Gudme. GOG ousted the Copenhagen visitors 30-25 (13-13). Horsens also came through, but only defeated Tvis Holstebro, a top side from Division 1, 29-27 after extra time.
Aalborg DH and Randers HK are scheduled to collide next week, but Aalborg are looking to get the match postponed "because our players are on vacation on that date", it says on their web site.
Which means that the big clubs are not only appearing, they are facing each other. GOG and FCK Handball clashed on Sunday in Gudme. GOG ousted the Copenhagen visitors 30-25 (13-13). Horsens also came through, but only defeated Tvis Holstebro, a top side from Division 1, 29-27 after extra time.
Aalborg DH and Randers HK are scheduled to collide next week, but Aalborg are looking to get the match postponed "because our players are on vacation on that date", it says on their web site.
April 6, 2004
Say it with Pictures
Visual handball candy galore: My favourite photographer from Magyarország captured the Final Four of the Hungarian Cup with his Canon tool. Check the left top column at FTC Handball for three galleries from Gyõr.
Cool pic(k)s: Tóth rounds Jókai, Rábai feels the squeeze, Floor inspection, Air Görbe, Catch this.
Rosenkilde brought his photo gear to the Viborg-Ikast clash yesterday and is in the process of uploading the galleries.
Not much new on Picturesport, in fact nothing new relating to handball. It seems to have completely emerged itself into Drugs 'R Us, aka professional cycling. I still watch it, though. Winning one of the Five Monuments, like Ronde van Vlaanderen or Paris-Roubaix, is an amazing feat that any one who has ever ridden a bicycle must respect.
There's a scent of purity about the great classics that I don't find in the major tours any longer. I have a particular weakness for the great Flemish riders. Props to Rik van Looy, Eddy Merckx and Roger De Vlaeminck who are the only cyclists to win all Five Monuments.
Recommended viewing and reading.
And what does this have to do with handball you might ask. Well, I'll tell you. Ikast-Bording EH, in fact just a few days ago, promoted Alex Pedersen to managing director (or CEO if you like - but that's perhaps a somehwat overblown title for a business operation the size of a handball club).
Alex Pedersen won the Amateur World Championship on Road in Palermo in 1994, taking over the title from a certain Jan Ullrich who won the year before. This race was later succeeded by the U23. And perhaps rightly so. Pedersen was in fact a former pro when he took the world title.
Cool pic(k)s: Tóth rounds Jókai, Rábai feels the squeeze, Floor inspection, Air Görbe, Catch this.
Rosenkilde brought his photo gear to the Viborg-Ikast clash yesterday and is in the process of uploading the galleries.
Not much new on Picturesport, in fact nothing new relating to handball. It seems to have completely emerged itself into Drugs 'R Us, aka professional cycling. I still watch it, though. Winning one of the Five Monuments, like Ronde van Vlaanderen or Paris-Roubaix, is an amazing feat that any one who has ever ridden a bicycle must respect.
There's a scent of purity about the great classics that I don't find in the major tours any longer. I have a particular weakness for the great Flemish riders. Props to Rik van Looy, Eddy Merckx and Roger De Vlaeminck who are the only cyclists to win all Five Monuments.
Recommended viewing and reading.
And what does this have to do with handball you might ask. Well, I'll tell you. Ikast-Bording EH, in fact just a few days ago, promoted Alex Pedersen to managing director (or CEO if you like - but that's perhaps a somehwat overblown title for a business operation the size of a handball club).
Alex Pedersen won the Amateur World Championship on Road in Palermo in 1994, taking over the title from a certain Jan Ullrich who won the year before. This race was later succeeded by the U23. And perhaps rightly so. Pedersen was in fact a former pro when he took the world title.
April 5, 2004
Viborg Leave it Late
Olga Assink hit the decider four seconds from time to give Viborg HK two crucial points in the first Danish championship semifinal against Ikast. After the 23-22 (10-13) victory for the home side in Viborg Stadionhal, Ikast must now win on Friday to force a third encounter.The Ikast camp was understandably upset. A draw would have made a world of difference, and they looked to be getting at least that when Narcisa Paunica converted a penalty throw to put Ikast up 22-21 with little over a minute and a half to go.
But the Viborg complex once gain held true. Ikast still haven't won in Viborg for more than 5 years, and they have now been upended four times in as many matches against the "Green Wave" this season.
Left wing Camilla Thorsen tied the match at 22-all with a minute to go. Ikast then had the chance to go in front again, but Trine Jensen's undetermined shot was in line with her general performance.
Viborg took a time-out with 19 seconds remaining to arrange the last attack. Ikast coach Ole Damgaard showed some bad judgment on this occasion as he was more busy instructing his team what to do in the case of a final fastbreak rather than putting the defense in place.
Olga Assink was given far too much space, and Lotte Kiärskou could feed her an exquisite pass at just the right moment. Clearly a specialty designed for grand moments like this. And one wonders if Ikast ought not to have tried a more aggressive defense by chasing the ball to slow Viborg down and upset their plans. Possibly provoking a free throw in the process.
The first half was all about Touray. The Ikast defense held tight, and the speedy right wing enjoyed a number of fastbreaks. Touray ended up scoring 6 goals in the first half.
Viborg took a lot of time getting into their attacking rhythm, with only Lejeune genuinely troubling Karin Mortensen. As a result, Ikast could compile a 13-10 lead at the interval.
But in the continued absence of Kristine Andersen, their backcourt wasn't working as it should. Neither Hammerseng, Paunica, nor Jensen were much of a threat.
These problems began taking a toll in the second half and despite Sara Hansen extending the Ikast lead to 4 goals, Viborg pulled themselves back in no time.
Natasja Burgers, seasonal All Star on right back, was the main architecht of a 6-1 run for the home side. Both by scoring three of the goals herself and cleverly threading the ball through to Assink in a Dutch collaboration.
With Viborg suddenly ahead 16-15, the usual pattern began to emerge and the victory almost seemed inevitable. But Ikast kept their heads high and refused to let go of the match. And as Katrine Fruelund had little to contribute with on left back in the second half, while Burgers suffered a minor injury, the Viborg attack looked increasingly shaky.
But that's when Louise Bager Nörgaard saved the day. The Viborg keeper replaced Valerie Nicolas - who had also done well - with 8 minutes to go. And she made a strong mark on the finale of the match with three huge saves on open chances from Daugaard and Touray.
Viborg HK - Ikast-Bording 23-22 (10-13)
Viborg: Olga Assink 6, Natasja Burgers 5, Henriette Mikkelsen 4, Leila Lejeune 3, Lotte Kiärskou 3, Camilla Thorsen 2.
Ikast-Bording: Josephine Touray 8, Tonje Kjärgaard 3, Narcisa Paunica 3 (3), Sara Hansen 2, Line Daugaard 2, Gro Hammerseng 2 (1), Sanja Jovovic 1, Trine Jensen 1.
Suspensions: 1x2m, 2x2m.
Attendance: 2,321.
April 4, 2004
Norway: Quarterfinals in Place
Vaag Vipers fell 33-30 at home to Tertnes in the last outing of the main round for the Norwegian Championship. The win propelled Tertnes past Vipers to grab third place in the table.
This hands them an easier opponent in the quaterfinal playoffs. Namely Sola. Fourthplaced Vipers will have to get past Byaasen who finished fifth.
Larvik capped off the main round with a 33-25 victory at home against Nordstrand to maintain their umblemished record. The champions go up against Gjerpen in what promises to be a one-sided slaughter.
Quarterfinal schedule:
Larvik - Gjerpen
Nordstrand - Selbu
Tertnes - Sola
Vaag - Byaasen
First leg on April 14, second on April 21.
This hands them an easier opponent in the quaterfinal playoffs. Namely Sola. Fourthplaced Vipers will have to get past Byaasen who finished fifth.
Larvik capped off the main round with a 33-25 victory at home against Nordstrand to maintain their umblemished record. The champions go up against Gjerpen in what promises to be a one-sided slaughter.
Quarterfinal schedule:
Larvik - Gjerpen
Nordstrand - Selbu
Tertnes - Sola
Vaag - Byaasen
First leg on April 14, second on April 21.
Germany Win Riesa
Germany won the four-nation tournament in Riesa on superior goal score after drawing the runners-up from Russia 29-29 (14-12) in the last round on Sunday.
With her 7th goal, Susanne Henze scored the equalizer in the last minute for the Germans, Handball-World reports. One fewer than the home team's top scorer, Grit Jurack, who came away with 8 goals.
Lithuania finished third after beating Portugal 30-23
With her 7th goal, Susanne Henze scored the equalizer in the last minute for the Germans, Handball-World reports. One fewer than the home team's top scorer, Grit Jurack, who came away with 8 goals.
Lithuania finished third after beating Portugal 30-23