Hamburg take group lead

It should have been a perfect setting. After the 32:30 (20:14) success against SG Flensburg-Handewitt, the HSV Hamburg players joined the celebration of their fans. “What a pity,” thought HSV coach Martin Schwalb when watching it. “If only we could have held on the point that we earned in Zagreb, it would be all clear now.” Now the decision will fall on the last round.

The team of the Hansiatic city played a match in front of 12.821 fans in the Color Line Arena that was full of ups and downs.

At the beginning the Flensburg had a very effective 3:3 defence. Within seven minutes HSV got away from 10:9 (19th minute) to 19:11 (26t min.).

“The goals were coming almost every second,” flicked HSV coach Martin Schwalb with his tongue. SG coach, Kent-Harry Andersson, would have tried to send in Ljubomir Vranjes to calm their backcourt line down. However, the Swedish had back pains. “He gave 100% in Lemgo,” said the coach, “today it was not possible.”

Flensburg got themselves together once again as HSV slowed down.

“We never gave it up and fought all the way,” said the right winger Torge Johannsen. The guests came back to 17:20 (34th minute) and also to 24:25 (48th minute). Then Michael Knudsen got his third suspension and had to quit the game. “He cannot be substituted. At the moment, he is just as important for us as Karabatic is for Kiel.”

Hamburg restored the difference (29:25 in the 52nd minute) and kept the advantage until the finishing line.