Special award for Palcic

Eurohandball.com talks to Bozica Palcic, one of the most experienced players in the CL this season. The Croatian pivot was part of Podravka winning the CL title back in 1996. After 13 years she believes that Podravka are ready for new successes.

The 36-year old pivot played for Podravka Vegeta in her entire carrier. In 1996 she won the CL title and the Super Cup. In addition, she played one more CL final, two EHF Cup finals and a Cup Winners’ Cup final. She collected 13 Croatian Championship titles and another 13 Croatian Cup trophies. Palcic recently received the medal of Koprivnica to crown her carrier.

Eurohandball.com: You started very well by defeating Lada in Koprivnica by 30:27. How do you remember that game?

Bozica Palcic:When I saw our group for the first time I knew that it would be very difficult with all four teams on high level. Nevertheless, I was very optimistic before the match with Lada. I said that we would win by five to eight goals. My prognosis did not entirely come true, but we won and this is the most important.

My team played very nervously because it was our first match this season, but as I said only the two points matter.

Eurohandball.com: The next opponent will be Larvik. Podravka played many matches against the Norwegian champions, so you know them very well. What will be your recipe for the game on Saturday?

Bozica Palcic: I think time has come for us to defeat Larvik. Last season we played against Larvik in the semi-final of the Cup Winners’ Cup and they went on with a single goal. To defeat Larvik you need to have a great defence and not to allow them to play on high speed. I’m optimistic once again.

Eurohandball.com: With your enormous CL experience, what do you expect from Podravka this season?

Bozica Palcic: I think Podravka have a good team this season and also a good coach. With Zdravko Zovko Podravka can go to the next round.

Eurohandball.com: You planned to end your handball carrier many times, but it seems that Podravka can't live without you?

Bozica Palcic: At the end of last season I decided to stop playing. Coach Zovko asked me to stay until the end of 2008 and help. So these are my last matches for Podravka. I’m here only to help out.

Eurohandball.com: This week you received the medal of Koprivnica. This is the highest award of your home town – grateful for all your goals and trophies in Podravka Vegeta and in the national team.

Bozica Palcic: I can only say that handball is my life. And I think I said it all with this.

During my carrier I received many rewards, but this is very special for me. This medal comes from my own city where I was born, where I grew up and where I worked for many years. It is a great feeling to be recognised by your own neighbours and fellow citizens. This is like a crown on my carrier.