Step by step

With a gradual improvement in the performance, the team of Zdravko Zovko will continue the fight for the first two places in “group of death”.

The missed 7-meter shot in the last minute in Larvik was not the only bad thing that happened to Podravka Vegeta. In 41st minute wing player, Maja Zebic, was hit in the head and she was taken to hospital immediately. Most likely she suffered broke her nose, which means that she will not be ready to play against Oltchim on Saturday.

Larvik shows the improvement

Despite all the bad luck, improvement in the game of Podravka is evident. Larvik are good example of that. Not so long ago, the Croatian champions would not have a chance against Larvik.

In the Cup Winners’ Cup finals of 2005 Larvik defeated Podravka by 31:26 and 37:27. In the group matches of the 2006/07 CL Larvik defeated Podravka by 36:28 and 32:27. After that Zdravko Zovko arrived and Podravka has been improving.

In the semi-finals of the Cup Winners’ Cup last season, Podravka managed to defeat Larvik in Koprivnica by 29:27. Return match in Larvik ended with a 33:30 and Larvik qualified for the finals despite Podravka had a chance to score in the very last second of the match.

Last weekend in Larvik the Croatians were even closer. Podravka had a chance to equalise, but Rantala stopped the shot of Pasicnik in the very last second of the match and Larvik won 27:26.

Positive Zovko

Although Podravka were very close to take a point from Larvik, Zovko was not disappointed with his teams’ performance:

“I can't say anything to my girls. I can only encourage them to continue playing with the same motivation and desire, because next weekend we will face another tough opponent, Oltchim Valcea. It will also be very hard.”

Podravka Vegeta and Oltchim will meet in Koprivnica on Saturday at 16:00. The referees will be Valentyn Vakula and Aleksandr Liudovyk from the Ukraine. Ehftv.com, HTV 2 and Sport.ro will show the match live.