We alone decide our fate, Razgor says

The month of March was not particularly kind to Slovenian male teams in European cups. The worst case scenario sees the country on the sunny  side of the Alps without a single club still in contention. The team with the best starting-point is — curiously — Maribor Branik who will try to retain their No. 1 position in Group C of the EHF Cup. The last hurdle before the end of the group phase is awaiting them in Norway in the form of Elverum Handball.

One of those who will attempt to overcome this last obstacle is Simon Razgor, the 27-year old left wing and with 52 goals one of the "Violets" most  prolific scorers in this campaign.

eurohandball.com: This is your third European season with the club. How are you feeling in Maribor?

Simon Razgor: I am getting more and more used to this town. I have been playing here for the last six seasons. Even though I have started my career in Celje, I have grown and made my name here. I am grateful to the club for this opportunity.

eurohandball.com: As far as things stand, Maribor could very well be the last male Slovenian representative in Europe come April. What are your thoughts on this?

Simon Razgor: We have to retain pole position in the group to avoid any unpleasant surprises. I think we are capable of doing that and we will of course gun for another victory in Norway. We alone decide our fate. That said, I wish the rest of our teams all the best.

eurohandball.com: Are there any injury worries in your team?

Simon Razgor: Not really. As usual there are a few knocks and bruises but nothing drastic.

eurohandball.com: You have already played against Elverum and have won 34:29. What are you expecting this time around?

Simon Razgor: Our opponents are a typical Scandinavian outfit. They have some good players. Line players Gullerud and the Dutchman Sluijters come to mind. We certainly do not think that this will be an easy encounter. They are a different team when they play at home, they are much more solid. Holsterbro and Wisła can attest to that.

eurohandball.com: You have a very good chance for the quarter-finals. Do you maybe have a preference as to who the next opponent might be?

Simon Razgor: First thing's first - we have a match to win in Norway. But in any case the next round will be extremely tough. There are a lot of German and Danish teams lurking around the corner.

eurohandball.com: But it would be something special to play in the finals in Nantes, wouldn't it?

Of course. In the past we were able to overcome Celje, Koper, Gorenje even, so we have what it takes. On the right day, anything is possible.

Photo: Boštjan Selinšek