Mocsai: Our goal is victory

One of the highlights of the upcoming EHF EURO 2014 qualifying period will certainly be the doubleheader between Hungary and Croatia. 

The teams meet in Veszprém on 4 April, then two days later, they face each other once again in Zagreb.

“On 4 April, the match will be a very special evening for us, since the Hungarian Federation celebrates the 80th anniversary of its foundation in 2013 and the match against Croatia will be a part of the celebrations.”

“I have been working as a coach in handball for thirty years, naturally, this anniversary means also a lot to me personally,” says Lajos Mocsai, head coach of Hungary.

Hungary had a good start in the qualification, with a comfortable victory against Latvia, and followed it with two more points after an exciting match in Slovakia.

After two rounds, Hungary lead the group with four points alongside Croatia and both teams have a great chance to qualify for the final tournament in Denmark next January.

“After a good start, our main goal is victory against Croatia in Veszprém in this special occasion.

“With one more victory, we would get to an excellent position in Group 4.

“However, no one can forget that Croatia are the favourites for the game in Veszprém. Slavko Goluza has a very strong team with many young players.

“The Croatians built many newcomers in their team, and they remained very successful in 2012 and also reached the podium at the World Championships this January.”

Hungary will play in Veszprém without Gergő Iváncsik who asked for one year rest in the national team.

Máté Lékai, the playmaker of Slovenian club Celje Pivovarna Lasko has a finger injury, but Croatia will miss Ivan Cupic against the Hungarians.

“We are very motivated and we are focusing on these matches,” emphasizes Mocsai.

“Fortunately, Ferenc Ilyés will be with us again after his operation, which means that we will have more possibilities in defence.

“We are waiting for a big challenge and great matches, which will be real handball festivals in Veszprém and in Zagreb.

“I hope that my players will join the national team after a good regeneration week as the Last 16 of the Champions League ended last weekend. After our defeats against Croatia in the Olympic Games and the World Championship, it is high time to win.”