Holmris calls Slovenian double-header 'tough task'

Jesper Holmris, head coach of Switzerland's women's national team, has nominated a squad of 15 players for the upcoming Women's EHF EURO 2014 Qualification double-header against Slovenia on 27 and 30 March.

Very likely celebrating her international debut will be 21-year-old Helen Moser, who has been nominated for the first time. The line player is currently the top scorer of surprise package DHB Rotweiss Thun in the Swiss national league.

Switzerland were drawn to a tough Qualification Group 5 alongside World Championship 2013 silver medallists, Serbia, Sweden and Slovenia. They lost their two encounters so far, the first one 21:32 away to Serbia, the second one 22:30 at home to Sweden.

"If you look at it altogether, we weren't satisfied at all with the first half against Serbia. But what followed were three halves which were really very good," says Holmris.

"In the first 30 minutes against Sweden we actually played close to our best. And that's where we have to start again."

Holmris has to find a replacement for Ariane Geissmann who tore her cruciate ligament in a tournament in December 2013. Furthermore Celia Schneider and Jessica Wenger are not available for the Slovenia matches.

"This will definitely be a difficult task, in particular because Slovenia to the surprise of many beat Serbia (31:26 in October) and showed their class on the international level many a times," says Holmris.

"However, I don't think Slovenia are as strong as our two other opponents in this group.

"Another point worth mentioning is that they know us quite well as they are coached by Marta Bon, the former Swiss head coach." 

The first part of the double-header will throw off on 27 March at 20:00 hrs local time in Stafä, Switzerland. The reverse fixture takes place at 30 March in Slovenia's capital Ljubljana at 17:30 hrs local time.