Despite two defeats, Portugal keep their heads high

Since the qualification draw for the Women’s EHF EURO 2014  took place back in May 2013, Portuguese head coach, Joao Florencio, knew how difficult it would be for his team to progress from Group 3 to which his team had been drawn alongside Poland, Czech Republic and Montenegro.

Nowadays, after Portugal conceded defeats in the two games against Montenegro and Czech Republic, his predictions have proved to be completely right.

"We knew it would be as hard as it was. The truth is the other three teams are very strong, despite the fact that Poland are also on zero points after two matches," Florencio said.

"However, this (playing the qualification) is far from a waste of time for Portugal.

"We are not thinking about qualifying as that would be irrealistc. The experience the players gain in the games against these huge powerhouses is immense, and that’s truly the most important thing."

With qualification in Florencio’s own words being ‘far from realistic’, Florencio aims for a different goal in this qualification campaign.

"It’s very important to get some points in order to leave the fourth pot, otherwise this will keep happening to us, we will always have to stay in a group with three top level national teams.

"We have to grab the experience where we can, be competitive, and if possible win some matches because after what I saw against Montenegro when we were up by one in the middle of the second period, it really gives me hope and satisfaction to know we can play like that."

Lookind at the teams in Group 3, Portugal face no less that EHF EURO 2012 champions, Montenegro, as well as Poland, who reaced the semi-finals at the World Championship 2013, and Czech Republic, EHF EURO 2012 and World Championship 2013 participants.

The draw might have been bad luck, but for Florencio it is no cause for demotivation.

"Not at all, this group allows our young players to grow up faster, and they love to play against such high level athletes like the ones we have to face."

Patricia Rodrigues, who is only 16 but already made the national team, completely agrees with her coach.

"It’s logical to feel the defeats, but we already knew what we were going to be up against, and we are giving our best in every match, so there is no way you will see us lacking motivation on the court."

Poland will play Portugal in a double-header on 26 and 30 March, and these games will arguably be decisive if Portugal don’t want to come last.

They know in which department’s they have to improve if they want  to be more competitive.

"It’s the defence. It is the most important factor for our next two matches. In addition, we have to use our strongest weapon which are the counter attacks, as we know we can’t play the same physical game as they do," concludes head coach Florencio.