Slovenia’s EHF EURO dream lives on

The Slovenian national team has gathered in Zreče for their preparations for the final two matches of the Women’s EHF EURO 2016 Qualification against Croatia and Montenegro on 1 and 5 June.

The first qualifier against Croatia is broadcast live on ehfTV.

Slovenian team were able to gather more than one week ahead of the first match in a bid to prepare well and fortify the team spirit ahead of crucial matches which will decide their Women’s EHF EURO 2016 faith.

They currently occupy the third place in the Group 4 with four points from four matches, followed by FYR Macedonia who has yet to achieve a victory.

Group 4 is topped by Croatia with six points, closely followed by Montenegro who has also managed to collect six. With such a close difference in the group, matches against Slovenia may prove key for the two frontrunners.

However, Slovenia’s hopes rely on the opportunity to attack the second spot or clinch two points from two difficult matches, which will see them within a chance to qualify for the Women’s EHF EURO 2016 as the best third placed team.

"We feel all possibilities are still open. It is no secret we aim to be the best third-placed team, but we will be ready for any opportunity that might present to us.

"As of now, all our thoughts are focused solely on the match against Croatia. The duel against on Montenegro will be considered later.

"I believe that the interest in the game in Celje is significant, so I hope that the hall will be full and would like to take this opportunity to invite all fans to join and support us in an extremely important match, " said head coach Uros Bregar.

Lazovic, Gros late, Stanko out

Head coach Uros Bregar had submitted a list of players which initially consisted of 15 names only, as Barbara Lazovic and Ana Gros were only able to join the team on a later date due to club commitments.

However, it was not the last of worries for the hopeful Slovenians, ahead of deciding matches in the group. One of the brightest talents in Slovenian women’s handball, young Tjasa Stanko, will be unavailable for selection as she has to attend her graduation exams.

The promising playmaker Stanko, widely-regarded as the leader of the new generation of Slovenia players, was expected to continue her fledging national team career and feature more prominently in the upcoming matches, to gain valuable experience in the national team.

The Slovenian squad selected for the Women’s EHF EURO 2016 qualifying matches against Croatia and Montenegro:

Goalkeepers: Misa Marincek (Krim Mercator), Branka Zec (Vulkan Ladies), Sergeja Stefanisin (Krim Mercator)

Left wings: Tamara Mavsar (Krim Mercator), Ines Amon (Velenje)

Left backs: Lina Krhlikar (Frisch auf Göpppingen), Nina Jericek (Nimes), Maja Son (Nimes), Lea Krajnc (Zagorje)

Centre backs: Ana Petrinja (Frisch auf Göpppingen), Polona Baric (Krim Mercator), Tjasa Stanko (Zagorje)

Right backs: Barbara Lazovic (Vardar), Ana Gros (Metz), Dominika Mrmolja (Krka)

Right wings: Neli Irman (Buducnost)

Line players: Katja Cerenjak (Zelene Doline Zalec), Teja Ferfolja (Mlinotest Ajdovscina)