BASEL/DEBRECEN/INNSBRUCK – Comments after Hungary beat Türkiye 30:24 and Sweden beat North Macedonia 28:18 in group A, Spain beat Portugal 30:24 and France beat Poland 35:22 in group C, and Austria beat Slovakia 37:24 and Norway beat Slovenia 33:26 in group E on Thursday.
Additional comments from Croatia head coach Ivica Obrvan, right wing Josipa Mamic and line player Katarina Jezic (all CRO), and Switzerland head coach Knut Ove Joa (NOR), centre back Kerstin Kündig and line player Tabea Schmid (both SUI); Romania head coach Florentin Pera, line player Lorena Ostase, left wing Alexandra Dindiligan and left back Stefania Stoica (all ROU), and Montenegro head coach Suzana Lazovic and centre back Milena Raicevic (both MNE) at a media call in Debrecen on Thursday; and the Netherlands head coach Henrik Signell (SWE), right back Dione Housherr and left back Lois Abbingh (both NED) at a photoshoot in Innsbruck on Wednesday.
SWEDEN 28:18 NORTH MACEDONIA
Tomas Axnér (SWE) – head coach
On the performance of his team in the first match:
“It was a typical first match, that we didn’t find the pace, made some mistakes and didn’t score some chances, so I think we can develop from this game. I think we also, in some phases, played very good defence. We were the favourites before the game, we won the game with 10 goals, but I think that we can play better, we have to play better than we did today.
“We know that we have a very big game against Hungary the day after tomorrow and we focus a lot on that. We never played against North Macedonia before, so it was an opponent we didn’t see so much. Of course, you have to adapt the game much, but overall I think we had a good defence today and very good goalkeepers. It was an easy win, but we did too many mistakes.”
Johanna Bundsen (SWE) – goalkeeper
On their performance:
"Of course I’m really happy about the win, but I think we can develop even more. But it’s the first game in this championship so I think we should just be happy for this two points."
On scoring goals:
“Of course it’s always fun to score if it’s an opportunity to throw the ball, I will do it, so it’s really fun to score.”
Kristijan Grchevski (MKD) – head coach
On their performance:
“We had a good performance at the start of the match, but after that we made a lot of technical mistakes and we missed a lot of clear situations, and that was a result for the final result.”
On what worked and did not:
“At some periods we did a good job in defence and in the attack, but sometimes we didn’t make what we had to do, especially in attack.”
Simona Madjovska (MKD) - centre back
On getting the opening match out of their way:
"It's a relief because we were really excited, I mean in a positive way like a positive excitement, but we were very much aware against who do we play. We know that Sweden go far in almost every major tournament.
“But as I said, it's a relief and we are happy that the opening match is behind us and more importantly, we saw that we can play against big teams like Sweden even though it was only for 15 minutes."
On having scored some spectacular goals despite the loss:
"We were really happy with the attractive goals that we scored. Although during the game, it wasn't the feeling that we wanted. We started the second half a bit sleepy I would say, but we then scored some attractive goals, which will surely give us confidence for the next match as you see that we can score some easy goals against national team like Sweden is. Hopefully, in the next match we will use that to be even better, throughout 60 minutes."
Jovana Kiprijanovska (MKD) – right back
On the match:
“We started good. We saw that we can be equal to a team like this, Sweden that is always among the best, at all championships. We did a lot of technical mistakes, and I think we didn’t believe in ourselves a lot.
“That’s why it happened, but I think this match showed we can play against everyone, and we have good chances to win, even better with Türkiye and Hungary.“
On how she saw her personal performance:
“It was OK, it can be better of course. I think I can be better in my decisions. I had a lot of technical mistakes but I think for the next two matches I will summarise everything and be better for sure.”
FRANCE 35:22 POLAND
Sébastien Gardillou (FRA) - head coach
On starting with a win:
“I have some experience in this kind of championship and I would like to start better to be sure we can introduce us in the best way. It's a new thing for me and for the players and I asked them to be strong in the defence because this is France. It is always to start the championship with confidence.”
On the key for the win:
“For the French team is to be strong in defence. Good fast break and breakthrough. We did it. For me, this is a key point, to start good. After we were implicated in every part of the court and played good.”
Pauline Coatanea (FRA) - right wing
On the convincing win against Poland:
“We started with a really good defence and scored easy goals. The first 10 minutes were very good and after we could make the changes and the level was the same. In the second half, we started good. We were not relaxed, but we were confident during the whole game. I'm really proud of this and it's a good way to start the competition like this.”
On all 16 players getting their minutes:
“It is important for everyone to have confidence and it's easier when the team did well. I am so proud of some of the girls, like Clarisse Mairot, who is playing her first competition and she scored. We can count on every player in the team and it is nice to know that for the next matches.”
Coralie Lassource (FRA) — left wing
On the match:
“It was a big goal for us today to win. We wanted to start good in this competition. I think that we reached this, so we are really happy. Now we have two more games in this group, so we have to work and continue like this. I hope that we will finish first of this group.”
On specific things France did well:
“We wanted to have a good defence — a big defence and aggressive defence. I think that we did it good, except at the end they could score from nine metres. We didn't want this, but it's like this. And we didn't want to take more than 23 goals. We reached this goal, so we are happy. We wanted to block these key players and for me we did a good job.”
Arne Senstad (NOR) – head coach, Poland
On the game against France:
“We knew before we started we are up against one of the favourites. They are playing much on the level like this almost every week, while some of my players unfortunately not. We need some of these strong games to level and to get more players up. We could see the start that we did too many mistakes and then they were over us after some minutes.”
On what they need to improve:
“We need to improve all of the things to be ready to play on this level. Because every mistake, every action, every bit of running back late they will score the goal. I think we showed some attitude. We stepped up and got some players in as this is new also for some of them.
“Monika Kobylinska showed she is used to play, but if you're going to have some points in this championship, we need to have more of the players playing at this level.”
Sylwia Matuszczyk (POL) — line player
On the match:
“Right now, I am a little bit sad because of the result. It's not good for us. We lost this game, but it was too many goals in front for France. They started really hard from the beginning and then we couldn't manage to get up from our knees, I think, so right now I'm just sad.”
On recovering and preparing for the next match:
“We have all day tomorrow to have a video, to talk with the coach and to prepare the tactics for the next game.”
Paulina Uscinowicz (POL) - left back
On the defeat by France:
“They showed really good fast handball. We expected it but I need to say we didn't play by a plan too. We didn't manage to do all the things we were supposed to do so that's why the result is like this.”
On her perspective of the game:
“I would love the result is better, but we are not giving up. We have two more games to go in the group phase. We are looking for a new game on Saturday and I hope it's going to be better.”
NORWAY 33:26 SLOVENIA
Thorir Hergeirsson (ISL) – head coach, Norway
On the match:
“It’s (the) opening game, everyone is excited. We knew that we were favourite in this game. We didn’t know much about the Slovenian team, they had not played so much together this team, but we know some of the players, so we used maybe the first 15 minutes to learn a bit more about them.
“Slovenian team played very wisely, clever, they played long attacks and we got maybe a little bit slow when they played long attacks, and we lost our intensity. So they played clever, and we played OK. I think we had some good things and there are many things we need to look at and do better for the next matches.”
Stine Skogrand (NOR) – right back
On whether Slovenia surprised Norway:
“I don’t think it was a big surprise, but I think it was a little bit nerves from our side the first game at the championship. The first match is over, and Slovenia is a great team, a lot of new players, but still a great team who wants to play long attacks and they also score. Good game for Slovenia, and I think we can do better, but it’s okay good game.”
On what has to be fixed:
“It’s not working perfectly yet. Some things work, but working on our defence, we’re losing too many one against one, so that we have to look at. I know we have a very good defence when we win our one against one, and yeah, I think it will just get better and better.”
Sanna Solberg-Isaksen (NOR) - left wing
On their opening win:
“It was OK for us, a good start, when you compare it to other tournaments. Now we can continue to build everything stone by stone.”
On the newly built squad:
“It is different, as nobody can take the place of Nora (Mørk), Stine (Oftedal) or Veronica (Kristiansen). We have new players, who took a new place in this team. I think our adaption with the new squad is on a good way. We are still working on it – and I have faith in every player.”
On the key players:
“We still have some older key players, who take the responsibility. We all have the same culture of playing, we do the same good thing, we do the same work. So we experienced players like me, Camilla (Herrem), Stine Skogrand and others teach the new ones, what we usually do and how we want to have success. And Henny (Reistad) is the new key player, but for us it is important to play as a team. And among the young ones there are really motivated players, who want to do the best.”
On being defending champions:
“We are among the favourites, not THE favourite. Other teams will challenge us, but we try to do our best to win the trophy. We need to work hard.”
On facing hosts Austria in the next match:
“We like this atmosphere, we really hope to play in a full arena and a great atmosphere. This is always a good motivation, but our preparation on this match will not be different.”
Dragan Adzic (MNE) – head coach, Slovenia
On the opening match after big changes in the team:
“I am very satisfied. Everything we wanted, we achieved tonight, for some players to score against Norway for the first time, to defend against Norway, to try out this roster and to prepare for our two key matches against Slovakia and against Austria. We stayed healthy, we stayed right, with good confidence and I believe this team can grow at the European championships.”
On their advantage in the two upcoming matches:
“Even though we are without 12 players that played at the last competitions, this team has some experience, some players for sure more than what Slovakia and Austria have, so I see somewhere that we could play mature, especially against the host team in the third match in front of the full arena and to continue with this fight and will.
“I believe we can overcome ourselves and come to the main round, which would be phenomenal, to play four matches against brilliant teams. This would be great for the future of this team.”
Nusa Fegic (SLO) – centre back
On the match:
“I’m very proud of my team because we stuck as a team through the whole game. We know that Norway is one of the best team in the world right now, but I think the Slovenian team showed the really good game. We unfortunately missed too many clean shots today.”
On what they need to do in the next match:
“That we play as a team. We score goals in every positions, we run a lot and we are doing the best as we can.”
Tjaša Stanko (SLO) – left back
On the match:
“There were a lot of positive things in our match, and I am very proud of my team. We showed that even as we do not have their experience, we have a fighting spirit. We have many new players and they showed that they can step up. And we will help them. But of course, from all numbers Norway have much, much more experience than us.”
On the key moments:
“We had some ups and downs in this much, but many good parts. But this is normal, as we have a smaller rotation than them, they play with more speed. But we tried to stop with our tactics – and many times it worked.”
On the upcoming matches against Slovakia and Austria:
“Both matches will be hard, especially the one against Austria. We know it from 2022, how it feels to play at home. We know that you have a special flow, but we will try everything we can to reach the main round in Vienna.”
SPAIN 30:24 PORTUGAL
Ambros Martin (ESP) - head coach
On the win against Portugal:
“All the games, all the matches will be important to win or in not that case, then it's important to be ready for the next. It's important also because of this change in the system, the competition, with only two going to the next phase. It will be important to have these first two points. Of course, it was hard. This starting of the championship is always difficult.
“We could feel it in the first half and the question was not to precipitate and to control the nerves and the anxiety. In the moment that we did it, we got to two or three goals and it was much better.”
On what he said at half-time:
“To throw out all of the nerves and the pressure for the first match. This is a very young team, the one which is here is for the first time they are here. It was good that the defence was working really good during the first half and also in the second half. This gave us also some confidence to play the offence and to wait for our moment in the match.”
Nicole Wiggins (ESP) – goalkeeper
On the key to the win:
“I think the key today was the patience, because in general the game was a little bit sleepy. We didn't find this rhythm that we need to get in, to be aggressive, so I think in that way, we had a lot of difficulties to adapt in defence or the timings in attack. At the end I think it was a game to build, little by little.”
On what they talked about at half-time:
“We knew that we just need to be more fast, and know that our time is going to come — just we need to be patient. We need to adjust these little mistakes, talk more in defence, in attack be more fast in the pass. Be more deep. Attack a little bit more to generate the space.”
Carmen Campos (ESP) - left back
On the win against Portugal:
“I think this will give us confidence, because we also have a lot of new players who were at the first big tournament, and I think this is really good. In the beginning, we could feel nervous, so I think this is really, really huge for us as a team.”
On what they were thinking during the game:
“We were really focused on us and our main goal here is to fight every match. It doesn't matter if we're in front or we are behind, we need to fight, fight fight until the end, and I think this is what we did and that gave us the victory.”
José António Silva (POR) - head coach
On the defeat against Spain:
“The victory of Spain is fair, but the final result, I think is unfair, totally unfair We fought until the 56th minute in the match, we lost two goals at 25:23, I think. It gave us a less chance in the match.
“After that the team has lost a little bit of the organisation and the final result is not the image of the match. Congratulations to Spain but my team, my girls are fighters. They were fantastic in the match, but unfortunately we lost the match.”
On the inexperience of the players:
“It is easy to say this is only an experience. It's a fact and it is something we must count in. We must work a lot to not commit again this kind of mistakes.”
Beatriz Sousa (POR) – right back
On the first game at the Women's EHF EURO:
“It was a good first game for us because it's the first game ever in a championship. We showed a good image of our team. We made some mistakes at the end of the game, and it cost us the game, but we are going to put this game aside and already think about the next game against Poland.”
On why they lost:
“Maybe the less experience that we have, because Spain have a lot of experience in the championship that we don't.”
Joana Resende (POR) – right back
On the first match:
“It's kind of a mixed feeling right now. I arrived here with a lot of excitement. It's our first championship, so you need to be excited about it and really happy to be playing in this amazing arena.
“Of course, with the game, not that happy, because it's always hard to lose a game. But I'm kind of happy because we showed a good image of us and we showed that we will keep working the 60 minutes in the two games left (in the preliminary round).
“But obviously we don't have the experience that maybe other teams have in here, that are used to play in this kind of competitions, and we need to pass through that if we want to maybe win a game in this phase.”
On the key to the result:
“I think it's exactly the lack of experience, because the mistakes we did at the end, it's not mistakes that we don't know how to do the things. We know we worked, and if we are here it's because we deserved it and because we know how to do and how to play handball.
“I think it was really lack of experience and they did really good in the key moments. We were not able to do the same, so obviously they took the win because of that.”
AUSTRIA 37:24 SLOVAKIA
Monique Tijsterman (NED) – head coach, Austria
On the match:
“I think I should be very proud on what we did. I think at the beginning of the match we made a little bit difficult ourselves because we knew what they’re playing. We did tactics, but did some small mistakes, and then it was like one, two, three, four goals.
“I think in the first half only 11 goals against a great goalkeeper, and of course, together with defence, 11 is really good at this level. I think in the second half we made it like, every mistake they made, it was goal for us.”
On boosting morale ahead of the next match:
“We know that we have to play against Norway and it’s another level, but for sure we to try to keep focus on ourselves, to likely improve where we make mistakes to make less mistakes, because Norway will punish us whenever we make mistake. We will try to make a good preparation for the next match against Norway.”
Katarina Pandža (AUT) – left back
On the victory and the atmosphere:
“Everybody could see this euphoria on the stands, it was simply brilliant. We had a tough start, as we were all so nervous. But when Lena (Ivancok) started to save so many crucial shots and showed an outstanding overall performance, we were on the right track and can continue like this.”
On the key moments:
“The first minutes after the break finally were our winning factor. Everybody knows how hard it is to re-start after the break, and definitely we were the better team in this time.”
On the importance of winning with a big margin:
“It was so important that we never stopped playing and fighting. Everybody was eager to win bigger and bigger, we gave our best, mainly in the defence, which then gave us confidence in attack.”
On the next match against Norway:
“Norway know now that we will not hand them an easy win as gift. From the papers, they are the better and more experienced team of course, but we will give all we can. If we manage to play like today, we will see an interesting match. We have a prime-time match and I hope for even more fans than today, I cannot wait this match to be started.”
Ines Ivancok-Soltic (AUT) – line player
On the win:
“I feel very very proud of my girls and my team. It was very tough game, very exciting game because it’s the home EHF EURO of course. We were nervous and everything, but I think we started well and I’m happy that we win.”
On the next match against Norway:
“It will be a very tough match, Norway, we don’t have to speak about them, but I think we will give our best and try to make a good game”
Jorge Duenas (ESP) – head coach, Slovakia
On learning from the defeat:
“I think that in the first half was more or less decent, but then we lost the focus, especially in attack, I would say. Austria took this as advantage of this situation to score easy goals in these moments and open the score. And in the beginning of second half we were able to recover a little bit, but we had a lot of problems in attack, shooting, and Austria take advantage of this clear situation to get points.”
On the motivation for the next match:
“We know that for us is a new experience. For some players is the first time that they play at this level event, so I think for the next match they will be more calm, and I expect the best of them.”
Barbora Lancz (SVK) – right back
On the defeat:
“For sure, we wanted to play better. And we can play better. Our goal was to win two points. We were not successful today, but we will keep on going and fighting. This game we need to analyse and learn from our mistakes to play better against Slovenia on Saturday.
"In the first half, we had some good moments, but the gap of six goals at the break was too big. And then we have big problems in the re-start after the break. Maybe the biggest lesson for us is that we have to fight for 60 minutes and not to have so many ups and downs.”
Karin Bujnohova (SVK) – right back
On what was missing in the match:
“I can say everything, because we didn’t start good both of the halves and I think this was not our game.”
On what to improve:
“I think we need to improve our defence, also we need to run a little bit more and some small details in attack.”
HUNGARY 30:24 TÜRKIYE
Vlagyimir Golovin (HUN) – head coach, Hungary
On the opening match:
“Today, the first match against Türkiye was typical first match. We felt a bit of pressure at the start of the game because of the home crowd but we had good and not so good performance today, but we won and that was the main goal for today.
“It’s EHF EURO, so all teams want to show their best. It was not so easy game because everyone wants to prove they have the right to be here.”
Nikoletta Papp (HUN) - right back
On starting the tournament:
"I would not say it's easier now, but it always feels good when we play at home, so it gives us a lot of power. It feels good that our first match is over and that we already have two points with us."
On whether she is satisfied with their performance:
"I would say that I'm satisfied, but I think we could have won by more goals, but I still I feel that we played OK as it was the opening match."
Petra Vamos (HUN) – centre back
On playing on home court:
“It was amazing, the atmosphere, and I am really happy that we have the chance to play at home. I think today a lot of people came and supported us, so it means a lot for us to play in front of our supporters and I think that game was for confidence and I hope on Saturday the arena will be full.”
On personal and team performance:
“I think we have to develop in many things for Saturday, especially in defence so I am satisfied with the result but I think we didn’t play as we expected before so we have to improve in defence and in fast breaks. On my performance, yes, I think it was OK. I know I can do more and I have to take more responsibility.”
Costica Buceschi (ROU) - head coach, Türkiye
On the national team's first-ever match at major tournaments:
"It was very difficult, especially emotional, but it was very difficult because for my players it was the first time that they play a game like this, but we tried to fight against Hungary. We will try to learn and use that when we play to Macedonia, maybe we will have more chances to take some points."
On the brilliant start to the match against Hungary:
"We started very good, but we didn't play at that level for all the 60 minutes, but I gave the chance to everybody to play and for me I'm satisfied because for some players it was the first time when that they played for national team, especially our young left back and our second goalkeeper. And this is good, it is one step, but we need to continue."
On their chances of gathering points:
"We’ll try. I think the next game against North Macedonia for us is important and we believe to have a chance in this game, and we’ll see what will happen in the next game."
Elif Sila Aydin (TUR) – left wing
On their EHF EURO debut:
“I feel so emotional. It was first game, it was historical day for our country and we could play better, but we did something good on the court, but it was so hard game for us, they were playing at home and we already knew it will be so hard, but I am happy to see that atmosphere.”
ROMANIA
Florentin Pera (ROU) - head coach
On the opening match against Czechia:
"We expect to be a tough game against Czech Republic, they have experienced players. We have a lot of new players in our team, young players. We improve the team now, we rebuild the team, but I want to say that I trust my players. We have a good atmosphere, energy, we are ready to fight for the victory. It's important to play with attitude, to play together compact in defence, and collective in attack."
On preparing the young players for their first EHF EURO:
"We increase the game. We had three friendly games, good games against very strong teams, and game by game it was better and the players won the confidence. It's important to give our best and I'm sure that all the players they will fight for every ball, 60 minutes."
On his goals for the tournament:
"I want to fight in defence, to fight in every game. Also I want to play fast break because we have young players and also we try to take points in the group, because all the games they are open for any result. If we start with one victory against Czechia I think the players will win the confidence and will be better for us.
"It's important to start good this European championship, I have young players with very good quality and one victory I think give us a lot of energy and confidence for the next games."
Lorena Ostase (ROU) - line player
On the mixture of experience in the squad:
"We are trying to think that we are not so young, and we are not so new. In the end it's just handball, and handball is a passion for everyone. There, when you're in the field, you just want to make good things and create emotions."
On the opening match against Czechia:
"It will be a really nice game for us and also for them. For us, we just need to start in a good way with a good ride."
On her expectations for Romanian fans:
"For sure our family but also people who are living here, so close to Debrecen. For us it's a good point, an important point, to be so close, almost home."
On their goals for the tournament:
"In this moment we know where we are, but we want just to make one step more. It's about passion, and it's about our game together; just to be together and to be up together."
Alexandra Dindiligan (ROU) - left wing
On how they feel before the opening match:
"The atmosphere is very good in the locker room. We are so happy to be here, to play together. Tomorrow is the first game against Czechia and we will do everything and in the end I hope we will win this game."
On their chances of progressing:
"I think everything is possible in this group. I just hope tomorrow we will be ready. I hope we will not play with a lot of pressure, because of course we have a young team, so I hope we'll manage this thing."
Stefania Stoica (ROU) - left back
On her expectations for the opening match:
"Of course I think we will win, because our target is to win. The first match is a very important one. The first match can decide what our ambition will be in the next ones, and what our trust in ourselves will be. It's very important."
On being a young squad:
"It's something nice for us to know that we are young, because we don't really have the pressure. Because we are young we can compensate by being energetic and being ambitious."
CROATIA
Ivica Obrvan (CRO) - head coach
On their expectations:
“Our expectations are always to show ourselves as a good team like at every European championship. Croatia has its rating and status where it belongs. We have some changes in the squad and we will have to see how the new girls will adapt.”
On group D:
“We have a tough group with the co-hosts, Switzerland. They have shown a good performance already at the last EURO when they played against us and Croatia managed to get a draw in the last moment of the game. They are now more experienced and have a strong desire to win and progress further.
“Denmark are the favourite of the group and the Faroe Islands could be a surprise, they could win. I believe if we follow our plan, game by game, we will go in the direction we want. I think the last game against Switzerland will be the decisive one.”
On the importance of playing at a high level:
“We have chosen the players that are in the best form right now. I believe in those players. Croatia is not the powerhouse, we are the team in the zone that can play against anyone. There needs to be a lot of luck and things falling into the right place to be able to repeat the 2020 European Championship (bronze medal). I believe in the future, with this new experience, these young players could make progress and bring Croatian handball to a higher level.”
On the first game against Denmark:
“Denmark are not only the favourites in the group, but also of the whole competition. An amazing team, and by the latest analysis, extremely tough defensive-wise, but also amazing in the attack. We have a tough task ahead of us. My wish is to play as best as we can and to keep up for us much as we can. We are hoping to get a good result.”
Josipa Mamic (CRO) - right wing
On being back at the Women's EHF EURO:
“It is a nice feeling to be back at the big competition. It is an honour to play for the national team. I missed the last European championship after an injury and to be back after such a tough moment of your career, it's even sweeter to be here. It's proof your hard work paid off. I'm thankful.”
On the team:
“We have new teammates but the atmosphere within the team remains amazing. We are a good mix of experienced players, like Katarina Jezic, and young talented ones who are eager to show what they can do.”
On their goals:
“Our main goal is to progress to the main round. To prove we can play against Denmark even though they are a big favourite in the game, but we want to fight and push them as much as we can. After, just go game by game and try to win against the Faroe Islands and Switzerland.”
On the rematch of the 2020 bronze-medal game against Denmark:
“Denmark is much stronger than they were four years ago. they play typical Scandinavian handball with a fast pace, and a great technique. It will be very tough. The opening games are never easy for any team, especially for us when you are playing against a team that is one of the favourites to the a medal. We need to take it slow, not make technical mistakes and allow them to score easy goals from fast breaks and second wave fast breaks. They are better, but they are still human and we can fight.”
Katarina Jezic (CRO) - line player
On playing her seventh Women's EHF EURO:
“I only just found out this is my seventh European championships, but I'm still excited like it's my first. The only difference is I have a huge experience and I can help my teammates a lot.”
On their group D opponents:
“Very strong group with a great team. I think we have a chance to progress to the main round, but to do so, we have to be on the highest level and focused on the goal. Our strong defence should be our base with a good attack and if we do that, we have a shot in every game.”
On Denmark:
“They are the favourites on paper, but we will not surrender to anyone. They need to prove their status on the court and I will trust we can put up a good fight until the end. We need to stick to our plan and be aware of the mistakes as you have to play almost a perfect match to go side by side with such a strong team.”
SWITZERLAND
Knut Ove Joa (NOR) - head coach
On the atmosphere within the team:
“Girls are excited. The good thing is they were playing at this level before but of course, this is much more special with all the spectators and all things around the competition. I think it's more special for them and we are looking forward to it. We had good preparation and we are ready to show what we can.”
On the team's progress:
“We are still a young squad and probably one of the youngest in the tournament on average, but these players have come a really long way and young age. I think they are hungry young talents who want to perform and develop. It's on us to close the gap to the nations above us for the moment.”
“We are building this almost from each time we meet. So I think we are taking huge steps to win this with these young players. So they take steps and now it's exciting to see what they can achieve in this tournament.”
On the first game against the Faroe Islands:
“For us, it is important that we do a good performance whether it is against the Faroe Islands, Denmark or Croatia. The first challenge is the Faroe Islands. They are a good team and also on their way up. We really have to be prepared and we have done a lot of work to be prepared.
“We have met Iceland in two games, which we think also play a bit similar to Faroe Island, so we are where we want to be. Now it's just about getting all the nervosity and everything away to get a good performance.”
Kerstin Kündig (SUI) - centre back
On waiting for the Women's EHF EURO 2024 to start:
“When we got the information that we're going to have a home European championship, it was like, oh, OK, it's going to be in three, four years, so that was so far away for us. But we still knew this is our main goal and we kept preparing for this for years. And now it's getting closer, closer and closer, and since we arrived here in Basel it's when the nervousness really started to kick in.
“We feel that everyone is here, all the media is here, the fans… I mean, I know so many of the helpers in the hall, in the hotel, everyone around the competition and now you feel that the tension is getting bigger.”
On the Faroe Islands:
“I think on the one hand, it's a dangerous game because we know exactly that they made also huge progress the last years. They are an upcoming team and they have their qualities for sure.
“But I think also for us, it's a chance to show in front of the home audience that we made huge progress last years, and we made a huge step in the right direction. I think the latest result from us showed that we are in good shape, and we are having a good flow, so I hope that we can keep this flow and hopefully win this opening game.”
On the pressure:
“The pressure is here and you can say a lot of times that we just want to enjoy the game, enjoy the audience, but every player knows there is pressure. The most pressure we're doing ourselves because we want to win and we want to show that we can do that. And I think still, even if there is pressure, we should just celebrate every successful action, we should celebrate every save from our goalkeeper, we should celebrate every defensive action.
“When you have this feeling together that we can achieve big things, I hope that we can do this against the Faroe Islands.”
On the importance of a home EHF EURO:
“I hope that many children are sitting at the stands and watching the games and think, hey, this is a cool sport. I want us to inspire young girls and players to start playing handball. It can help the national team to have more players later that can play on a high level, and I think this is still one of the main differences between Switzerland and other countries.”
Tabea Schmid (SUI) - line player
On playing at home:
“We are extremely excited, obviously, and it's also not usual for us to play in front of so many people. I think it's going to be a crazy experience and I don't know if we really are prepared for so many people. We are prepared for our game, but not for all the atmosphere outside of the court. have to be honest, I'm also nervous that it starts but I do believe it's going to be great.”
On the pressure:
“I hope the big support will be an additional push for us. I think we just have to deal with the pressure and use the home advantage to reach our goals.”
On their goals:
“We want to get our first win at the start against Faroe Islands. It's going to be tough but I know we can do it. We expect it from ourselves. Against Denmark, of course, it's going to be hard, but also fun to play that game. We know a game against Croatia could be decisive for us. But if we have to go to the main round, we know what we need to do. I know we would all be disappointed if we didn't.”
On the Faroe Islands:
“They have a lot of good individual players also who play in the Danish league. So I think we have to get them under control. They're playing fast and we have to stop that, they have good one-against-one players, so we have to be compact. Our key is just to push them over 60 minutes and I think I think we should be the better team over the whole period of time and not get stressed if we don't succeed from the very beginning.
“They are an upcoming handball nation and we know how it is to be in their position. They don't have to lose anything. This was really fun for us to play two years ago, if you don't have any pressure at all, it's easier to play, so that's their advantage.”
MONTENEGRO
Suzana Lazovic (MNE) - head coach
On the opening match against Serbia:
"The first match against Serbia, a Balkan mentality; I think it will not only be a tough match against them, but also our group every match will be tough. I'm sure my players will give 100 per cent, all times between Montenegro and Serbia is a big motivation with this energy between them, with a big fight.
"I believe in my players, I believe how we do this preparation period since September, I think now we finish already, we prepare everything, and tomorrow we start this match with a good mood, what is important, with good health, and tomorrow we will see."
On her first big job as head coach:
"It's a big difference being a player, because in that moment you think only about yourself, of how you prepare yourself, and what is important, what is your task in this match, what (the) coach tell to you you must do.
"For the coach you're only thinking about all players, you're thinking about all tactics.
"I like this job, I have a chance to after (being) part of this handball player career, be a head coach, and this is a big honour for me. I want to give everything that I can, teach what coaches with who I worked with before as a player give to them.
"Also I have some players with which I play, I think we know each other very good, how we function in that moment player-player. But now we meet each other as a coach-player, but we didn't have problems. Tomorrow when we come together with this energy, with the old and the young generation, with me and my staff on the bench, that we can give some new power, some new strength, some new energy."
On their goals:
"I don't like talking only about the last championship. Montenegro is a small country with a big heart, and we have a rich history. If you talk about all these results in the Montenegrin history, of course will be a hard task, but I think every coach have their challenges what they want in this, and this is my way."
Milena Raicevic (MNE) - centre back
On the first match against Serbia:
"Every first match is hard, but we will prepare really good Serbia because we've had a lot of games that we've played with them. What we promise is that we will fight from the first minute, and like Montenegro all these years show big energy on the court.
"We cannot forget that Serbia also have a good team, all the girls play good handball in good leagues, and because of that we need to be 100 per cent focused from the first minute until the end of the game. When today you play handball you can't be relaxed in any part of the game."
On preparing the younger players for the EHF EURO:
"In Montenegro this is special how we prepare young players. If you come to be in the national team you are ready for that. We just help them to feel this energy. In Montenegro this is the most important thing in our team, to show the energy and young players come with this fire and ice. There is not a lot of things that we need to learn them, because this is what you have in the heart, you need to show on the court."
NETHERLANDS
Henrik Signell (SWE) – coach
On their EHF EURO 2024 expectations:
“We have focused more on shorter goals, process goals, performance goals. We haven't set a result goal, a specific position. We will try to go to the main round with the optimum of points. From there, we will have a new discussion.”
On the second match against Germany:
“I think all who know about handball think that the Netherlands and Germany are the two best teams in our group. But you never know. We want to play good in all three matches. But of course it's a key match to win.”
On their opener against Iceland:
“They are a team which is improving. Many players are good in one against one. They play a modern handball. And we know, the first match is always difficult.”
On the changes in the Dutch squad:
“It is of course to be strong as a team and to make sure that every player we select wants to improve and to fight for medals again. It was five years since we took a medal and we want to improve and fight for it again.”
Dione Housherr (NED) – right back
On the atmosphere in the team:
“The atmosphere in the team is really good. Playing another championship is just really something special. And this one is really close to the Olympics, so it feels a little bit strange to already have a new tournament, but I think everyone is feeling good, and especially really exciting how it's going to be this tournament.
“We have some changes in the team, so it's always exciting how this group can perform now. So we're just really looking forward to start and see where we are with this team now.”
On their EHF EURO goals:
“Especially now with this little different team, we just really want to focus on the first games. We want to six points and go to the next round, and from there we will see. It's good for us that we have some small goals in the team.”
On their first opponents, Iceland:
“We did not play that often against them, but we know they are good, they have some good individual skills. They have also played against some good teams and they challenged them.
“It's hard to really describe what the game will be, but the first game in a tournament is always a little difficult, everyone has to get this feeling of the championship again. I think it will be exciting, but it's also a little strange to play against a team you haven't played against many times.”
On the match against Germany:
“This game will be really important. I think Germany and us, we are the best in this group, so this will be already a little final. We played many times against them, so we know each other really well, and many of us played against some players from them in the clubs, so of course it's all about the details, that make the difference.”
On the playing style under their new coach Henrik Signell:
“It is a Dutch-Scandinavian mix. Through the years we created our own Dutch style, so I think we still have this, and of course Scandinavian handball is really good. With his ideas and experience he has, he also brings this to the team, but I think we have a good basic in the national team, and he just adds many details and experience he has from different teams before, this a good combination.”
On the majority of Dutch players playing in clubs abroad:
“It is really good that we play all over the world, so everyone gets a different experience. Unfortunately the league in the Netherlands is not the best, so we need to go abroad. So against every team we play with the national team we know some players from the clubs.
“It's a strength for our team that we get a lot of experience abroad, and to stand up or survive in that way in another country also gives me as a team mental strength.”
Lois Abbingh (NED) – left back
On their EHF EURO expectations:
“Our goals are always high, but we also have to say that we obviously have lots of new players, including young players. We want to play for the medals, but first we have our goal of finishing on top of our group in Innsbruck.
“We lost a bit of experience, but when you come here as a player you always expect a medal, but I don't think we're ready yet to say that we're fighting for the medals, because there are so many good teams here.”
On their preparation:
“We saw it in the last test matches that it still takes a bit more time, especially in defence. Kelly Dulfer was in the middle block for years, now without her it still needs a bit of time.
“In attack we obviously always have the people we played with a lot, but the defence can be difficult, if we aim for a medal. I don't think attack has ever been the problem for us, but we would like to play better defence, so that's our goal again now with a new coach.
“Players like Dione Housherr and Larissa Nüsser will take more leadership, and they are ready for it. Inger Smits and I are the last old ones.”
On the key match against Germany:
“We know them well, there will be not that many surprises. A lot of our players still play in the Bundesliga or we know them from the other international clubs. It's always nice to play against Germany.
“This match will be crucial in terms of the rest of the tournament. Both have to win, this match will decide the base for both in the main round. With Norway and Denmark and both of us, there will be four contenders for the semis, you just have to win the group in Innsbruck to remain in the race.”
TEXT:
European Handball Federation