12.11.2007, 01:38
Mixed Slovenian weekend

While Gorenje Velenje showed a convincing performance on Saturday, Celje suffered a shock defeat on Sunday.

Mixed Slovenian weekend

Slovenians can be partly satisfied after the weekend. Gorenje won their third match in Round 4, while Celje Pivovarna Lasko assisted to an Icelandic success as Valur caused huge surprise.

Gorenje's real face

The Slovenian runner-up, Gorenje Velenje, have their sixth point after their third victory in Group H. Meskhov Brest were far from a victory in Slovenia. Only the first 15 minutes were equal, after that a 3-2-1 or 5-1 defensive formation stopped the key players of the Belarus side, Filipov and Gromyko.

The quick Slovenian counter attacks and some superb saves from goalkeeper Morten Seier were enough for the hosts. Gorenje celebrated a 9-goal victory (37:28). After the match Gorenje's coach, Ivica Obrvan, was content:

"Of course we expected a victory but not with such a difference – especially after Kavas and Mlakar's injuries. I was waiting for a long time to see Reznicek and Blazevic play like I expect them."

Meskhov Brest's assistant coach, Youri Karpouvk, admitted that his team did not have any chance.

"I have to congratulate Gorenje for their win and I wish them all the best in the competition. We had no chance today. Until the 16th minute everything was under control but after that we could not do anything."

Shock defeat

It was a completely different story in Iceland where Celje lost against Valur Reykjavik that were beaten by 10 goals in Celje. The away match was nothing like that – without Spiler, Gajic, Sulic the team was lost.

Celje have shown an unorganized, nervous, impatient performance and with no ideas. Light Slovenian defending and easy Valur goals characterized the game and the Icelandic team gave handball lessons to the former CL winners.

Celje’s last attack was one and a half minute before the end (with one player more on court), but they could not even take a proper shot. Valur’s victory is well deserved.

Celje made only 3 points in 4 matches, which is unusual in Celje and alarming for the management…

TEXT: Maja Mastnak, Sportal (http://sportal.siol.net/default.asp)