16.11.2007, 09:34
Montpellier enjoy Handball show

Kiel won against the French champions at home, but Montpellier also qualify for the Main Round.

Montpellier enjoy Handball show

“We were missing seven injured players,” said Mladen Bojinovic after the 24:32 (13:18) defeat of Montpellier HB in Kiel. The Serbian player added: “It would have been difficult even with our best line-up. Kiel did not win the Champions League for nothing.“

In fact, the French champions had a difficult task, especially as THW’s star, former Montpellier player, Nikola Karabatic, played despite his shoulder injury.

The guests could only hold on to a draw until 4:4 (9th minute). The hosts took the initiative and a 12:6 lead by the 19th minute and the 10,000 supporters started to sing the anthem of the club “Black and White“.

The MHB coach, Patrice Canayer, tried to spoil the party by calling a time-out and changing the goalkeeper. Marouen Maggaiz came in to replace Daouda Karaboue.

The Kiel players had a worse period when they missed chances and made mistakes.

“We only made two mistakes in defence in the first 30 minutes,” said THW coach, Noka Serdarusic. “The rest of the goals we received were due to mistakes in attack.”

Montpellier pulled themselves together and came back to 13:11 in the 23th minute once again, but then the “Zebras“ were back in command and made it 21:14 and the Ostseehalle was waving in the 34th minute.

The match was decided and Patrice Canayer was also satisfied:

“Though I expected a more aggressive play, the team fought until the very end.”

Mladen Bojinovic added: “Handball is a great show here.” And he also heard the news that Hammarby lost in Constanta, which means that Montpellier also reach the Main Round.

TEXT: Jan Kirschner