19.11.2007, 02:15
Rhapsody in Zlatorog hall

Celje win key match at home against Veszprém in a tough battle for the second place in Group F.

Rhapsody in Zlatorog hall

It was almost unbelievable what happened in Zlatorog hall in Round 5 between Celje and Veszprem. 5,500 "crazy" fans accelerated the home team to beat Dejan Peric & Co. Celje stay in the game for the second round.

Equal first half

A very equal beginning promised a spectacular show in Zlatorog hall. Both teams were eager to win not to allow the opponent to run away. With the support of the great home fans, Celje had +2 in the 15th minute for the first time and a few minutes later already +4.

The experienced Hungarian team were extremely aggressive in defence so Celje had many problems to organize the attacks. Veszprém came back to only one goal after 30 minutes (15:14).

A shocking second half in the hell of Zlatorog's hall saw a superb Aljosa Rezar who was competing with the legendary Dejan Peric. With the saves of Peric Veszprém were leading 20:18 already in the 45th minute. Celje's new coach took a time-out and it was the best decision. He stooped Veszprém and woke the spectators up who were standing and shouting until the end of the match.

Kozlina and Rezar pulled the others

Everything changed from that point. Miladin Kozlina was again – just as in the first match in Veszprém – the key to success. His goals encouraged also Spiler and Koksharov who together made an 8:1 run. Celje were celebrating a deserved 28:23 success at the end.

"Kozlina once again showed his potential. I have to be grateful to the spectators: without them we could not have won. There were few decisive moments where it could turn another way, but we were strong enough with our great fans," said Celje coach, Slavko Ivezič.

Veszprém coach, Lajos Mocsai, was disappointed but agreed with his colleague: "We were totally down in last 15 minutes and Celje took advantage of it. With the help of fantastic fans they exploded."

Celje need one point

The last round will bring the final decision on the second spot of Group F. Gummersbach are sure to reach first place by now. Celje have to take at least one point against the Germans to advance (if Veszprém win in Reykjavik).

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