07.01.2008, 10:20
“Hurricane Podravka” strike Ribarroja

Podravka Vegeta defeat Ribarroja by 26:38. The Croatians secure third place while the Spanish team suffer their fifth consecutive CL defeat.

“Hurricane Podravka” strike Ribarroja

200 spectators were present in the Pabellon Municipal de Ribarroja and they have seen another defeat of their home team. Podravka Vegeta did a good job on Spanish ground and defeated Ribarroja by 26:38 (9:19).

The Croatians did all the work in the first half. With an excellent defence led by goalkeeper Ivana Jelcic, Podravka managed to take a seven-goal lead (6:13 in the 20th minute). The Spaniards could not penetrate the Croatian defence, while the Croatian wingers scored many goals from fast breaks. The halftime result was 9:19 in favour of the guests.

In the second half Ribarroja managed to decrease the margin to six goals. This time Zovko made some tactical changes and substitutions and his team got back to 10 goals. In the last minutes of the match Ribarroja simply gave up. So Podravka Vegeta ended the match with a 12-goal victory (26:38). Four Croatian penalties and only one Spanish just show that the Croatians played more aggressively in defence, which gave them 12 goals win at the end.

The best player of the match was Croatian goalkeeper Ivana Jelcic who made 17 saves. Wing players, Natalija Todorovska and Maja Zebic, scored 8 goals each.

This is the first away win for Podravka Vegeta in last two seasons. Ending this unpleasant series means that Zdravko Zovko is on the best possible way. Podravka Vegeta secured third place in Group A and they will continue in the Cup Winners' Cup.

Cementos La Union Ribarroja have five clear defeats from five rounds played. They are on the last position of Group A without a point so far. If Ribarroja doesn't do a miracle in the last round in Slagelse, this season will be remembered as the worst CL season ever for a Spanish Champions League participant.

TEXT: Ivan Ambros