12.02.2008, 04:18
Jurack full of confidence

The German star was instrumental in the Viborg victory. She tells Eurohandball.com what the turning point was against Zvenigorod.

Jurack full of confidence

Viborg HK started the Main Round with a home success, but the Danes had to work hard for the 31-29 against Zvezda Zvenigorod. The Russians were 5-0 ahead already when Viborg woke up. One of the key players was Grit Jurack for the Danes, who was recently awarded Player of the Year in Germany. With her fighting spirit and some goals in crucial moments of the match, the experienced German was decisive once again. Eurohandball.com asks her to explain her team´s disastrous start and their comeback.

Grit Jurack: The Russians were even bigger than we expected, though we ought to know that in advance. We got a poor start, but as Katrine (Lunde Haraldsen, ed.) started to save some shots and we got back to our usual strong defence, we still managed to win.

Eurohandball.com: After you caught up with Zvezda, the second half was extremely close. What do you think why your team won at the end?

Grit Jurack: I think our experience was decisive. Bojan (Popovic, ed.) scored some crucial goals towards the end, and at the same time Katrine made crucial saves.

Eurohandball.com: What do you think about your own performance?

Grit Jurack: I think I did okay, taking in consideration that this was my first Champions League match in several months. Just like the rest of the team, I had to find my way into the game, but apart from the start I think both the team and I were doing okay.

Eurohandball.com: You were awarded player of the match and recently you were awarded Player of the Year in Germany. What do such awards mean for you?

Grit Jurack: They boost my confidence and of course they make me glad. However, it is more important to give everything for the team and contribute to our victories.

Eurohandball.com: And what about the chances in the CL?

Grit Jurack: The first match in a new group is always difficult, but at least we have taken the first step now. We have seen how well Hypo played against Slagelse and we are aware that a very difficult match is waiting for us in Austria. We are on the right track.

TEXT: Peter Bruun