10.10.2008, 11:29
Chehovskie beat Portland in 2nd half

Maximov's team won the Group E derby easily by 8 goals.

Chehovskie beat Portland in 2nd half

Chehovskie had an easy task against Portland. The Russians have beaten Portland after an equal first half without any problem.

The Maximov team were physically stronger and proved it with a very convincing 34-26 victory. The 8-goal difference also means that from now on Chehovskie have the best chances to win Group E of this stage.

Portland arrived to Russia missing five important players, Dominikovic, Juancho, Malmagro, Nikcevic and Jakobsen – all injured. Ruesga and Jorgensen also had smaller physical problems.

On top of all, Saric, Vugrinec and Nikolic arrived to Russia only on the match day because of problems with their papers.

In fact, Portland had little chance to win from the beginning. Nevertheless, the team of coach Villadea stepped on court with the right determination and tried everything in the first half.

Portland and Chehovskie were only equal as long as fatigue showed on the Spanish players. The Maximov team kept on playing on high speed after this and did not give a chance.

Only the Norwegian Kjelling kept the Spanish ambitions alive, but Igropoulo and Divirov created difficulties for the Portland defenders.

After halftime Chehovskie stole many balls and converted them into easy goals for the wing players.

Villaldea decided to save Ruesga for the next games and tried to end the match with dignity. The eight goals of difference at the end mean that Portland cannot make more mistakes if they want to secure the first place in the group.

TEXT: Fernando Urra Goni