10.03.2014, 12:25
Pytlick sticks to well-known players

NEWS REPORT: Denmark's national women's coach does not take a risk ahead of the Women's EHF EURO Qualification match against Ukraine on 29 March

Pytlick sticks to well-known players

It is not the time for experiments according to Denmark's national coach Jan Pytlick who has nominated the same players, who won bronze at the World Championship in Serbia in December 2013, for the EHF EURO 2014 qualification match against Ukraine at the end of this month - with one exception.

The only change is one he was forced to make, as back court player Pernille Holst Holmsgaard from København Håndbold is sidelined for the rest of the season with an injury. She is being replaced by Anne Sofie Hjort from Team Tvis Holstebro.

Earlier last week, right back Camilla Dalby from Montenegrin side Buducnost announced her farewell to the national team, but she was only brought to Serbia in December as a substitute during the tournament and was not part of the original squad for the World Championship.

Denmark and Ukraine will only meet once, on 29 March in Kolding, instead of the previously scheduled doubleheader on 26 and 29 of the month.

Due to the political situation in Ukraine the EHF decided last Friday to reschedule the match in Ukraine. It will now take place on 11/12 June.

Huge respect for Ukraine

Ahead of the qualification match on 29 March, Denmark top Qualification Group 1 with four points after two matches after clear wins against Austria and Lithuania.

Ukraine are in second position with two points. They beat Lithuania 30:27 but lost 28:34 to Austria.

Jan Pytlick's main goal is to keep the 'maximum point status' in the upcoming match.

"I think the players who played at the World Championship in Serbia did really well, and they deserve the chance again.

"It's not because we don't have other players who are knocking on the door to the national team. We certainly do, but this is not the time for experiments. We need points on our account now," Jan Pytlick told ehf-euro.com.

"I have the greatest respect for Ukraine who have a very strong team, but we are aiming to win the match.

"It hasn't been so long, since those players last played together, so I'm sure they can find each other again in a hurry, and the sooner we make our qualification perfect, the better," he added.

The squad:

Goalkeepers: Cecilie Greve (HC Odense) Rikke Poulsen (Vejen EH)

Left wing: Ann Grete Norgaard (Team Tvis Holstebro) Maria Fisker (Viborg HK)

Left back: Stine Jörgensen (FC Midtjylland) Anne Mette Hansen (Ajax Kobenhavn) Anne Sofie Hjort (Team Tvis Holstebro)

Centre back: Kristina Kristiansen (Team Tvis Holstebro) Jane Schumacher (Skive fH)

Right back: Line Jorgensen (FC Midtjylland) Louise Burgaard (Viborg HK)

Right wing: Trine Ostergaard (FC Midtjylland) Maibritt Kviesgaard (Team Esbjerg)

Line players: Susan Thorsgaard (FC Midtjylland) Marianne Bonde (Kobenhavn Handbold) Mette Gravholt (Team Tvis Holstebro)

TEXT: Peter Bruun / ts