12.11.2014, 04:30
No friendship between Radicevic and Petrovic on the court

FEATURE: Former clubmates, international teammates and good friends off the court, but all that will count for nothing over 60 minutes when Vardar face Buducnost on Sunday

No friendship between Radicevic and Petrovic on the court

Almost a month after the first meeting in Podgorica, WHC Vardar SCBT and Buducnost meet again on Sunday in Skopje.

Buducnost easily defeated Vardar in Moraca hall, 23:17, first time round and the Macedonian outfit will do all they can to return the favour.

Since both Group B favourites have already secured their passage into the Women's EHF Champions League Main Round, Sunday’s game will not only go a long way to deciding the group winner, but probably also give the winning side a major advantage in the main round.

“I expect we will play much better than in the first game. Since it’s the top clash in our group, I expect good handball from two teams of good character and quality.

“Buducnost are playing very well, they proved it in the past four games, so I expect a big fight for all 60 minutes.

“The team to make fewer mistakes and remain most patient will win the game,” Vardar right wing and former Buducnost player Jovanka Radicetic told ehfCL.com.

In the past 18 months the sides have met four times, including the memorable MVM EHF FINAL 4 contest in Budapest, and the Montenegrin champions won on all occasions.

“I expect a much harder game than it was in Podgorica. Vardar is a quality opponent and it is never easy to play against them, especially on their home court.

“It’s obvious that they are playing better from game to game. Of course, we're going to Skopje to give our best and make an effort to secure first place in the group,” Buducnost’s Radmila Petrovic explained.

She always makes us suffer

Radicevic added that both teams are “in better shape than the game in Podgorica.

“Because of that, I expect a better game, good defence and wiser and better coordination in attack,” Radicevic continued.

“The key for victory is always a good defence and the team that will give their best will certainly take the two points,” Petrovic added.

As former Buducnost teammates and players who share a space on the right wing in the Montenegrin national team, the pair are good friends away from the court.

On Sunday, during those 60 minutes, all that will be forgotten.

“Joka (Radicevic) is very good and complete player. I have only words of praise for her. When we play against her, she always makes us suffer. So I asked her to be nice on Sunday,” Petrovic said with a smile.

Radicevic repaid the compliments and sent her own message:

“I wish for Rada to be the best in the game and Buducnost to lose,” she concluded.

TEXT: Saša Jončić / cor