27.04.2015, 09:31
Chevtsov wants Belarus to "enjoy the game"

PREVIEW: Belarus head coach Iouri Chevtsov sees Denmark as the favourites in the upcoming EHF EURO Qualification double-header, but urges his team to spring a surprise in the home game

Chevtsov wants Belarus to "enjoy the game"

In Belarus, there were some high expectations ahead of the World Championship 2015. But in Qatar, the team led by Iouri Chevtsov did not perform quite well and eventually finished 18th.

Now the Belarusians would like to boost their morale by getting some points from the upcoming double-header with Denmark in the EHF EURO 2016 Qualification. The games will take place on 30 April in Minsk and on 2 May in Aarhus.

However, it is not an easy task as the Danish team is considered to be the strong favourite in this Qualification Group 2.

They are currently at the top of the group with 4 points after 2 games, while Belarus have 3 points and occupy second place.

Chevtsov is well aware of the opponents' strength but harbours some hopes for a positive outcome, at least in Minsk.

"It's impossible to prepare something supernatural during a short training camp. We will face one of the world’s strongest teams.

"The favourites in these matches are obvious. Denmark are tough opponents, but the first game will be at home, and we will try to show a decent game.

"In this situation I want my team just to enjoy the game and make the fans enjoy it," the Belarus head coach told ehf-euro.com.

The Eastern European side is currently facing some problems with injured players.

First-choice line player Maxim Babichev from HC Meshkov Brest has already left the training camp.

"It's a problem but Aliaksandr Tsitou should arrive from Poland. We also nominated Atrsiom Karalyok, a young and promising player. After all, Siarhei Rutenka may also play on the line," Chevtsov said.

Babichev’s clubmate Dzianis Rutenka also has some health problems, so his participation in Thursday game is still not certain.

Most members of Belarus team play for domestic clubs. Just a few weeks ago, one of the national team leaders, Barys Pukhouski, left Hungary’s Csurgo and signed a contract with SKA Minsk where he has already made a debut.

"In Hungary, I didn't play much and my physical shape was not perfect. I could feel it last autumn when Belarus played Bosnia-Herzegovina. So my comeback at SKA is also better for the national team," Pukhouski said.

On Saturday (25 April) Belarus played a friendly game with SKA Minsk and won 30:25. Pukhouski, this time playing against his club, scored the most goals (8) for Chevtsov’s team.

Belarus squad for the EHF EURO qualifiers against Denmark

Goalkeepers: Ivan Matskevich (SKA Minsk), Ivan Maroz (Gomel), Vitali Charapenka (HC Meshkov Brest).

Wings: Maxim Baranau (HC Meshkov Brest), Dzianis Rutenka (HC Meshkov Brest).

Line players: Artsiom Karalyok (SKA Minsk), Aliaksandr Tsitou (KS Azoty-Pulawy).

Back court: Kiryl Kniazeu (SKA Minsk), Uladzislau Kulesh (SKA Minsk), Siarhei Rutenka (Barcelona), Dzmitry Chystabayeu (Permskie Medvedi), Aleh Astrashapkin (HC Meshkov Brest), Siarhei Shylovich (HC Meshkov Brest), Aliaksandr Bachko (SKA Minsk), Hleb Harbuz (HC Sankt Petersburg), Dzmitry Nikulenkau (HC Meshkov Brest), Barys Pukhouski )SKA Minsk).

TEXT: Sergey Nikolaev / ts