11.03.2021, 09:30 GROUP 7 REVIEW: In his first game as player/coach for North Macedonia, Kiril Lazarov guided his team to a 33:29 victory over Denmark |
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Kiril Lazarov could not have asked for a better first match as player/coach for his side, as North Macedonia overthrew world champions Denmark to go top of group 7 on Thursday night. In what was both teams’ third match in the EHF EURO 2022 qualifiers, the chance to take first position on the table was there, as they entered the match on four points apiece. Denmark were the favourites, but North Macedonia stunned with outstanding defence backed by a brilliant Nikola Mitrevski. North Macedonia now lead the group with six points from three wins in as many matches, while Denmark are second on four points ahead of Switzerland on two thanks to their win against Finland in the earlier game on Thursday night. GROUP 7
Hosts quieten world champions’ attack When Denmark successfully defended their 2019 world title in January, their attacking prowess was on full display. On Thursday night, Mitrevski’s strong opening supporting the Macedonian defence helped shake Denmark’s attacking rhythm early on — and ultimately destroy it completely. Although Hansen netted a big 11 goals, the back court did not click perfectly into place and coach Nikolaj Jacobsen struggled for the right attacking combination — including trying seven-against-six — but ultimately there was no solution for the visitors. TEXT: EHF / Courtney Gahan |
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