05.12.2024, 05:00
Flash quotes: 5 December

FLASH QUOTES: Comments from players and coaches after main round matches in Debrecen and Vienna

DEBRECEN/VIENNA - Comments from players and coaches after Hungary beat Montenegro 26:20, France beat Romania 30:25, and Sweden beat Poland 33:25 in main round group I; and Norway beat Denmark 27:24, the Netherlands beat Slovenia 26:22 and Germany beat Switzerland 36:27 in main round group II on Thursday.

HUNGARY 26:20 MONTENEGRO

Vlagyimir Golovin (HUN) – head coach

On the match:

“It was like we hadn’t warmed up before the game, we stayed standing in the first 10 minutes, but after that our game changed, we found our own rhythm, especially in attack. Since the 15th minute, it was our game, we dominated the whole match.”

On the importance of the win:

“Every win is really important for us, especially now that in this tournament we are probably going into tougher matches and opponents.”

Gréta Márton (HUN) – left wing

On their strengths:

“I think our strength today was the team spirit and the fight, we were fighting like hell and knew exactly that we had to be really aggressive in our defence and we really tried our best to stop the Montenegrin players.”

On the importance of the win:

“This victory means a lot to us, to our federation and to our Hungarian fans. I would like to thank them for the support, the atmosphere was incredible today and it was amazing to play in this arena.”

Suzana Lazovic (MNE) – head coach

On what was missing from today’s game:

“In the first 10 minutes of the match we started very good, after this we had a low performance, a lot of technical mistakes in attack, a lot of mistakes missing the goal.

"They did not surprise us, we expected everything that they did, but at that moment we were not ready to stop it. We now need to think about the match tomorrow, we need to see what was bad in this match so we don’t repeat this tomorrow.”

On the team’s motivation after the loss:

“We stay positive, head up, this is sports, everything is possible. Also we came in the main round and everything is possible. Stay positive, believe in this, we have our vision, our target.”

Armelle Attingré (MNE) – goalkeeper

On what was missing in the game:

“I think that we had many turnovers and it didn’t help us, this was the main reason tonight. We didn’t have the same connection like before; Hungary were playing at home.”

On the lessons they take with them after the loss:

“We will talk and have a video analysis. Maybe more connection in defence. Because now I’m a bit disappointed as a keeper.”

DENMARK 24:27 NORWAY

Jesper Jensen (DEN) – head coach

On what decided the win for Norway:

“We missed too many chances today. I think we play pretty decent. All in all, the two teams were pretty level, but Silje Solberg was prized as the best player, and she also deserves this today.”

On if there was anything unexpected in the game:

“I think that was pretty much what it used to be — both the result, because Norway has a little bit the upper hand, but also the way both teams play. I think that was pretty normal.”

Rikke Iversen (DEN) – line player

On the key to Norway’s win:

“I think if we look back we'll be sorry for all the missed changes. We really have some good opportunities to score but at the end I also think that the goalkeeper from Norway (Silje Solberg-Østhassel) was really good. I'm actually quite proud of how we played, just not how we executed.”

On the strategy and what they managed to do and not do:

“Most of the game, I think our defence managed to keep Henny (Reistad) a bit away from scoring too many goals and actually kept following Norway in most of the game.

“But sometimes we also get tired and then we miss a second in their one-against-one and then they score. I think if we're ready 100 per cent all the time, next time we meet them — hopefully in this tournament — then we have to be ready all the time.”

On the positives from the match:

“We actually played quite a lot of defence that's good. And then our attack, we actually come to a lot of chances and we get a lot of penalties for us. We have to keep working, because if we put the ball in the goal, then we also get the victories.”

Helena Elver (DEN) - right back

On the defeat against Norway:

“I think that we missed a lot of chances in this the first half, even though we actually played for something and good, but we missed those 100 per cent chances. I also think that we could have had some penalties on some of the situations. So maybe looks a little bit worse than it actually was.”

Thorir Hergeirsson (ISL) – head coach, Norway

On what decided the result in their favour:

“It's two very close teams. We know each other very well. We have played a lot of matches, not only this year, but earlier. They play together in clubs in Denmark. They play against each other in the clubs.

“It was maybe our goalkeeper (Silje Solberg-Østhassel) and the first period of the second half when we got this gap — then we played very well in both ends. And in the end, absolutely in the end, I think our players played very wisely in attack. Kept the ball wisely and secured the win.”

On whether there was anything unexpected:

“Not at all. The only part was that (Mie) Højlund was not playing. But you see it brings new players who take more responsibility when one player is out, so I think they mobilised very good, and this was no plus for us. I think it was tougher to play against them without her.”

Silje Solberg-Østhassel (NOR) – goalkeeper

On the key to the victory:

“It’s a tough game. I feel we have a quite good control during the whole game. But we know they are tough opponents and they come back in the game even if we were starting to get a good lead, so I think probably some experience some mental energy, maybe. That makes us stronger in the end.

“I'm happy that we are able to stay in this period, to make this bad period a little less bad or smaller, and then we managed to come back in the game.”

On their approach to the game and what went as they hoped:

“We played against Denmark many times the last half year, so I feel we managed to use the experience we had against them — how we should control it in defence.

“And I think also they managed to stop us quite good in our attack, so we struggle a lot, had some bad mistakes that we normally don't do, and that's because they do a good job. But I think we stand up when it matters.”

Henny Reistad (NOR) - centre back

On the key for the win:

‘’We played well, especially in defence and with our goalkeeper who performed really good and was crucial for keeping that lead.’’

On the performance:

‘’Both in the attack and defence we struggled in the first half.  They came to a bit more chances in the middle than we are used to.  We’ve got a good talk in the half-time break about that.

‘’So I think we did a good job in the second half in the attack. I actually had the same feeling for the whole game. We maybe did not have as much flow as we normally have, but of course, we were a bit prepared for that when it's against Denmark, because they know us really well and they are always prepared for the first pressure in our attack.

“We have a little bit to improve in that part, especially like after the first pressure.’’

FRANCE 30:25 ROMANIA

Sébastien Gardillou (FRA) – head coach

On what was the key to their success:

“We were strong in defence, I had two perfect goalkeepers and we stole a lot of balls, particularly in the first half. We made a lot of mistakes and the consequence was to go to half-time with only three goals more. We defended for a long time with one player less, we managed how we could.”

On how they will prepare for Friday’s match:

“Sleep and massage for the players. This is the rule for the championship, I had been warned about it. Now this is how we can prepare, massage, ice water, a lot of rest time and good sleep.”

Estelle Nze-Minko (FRA) – left back

On the key to their success:

“I think the key was to never give up to be honest, it was a very long game, very tough. I think in the last 10 minutes we found a better way to score in attack, a better system, and we also managed to close our defence a little and have some saves. So I feel that we were better in the last seven-eight minutes of the game.”

On how she will prepare for tomorrow’s match:

“First of all, go back to the hotel and try to recover as fast as possible, because recovery is key in these moments. We will watch Montenegro play now as well to prepare our strategy. And have a good night’s sleep, try to rest and prepare and come on the court tomorrow at 18:00.”

Florentin Pera (ROU) – head coach

On what was missing in the match against France:

“I think we had a very good game, I am very proud of my team because we have a lot of young players. We played with confidence today, we didn’t give up, but France have more experienced players and in the last minutes they managed the situation better than us, one-by-one.

“We didn’t have mobility in attack and missed some important shots. But I am proud of my team because we were close to France, one of the best games.”

On the positive aspects of the game:

“We try to think about the next game, we have to prepare well for that. It will not be easy, we will play against Sweden, a very good team. The time is short, we play tomorrow, it will be hard because all the games for us were very tough, but we have good confidence and we will try to give everything tomorrow.”

Bianca Curmenț (ROU) – goalkeeper

On what was missing in the match against France:

“Unfortunately we started the main round with a loss, but I think we began the game very well. In the last 10 minutes we started to make a lot of mistakes, we saw that they were leading and it was a bit of pressure. They had solutions and we didn’t react.

“I want to congratulate them because they knew how to manage the end of the game and I am looking forward to the next match.”

On the positive aspects from the game:

“I think we started the game very well because we didn’t have many expectations, we played without pressure. When we saw that we were there, we were leading, I think at that moment we started to shake a little bit. A positive aspect is that we can be at their level and most of the game we were there.”

NETHERLANDS 26:22 SLOVENIA

Henrik Signell (SWE) – head coach, Netherlands

On the key to the win:

“Our defence. We had some problems in the start of the second half, but we stayed cool and did some corrections, some small changes, and it went well.”

On what was important in the second half when Slovenia came back:

“To stay cool and to rely on what we have decided. Also keep our heads cool. I think we did, so that was an important key for this win.”

Yara ten Holte (NED) — goalkeeper

“We stayed really calm in the head. It was a game with ups and downs. Especially in defence, some difficulties in the beginning of the second half. But we stayed calm, and we just did our thing and we did the defence better. Then we could score again and then we were leading comfortably.”

On how their game measured up to their approach for it:

“We made a few too many mistakes, both in attack and in defence. But yes, we wanted to try some things out we need further in a tournament, and I think that worked out pretty well.

“Of course, it's normal to have some mistakes and also Slovenia kept on fighting, they never gave up, so then it's hard. But luckily, we also could fight to the end.”

Angela Malestein (NED) – right wing

On the win against Slovenia:

“We knew at the half-time they would come out better and we, of course, didn't want to start in the second half like that. However, we stayed calm and cool, told each other it doesn't matter if we miss or make mistakes, we just need to fix it together in the defence. And this is what we did. I am really proud of my team.”

On she and Lois Abbingh scoring 100 EHF EURO goals:

“I also scored? Oh, wow. I didn't know. I knew Lois needed goals to reach it so I even gave her the penalty shot so she could have it.

“I'm super-happy for her and for me too. And I hope I will have them a lot more because I really love playing for the national team.”

On the importance of the win:

“We are really satisfied with our performance. We have quite a squad where a lot of players have another role than they used to have. We are going game for game and we will see how our journey will be. Already in the next round we have a tough game against Norway and we just need to fight hard and do what we do the best.”

Dragan Adžic (MNE) – head coach, Slovenia

On what decided the win for the Netherlands:

“Netherlands have more experienced players and are better in every segment of game, but I am satisfied because our young team played good all match. No big difference and I'm satisfied.”

On whether the team delivered on the way they hoped to play:

“In this moment, four goals difference is very, very good for Slovenia, because our team is no more experienced players. I think 10 or 11 players are first time playing European championship. First one playing against Netherlands — a great team. I'm very, very satisfied.”

Nataša Ljepoja (SLO) – line player

On the key to the Netherlands’ win:

“The goalkeeper from Netherlands. She was really good in the first half. In the second we came a little closer, but I think in the end she had some saves from the wings. Then they scored easy goals and they started to lead us.”

On what they changed for the second half:

“We are a young team. We just say, ‘we need to play. We don't have nothing to lose. We just play.’”

Maja Vojnovic (SLO) – goalkeeper

On the defeat:

“We were fighting from the first to the last minute. We were close and we showed we are never letting go. I think we did not have this sports luck and of course, experience, but we showed we can keep up with stronger teams.”

On leading in the second half:

“We have young team and we don't have experience which we need for those moment. If we had, maybe we could keep it. We missed a lot of shots and their goalkeeper (Yara ten Holte) also had a great day. We have this amazing energy between us, and we must keep calm when we are leading, not allow for the feelings to take over.”

SWEDEN 33:25 POLAND

Tomas Axnér (SWE) – head coach

On the match against Poland:

“We kept up with our opponents, we were two goals ahead in the first half, we had some struggles with their seven-against-six. In the second half they only scored 10 goals, a couple of them more in the end, so we changed a little bit in the defence and got better control on it and could control the game much easier.”

On the motivation within the team after the victory:

“I think I know that my girls have trained a lot and run a lot and are capable of playing two games in two days, so I’m looking forward to the next game against Romania, a fantastic game for us to play.”

Linn Blohm (SWE) – line player

On the win:

“I am feeling really good, we started the main round with a win that is so important for us.”

On the motivation within the team for the next matches:

“The motivation is big because we still have the chance to go to the semi-finals, so of course we want to take that. Each game is very important for us, so we will go in and give all that we have in every game.”

Arne Senstad (NOR) – head coach, Poland

On what was missing in the game against Sweden:

“A lot was missing today. First of all, we were up against a really good team, so they were the big favourites and we needed to play at our absolute best if we wanted to have a chance.

“Today, I think we missed the power from the start, we missed the energy that we had in Monday’s game against Spain. We started to make a lot of easy mistakes and then we were some goals behind.

“Changing to seven-against-six worked and we were playing really well, but still we made too many mistakes in the first half and got these two-minute suspensions, so we needed to play with one (player) less.

“It was a tough first half, two goals behind, and then in the second one we tried again to go out and play seven-against-six, but it looks like we didn’t have the energy today. I really think we had the chance to fight against them, but during the whole game we had too many mistakes, easy mistakes, not just because they are a good team, too many two-minute suspensions and in the end they were just better.”

On how the game against Hungary:

“First of all now we need to talk to the girls and find this extra energy and it’s not easy with one game on the day after, my girls are not used to playing so many games in such a short time. It’s the same story for Hungary for sure, but today it didn’t look like we have this energy, so we need to do some things right for tomorrow and prepare for the Hungarians, they are really strong.”

Monika Kobylinska (POL) – right back

On what went wrong in the match against Sweden:

“It’s hard to say directly after the game. I think that we didn’t start so well, but then we succeeded in the seven against six and we came back in the game. Then I think we played quite well in the first half, but in the second one we let them score already from the beginning, also a lot of counter attacks and we couldn’t stop them.

“They started to control the game, I am a little bit disappointed that we didn’t have this energy in the second half and maybe it was quite too easy in the second half for Sweden.”

On her performance after scoring six goals:

“I am not really thinking about my performance when we are losing the game, so I am more disappointed that we didn’t make it harder for them in the second half.”

SWITZERLAND 27:36 GERMANY

Tabea Schmid (SUI) – line player

On the defeat:

“In the first half, even though we were behind, we said that it was fine that we had some shots on the post, which is really unlucky.

“But then in the beginning of the second half we lost some intensity and allowed them to have a lot of fast breaks. We didn't run home fast enough and we didn't have the consequences that we wanted to. So, I'm a bit disappointed about that, but we just look forward for the next game.”

“We were four behind and caught them, and also in the half-time we were behind four, so of course we thought, OK, maybe we can keep up again like we did in the first half. Unfortunately, we just couldn’t.”

Mia Emmenegger (SUI) – right wing

On what decided the match:

“In the first half we threw a lot of balls on the post and that was then four goals that were missing us. In the second, we had too many mistakes, technical faults, so the Germans could make a difference with fast attacks.”

On it being Switzerland’s first main round game ever:

“That's really nice. For us, it’s history and so we're proud to represent our home. But anyway, we'd like to get some points. We're not here to lose every game, so we try to give all in the next games.”

Markus Gaugisch (GER) – head coach

On Germany’s approach to the game:

“We focused on the key players of Switzerland. They have a few young players which are upcoming — very, very good. When you see pivot cooperation, this is perfect. It's really, really good.

“And the wings are also on a high level. They are young. We spoke about that, but we knew that in defence, they have not such a high quality than in offence. We focused on our defence, and we knew that when we play straight and not complicated then we will win.”

On what they talked about at half-time:

“We are not in the situation to run over an opponent without any problems, because we have a range of good actions and bad actions. We spoke about being cool, play our things, feel well.

“Over 60 minutes, we have a better bench. We can change with experience and the Switzerland girls are first time on this level. I think they did very, very well. I'm impressed of the development they do. So we stay cool, play our game, and then we will win.”

Annika Lott (GER) – left back

On the match versus Switzerland:

“We wanted to win the match, and we went through the match without pressure. Then we just went for the goal and it worked, so it was a good team play today.”

On the second half, when they clearly pulled away:

“We had a good goalkeeper and good defence and then we could play fast. It's always good when you can make the easy goals so the opponent is also a little bit struggling, and that was good.”

Alina Grijseels (GER) – centre back

On the high number of goals scored:

“That was the key, I think, we wanted to improve more and more during the tournament because we know we have a good defence but we want to use this for scoring fast goals.

“Today we showed that we can do it. I am happy that we delivered like this and that we have the two points in the main round.”

On Germany's performance:

“It was really important also to use all the energy, because for example, Annika Lott was out also for two games, so it's also important for her to come in the tournament because we have hard games ahead of us. We have to use everyone. Today was a team performance, a really good one, also from the goalkeepers to the last player.”

TEXT: European Handball Federation