Eurohandball.com took the opportunity to talk to probably the best player in the world at the moment Croatian Ivano Balic before Portland San Antonio takes on Slovenian team RK Gold Club Kozina in the return match on Saturday. The playmaker is a real magician. Ivano Balic told Eurohandball.com that he was not thinking too much about the upcoming match. For the 27 year old sometimes seems out of his world, but on the court he can almost everything! At all the big tournaments - European, World Championships and Olympic Games he received title Most Valuable Player.

Your playing number is 34, does this have any significance?

This is my number in club (number 3) and this is my number in national team (number 4). When I came to Portland none of these numbers were free then I decided to make a compromise with number 34.

You are almost in the quarterfinals of Champions League as you have 11 goals advantage to Gold Club...

In the past few years miracles have happened in handball competitions. All is possible that is why we will have to play in same way in Pamplona. But it is true we are close to quarterfinals but nothing should be left to chance.

Was this match easier in comparison with preliminary matches you played?

I could not say it was easier. My view is simple: all matches have to be played on maximum. You should never underestimate the rival as in this way you can quickly be surprised. This match we started really good and did quick advantage so in that way it seemed as it was easier. But we had to concentrate for all 60 minutes as Gold Club had some chances to get closer.

You are in Pamplona for three seasons. Do you think Portland is stronger than ever this year?

Maybe we are club who is in the best form, but the strongest? I do not know. This we will see at the end of the season. Up until now we played perfect and we have to continue in that way to be the best team at the end.

This season Slovenian Renato Vugrinec has joined you. How do you work together?

Everything is great. We make progress every single day. I am really happy that he decided to come to Pamplona. I wanted him in the same club as myself and also proposed to the club's management to bring him here.

Without a doubt you are at this moment the best player in the world. You have received title MVP on all last championships. Do you have a recipe for success?

(With a smile) I do not have any idea. If God gives you the talent, this is it. And if you have talent, you have to take advantage of it. Talent does not mean much; you have to practice a lot. If I am really the best, many thanks to people who think that.

Your playing is similar to basketball. Do you know in defence what combination you will play in attack?

I am not thinking much. When I come to attack I look how defence is set and try to find some weak points of rivals. I try to take advantage of it. My co-players will sometimes look to me and follow my lead. There is lot of improvisation and little prepared in advance for tactics in attack.

How does Ivano Balic see himself?