 |
Croatia have dominated world handball over the last five years but against Norway they always seem to get into trouble.
The
extremely talented Croatian team with names like Ivano Balic, Mirza
Dzomba, Blazenko Lackovic and many, many more, were, together with
Germany, the big team in the 2000s.
They have won the Olympics, the World Championship but never the European Championship.
Norway always trouble for Croatia
Now
they have targeted their first triumph against the best in Europe. But
to get to the main round with as many points as possible, they would
have to beat the team that always seems to get them into trouble.
Little
Norway give their best when Croatia is their opponent and they have
actually won four out of the last five meetings between the teams.
Last
year the Norwegians put on a fighting face and beat the Croatians in
the World Championship. And they believe they can do it again in
Switzerland.
“If we play defensively against Russia we have a
chance. But we have to be much better in attack,” said the Norwegian
coach Gunnar Pettersen.
Løke in top form
The line player Frank Løke was superb against Croatia in Tunisia and he loves playing against their defence.
He
showed in the match against Russia that he is in form and why many look
at him as a candidate for the All Star Team in the tournament.
On Friday he will get another chance to shine against the best.
Croatia
are sweating over the fitness of Mirza Dzomba. Their top scorer against
Portugal had to leave the court with a leg injury.
“It’s an old
injury which has kept me out of training for the past seven days. I
don’t know how serious it is and how long it will keep me out,” he said.
Croatia
can secure a place in the main round with a win, while Norway will be
back in the running for a good placement in the European Championship
if they should take their fifth win in six matches against Ivano Balic
& co.
Ajde tko malo zna englenskoga shvatit ce o cemu je rijec...
|