Players could not hide excitement at the media call
Players could not hide excitement at the media call
The lobby of Hotel Aquincum was crowded by the cloud of curious journalists from all over Europe as the media call started in Budapest. Coaches and players of Buducnost, Győr, Vardar and Bucuresti were bombarded with questions prior to the third edition of Europe’s most prestigious women’s handball event, the Women's EHF FINAL4.
The first team to arrive was Buducnost then their opponent in the first semi-final, Győr took on the massive wave of questions. Later Vardar and last but not least Bucuresti occupied the lobby.
Marta Zderic, goalkeeper of Buducnost is happy that her performance improved throughout the season but feels Buducnost can beat Győr in the first semi-final.
"Tomorrow’s game will be the most difficult match of the season waits for us but we worked hard in order to achieve victory and enter the final. I believe that we can win although they [Győr] are a very good team and we will manage to keep up the good atmosphere in the team.”
Her Győr counterparts fully agree with the Croatian goalkeeper. Anita Görbicz claimed Győr are ready to face their arch rivals in the clash of winners of the four previous Women’s EHF Champions League campaigns but was wary of the threat the Montenegrin outfit pose.
"These four teams are equally strong so I expect four tightly contested, balanced games this weekend. The winner will be the team, whose concentration will not drop and remain composed for both games,” said Anikó Kovacsics, left wing of Győri Audi ETO and member of the All-star team that was also announced at the media call.
"We all know it is going to be a tough game and physically very strong and the team that we play better in defence will get the victory. I think that the defence will be key for the winner. We have two types of defence so this is one of the strongest points in our team,” added Nycke Groot, centre back of Győr.
As for the second semi-final, Vardar’s magnificent goalkeeper, Amandine Leynaud also expects a tough game against newcomers HCM Bucuresti.
"In defence it is going to be the most difficult so we have to play really good and close together. Defence is going to be strong point for both teams, so team that will play better in defence will win. I think with great defence we will have more confidence in attack because with good defence everything is easier."
Anja Althaus, line player of Vardar recalled the difficulties of the season. "We had a tough season in some way with some injuries and other issues, but we came through it and I think now we are playing really really well, so I am feeling good about this weekend."
Bucuresti are considered as underdogs by many but who made it to the FinalFour of the most balanced season can’t surrender without a fight. Line Anna Jörgensen, right back of CSM believes if they put their defence together they can cause an upset.
"Our defence is really important. Vardar has excellent attack so if we can stand against them in defense we will have good chance of winning."
"I don't think I know one simple way to take the trophy on Sunday, but I like to take things step by step - the same way we have done things all season long,” added Carmin Martin Berenguer, Bucuresti’s right wing.
