Espaço Croácia 2009

Regarding the biggest unpleasant surprises of the 1st part of the competition at the World Championship, Spain and Russia come in the first plan. After winning bronze at the Olympics in Beijing, many considered the Spain as a potential invader of medals at the WC. But it seems that they hastily have made the shift of the generations, and new selector Rivera failed to put things in order in given time as long he is at the selector’s position. It is obvious that some major players, as Entrerrios, Romero, or Baruffet, are out of form and it should affect the game and results. Spill already after 1st Round is a big blow to Spaniards and we will see what moves will make the new leadership of the Spanish Handball Federation, whether to give a new opportunity to Rivera and its team, or will again make some new changes. It is certain that in the qualification for the European Championship 2010 Spain must be stronger, since they will have Sterbik and Rutenko in their ranks. The former triple world champions, the Russians also disappointed at this World Championship. Although a few months ago they lost their legendary selector Maksimov, nobody expected such a poor play of the Russians. We could tell that they really lack strong coach hand, but also Koksarov and Krivosljikov, and that simply they do not have a good performance, although the majority of the players are from one club, Chehovski medvedi, and at least the co-play do not seem to be questionable. World vice-champion Poland also did not gave the best in the first part of the World Championship, but still reached the Main Round at Zadar.
Regarding the biggest surprises, that is certainly Macedonia, as like as South Korea. Macedonians have shown that they are not accidentally ejected the Olympics vice-champions Iceland, and led by phenomenal Kiro Lazarov, managed to get the Main Round. Lazarov is by the way the top scorers at the tournament and great credit for this success have also their fans, which in huge number came in Varazdin to cheer their team.
South Korea with the win over Spain also regains the competition in Zagreb and this is a right award for a great play at the court. They caused big troubles to Croatia and Sweden, and defeated the Spain. Compliments to the team who had also altered line-up, comparing to that one at the Olympics, and brought to Croatia some new players.
For Slovakia the biggest success was win over Slovenia, in the World Championship’s qualifications, but, Slovaks are also win the Main Round competition in Zagreb. Selector Heister selected very solid line-up, with no great names and European stars.
We believe that excellent handball show will continue at the World Championship, and who knows, maybe some new surprise will happen.
Z. Vujic

Fonte: Site Mundial 2009