The "Zebras" must win by at least three goals to go on. Henning Fritz and Jeppesen will be ready for the game.
Against Veszprém for the semi-final
It will be decided on Thursday whether THW Kiel gets into the Champions League semi-finals for the fourth time, the first time since 2001. It is not an easy task, however, against the usual Hungarian champion MKB Veszprém. The result was 39-36 for Veszprém in the first leg and Kiel must try to reach qualification in the Ostseehalle of Kiel. Eurosport broadcasts the match live that begins at 20 hrs.
The match against the Hungarian star team will be different for sure from a domestic game.
"We have to fight in defence even more," goalkeeper Thierry Omeyer demands a more active defending.
Great support expected
Manager Uwe Schwenker counts on the supporters: "the fans will lift the roof of the Ostseehalle" – just as the Hungarians spurred their team on through the entire 60 minutes.
The match winner of the first leg, goalkeeper Dejan Peric, showed a great performance with 22 saves. This week his contract was extended until 2009 and it ties him to the club for the coming seasons.
The Hungarians have another wish: Veszprém shows great interest in another Serbian, Vladimir Perisic from Red Star Belgrade as well.
Jeppesen and Fritz ready
Both teams will probably start with the same line-ups. Coach Noka Serdarusic can count on all his players including Lars Krogh Jeppesen and Henning Fritz.
The referees in the Ostseehalle will be Viktor Poladenko and Igor Chernega from Russia. The EHF Delegate will be Francois Mulleners from Belgium.
TEXT:
Sascha Krokowski