Sabine Englert: "Lots of confidence"

FCM goalkeeper Sabine Englert was the unlucky figure of last weekend´s match against Larvik, when the German international received a direct red card and was sent to the stands. 

Englert, who has played a great season so far and helped her side to the Top8, talks about the game in Norway, the current shape of her side, and the hot duel that awaits FCM in Spain this coming Saturday.

ehfCL.com: In the seventh minute you received a direct red card that put you out for the rest of the game. What exactly happened, and what was your reaction to the situation?

Sabine Englert: I was about to stop one of Larvik´s counter attacks, but when I realised that I wouldn’t reach the ball before the opponents´ player, I stepped aside to the right. I touched Tine Rusted Kristiansen a little with my left hand, but it wasn´t a rough touch. 

Everyone could see this as she stood up again quickly. I think a red card was a very harsh decision for this situation.

ehfCL.com: Despite being down by several goals after your disqualification, FCM fought back bravely and replacement goalkeeper Ingrid Ødegaard saved with great efficiency. How did you view her performance, and was it tough not to communicate with each other during the match?

Sabine Englert: Obviously, I was very happy that Ingrid stood like a rock in the goal, and I felt very happy about her saves. She is an extraordinary goalkeeper who is patiently waiting for her chance.

During the match we were able to talk a little bit, although the distance between us (goal and stands) was really too big. Nevertheless, due to her great heroics in the game there wasn’t much to say! (she laughs)

ehfCL.com: In the second period, you won the game by +8, so what’s the mood of the team now after such a clear victory against the title holder and before the decisive clash against Itxako?

Sabine Englert: The big win gave us a lot of confidence and now we have our fate in our own hands for earning a semi-final berth. This is just the perfect starting situation for the match on Saturday.

ehfCL.com: You performed quite well in the first game against the Spanish champions. How well do you know their players, and what do you expect from this decisive match?

Sabine Englert: Obviously I know several of their players from the Spanish National Team, and this is an advantage.

Itxako are a great team with strong players at each position, and as they still have a chance of reaching the semi-final I expect a very close and tight game with both teams giving their best until the final buzzer.