'We want four points against Romania,' says Belarus' Shevtsov

In the opening two matches in their EHF EURO 2014 qualifying campaign, Belarus managed to take just one point, a 32:32 draw against Slovenia.

That draw has kept their hopes of qualification for Denmark, but the Belarusians need to get good results in the two upcoming games against Romania to get themselves back on terms with the top two in Group 6.

The first match will be played on 3 April in Piatra Neamt, Romania, while the second one will be held on 7 April in Minsk.

Before these crucial games, Belarus played two friendly matches at home against their neighbours from Ukraine. The results were not very successful, with a 32:38 defeat and a 29:29 draw. After the second game, Belarusian head coach Yuri Shevtsov spoke to ehf-euro.com.

ehf-euro.com: What is the objective for Belarus in the matches against Romania?

Yuri Shevtsov: We plan to get four points from the two games. It is the result that we are aiming at. However, the minimal task is to get at least two points.

ehf-euro.com: What do you think about the situation in the qualification group?

Yuri Shevtsov: It is rather optimal for us. One point that we managed to get against Slovenia gave us some fresh air. And if we play successfully against Romania, the situation will only improve.

ehf-euro.com: One year ago, Belarus beat Romania in the qualification play-off for the 2013 World Championship. In your opinion, have the Romanians become stronger since these encounters?

Yuri Shevtsov: I think that any team can improve over a year, including us. As for Romania, they have a new coach. I do not see any substantial changes in their game. They use more or less the same tactics as before. But they have some new young players. Fresh blood usually gives new impulses.

ehf-euro.com: You have played two friendly games against Ukraine lately. Were they helpful?

Yuri Shevtsov: The situation was not easy. Many leading players were sick or injured. So we had to experiment a lot. We were looking for the combinations of players that we could use against the Romanians. The results of the friendly matches are not so important for me.

ehf-euro.com: What are the main problems of the Belarusian team?

Yuri Shevtsov: Our weak point is defence. OK, Siarhei Rutenka did not play against the Ukrainians. He will join the team for the matches with Romania, but we realise that it will not automatically solve all of the problems.

Mikhail Niazhura is injured and will not help us, Maxim Babichev, Maksim Baranau and Vitali Charapenka may also miss the upcoming games due to health problems.

We cannot substitute these players. This is the situation in the Belarusian handball. So we have to rebuild the team. All of our losses are in defence. And it is good defence that wins games.

ehf-euro.com: Do the players feel more confident after the World Championship?

Yuri Shevtsov: I think yes. In particular, the players from SKA Minsk have gained mental strength. Being a national coach, I can feel it. And this factor also contributes to a more intense competition in the Belarusian league.

ehf-euro.com: Barys Pukhouski, a national player and SKA Minsk leader, will move in summer to the Hungarian club Csurgo. What is your opinion about this transfer?

Yuri Shevtsov: Time will tell. I think that this decision is not bad. Of course, I would like Barys to move to a better league than the Hungarian. On the other hand, because of the crisis in Europe many good foreign players are moving to Hungary now. So its league should become stronger.

Belarus’ squad for the EHF EURO 2014 qualifiers against Romania on 3 and 7 April:

Goalkeepers: Nikalai Zianko (HC Victory Regia Minsk), Kazimir Kotlinski (Poven), Dzmitri Patotski (HC Meshkov Brest), Vitali Charapenka (HC Meshkov Brest)

Wingers: Maxim Baranau (HC Meshkov Brest), Ivan Brouka (HC Dinamo Minsk), Dzianis Rutenka (HC Dinamo Minsk), Vitali Kazhaneuski (HC Victory Regia Minsk), Aliaksei Trukhanovich (HC Victory Regia Minsk)

Back court: Siarhei Rutenka (FC Barcelona), Dzmitry Kamyshyk (SKA Minsk), Aliaksei Khadkevich (SKA Minsk), Siarhei Shylovich (SKA Minsk), Kiryl Kniazeu (HC Meshkov Brest), Maksim Khomich (HPC Arkatron), Valiantsin Charnou (Kronon), Aliaxei Shinkel (Kronon), Dzmitry Chystabayeu (Permskie medvedi), Dzmitry Nikulenkau (HC Dinamo Minsk), Barys Pukhouski (SKA Minsk)

Line players: Maxim Babichev (HC Dinamo Minsk), Aliaksandr Tsitou (SKA Minsk), Viachaslau Shumak (HC Meshkov Brest)