Stars leave (no) room for jokes ahead of EHF EURO
The fans might not be enjoying the break from the VELUX EHF Champions League action as much as the players do. But the Men’s EHF EURO 2018 is just around the corner, to warm your cold palms over the winter break.
With your favourite stars about to hit the court this week, we bring you the Last Week in the Champions League – EHF EURO edition.
But, before we get to the EHF EURO, let’s see how the neighbouring country Slovenia got to Croatia.
And of course, check out Germany for some real handball emotion. The EHF EURO trophy defenders are in good form and their commentators are as passionate as ever ahead of the competition.
Youngest Karabatic sets the pace
The French team have all surely wished for one thing for the New Year – the EHF EURO trophy. Their star-laden team are looking to the EHF EURO 2018 with the highest ambitions, while leaving a bit of room for fun.
Fun or not, one of their youngest fans, Nikola Karabatic’s son, liked the idea of another EHF EURO trophy so much, he joined the practice, setting an unusually high pace for this ball exercise.
But, we wonder if the young Alek Karabatic had also made this tactical board?
No-joke Croatia
However, there is no room for joke at the Croatian camp. The hosts dream EHF EURO gold, but faced a lot challenges ahead in their preparation period, working tirelessly in training, before their work begins in earnest.
VELUX EHF Champions League star Ivan Cupic is extremely motivated as the Vardar right wing, and one of the most experienced players in the team, awaits his fifth EHF EURO.
Meanwhile, a sigh of relief for both Croatia and THW Kiel fans is seeing their talismanic star Domagoj Duvnjak looking well in training, regaining his form after injury.
PSG raid other Champions League teams to bolster defence
As the spotlight was off the Champions League, one French side never stopped working. Last year’s VELUX EHF FINAL4 participants PSG found their missing pieces in two players from other Champions Leagie participants.
Viran Morros from FC Barcelona Lassa and Henrik Toft Hansen from SG Flensburg-Handewitt signed for the French giants to bolster Noka Serdarusic’s second unit.
The two renowned defensive specialists will make a huge impact on the way PSG plays, as well, suggesting more rotation and defensive variety, which is always a good thing.
Home for Christmas
Despite the EHF EURO 2018 stealing the show, let us make a slight departure. The following part is dedicated to the stars that are not playing at the EHF EURO.
He made way for younger players to shine, and Hungary may not be the same without Laszlo Nagy, but the Veszprém star is making sure he keeps in shape until the Champions League is back.
A winter break comes handy when spending family time becomes a luxury. Vardar playmaker Andrea Lekic took the break to spend Orthodox Christmas with her family in Belgrade, enjoying her time off the court.
Back in Hungary, the Women’s EHF Champions League trophy defenders Györ never really toned down the handball euphoria. Furthermore, Anita Görbicz made history again, scoring her milestone 2,000th goal.
TEXT:
Nemanja Savic / ew