BASEL/DEBRECEN/INNSBRUCK - Comments from players and coaches after Hungary beat Sweden 25:32 and North Macedonia drew 25:25 with Türkiye in group A; Poland beat Portugal 22:21 and France beat Spain 24:22 in group C; and Norway beat Austria 38:24 and Slovenia beat Slovakia 37:24 in group E on Saturday.
Additional comments from Germany head coach Markus Gaugisch, goalkeeper Sarah Wachter and centre back Alina Grijseels (GER), and Netherlands head coach Henrik Signell (SWE), centre back Larissa Nüsser and goalkeeper Yara ten Holte (both NED) at media calls in Innsbruck; Switzerland head coach Knut Ove Joa (NOR), left back Chantal Wick and right wing Mia Emmenegger (both SUI), Croatia goalkeeper Lucija Bešen and line player Sara Šenvald (both CRO), and Faroe Islands head coach Claus Leth Mogensen (DEN), left wing Turid Arge Samuelsen and centre back Súna Krossteig Hansen (both FAR) at media calls in Basel; and Serbia line players Katarina Bojicic and Jelena Agbaba (both SRB), Romania head coach Florentin Pera, left back Bianca Bazaliu and goalkeeper Bianca Curment (all ROU), and Czechia goalkeeper Sabrina Novotná and right wing Dominika Zachova (both CZE) at media calls in Debrecen on Saturday.
NORTH MACEDONIA 25:25 TÜRKIYE
Kristijan Grchevski (MKD) – head coach
On the match:
“It was a tough match. We had better first period I think, and we woke up a bit later. But second half, in very crucial moments we missed clear situations and we didn’t have a lot. Maybe it’s some strange referee decisions made something about this results.
“We’re satisfied, we fought and we deserved this point.”
On the comeback:
“We didn’t just (come) back. We led two goals after that, we change the defence zone and we started to play very, very well because it was a good defence and that was a result for our comeback.”
Sara Ristovska (MKD) – right wing
On the first point in this EHF EURO:
“We expect that the game will be tough also for us, we prepared really long for this game but I think that it’s fair. Both teams fight until the end. We have a bright future so let’s see how it will go for us.”
On her performance:
“I think it’s not personal. OK, maybe I scored a lot of goals today but I think that shows that we played really like a team. Of course there were a lot of bad moments in the game, but there were some really, really good moments.”
On coming back from five goals behind:
“Honestly, I don’t know (what happened), we ran like crazy today. Up-down, up-down all the time, so I really don’t know.”
Costica Bucheschi (ROU) – head coach, Türkiye
On the first point:
“I am satisfied, we were there, but we need to be correct because the game it was in balance. Sometimes (North) Macedonia they have a good point, two goals, and after we come back in the game. Maybe it wasn’t a very, very nice game, but for sure we fight.”
Bugu Sönmez (TUR) – left back
On the match:
“We started our best, and we wanted to win this game, but some small mistakes made us lose this game.”
On what was missing:
“Mistakes in the critical moment and if we can re-do it, we could be winning this game.”
SLOVENIA 37:24 SLOVAKIA
Dragan Adžic (MNE) – head coach, Slovenia
On the match against Slovakia:
“Probably we prepared the longest for the match against Slovakia, this was maybe the only match where we were the favourites, which could have been ungrateful for this young team, they could have been under pressure. So, I am happy that we entered the match bravely and relaxed, just like we did against Norway, and it showed that this team really has potential.
“I expect to have a good game against Austria, which certainly have a phenomenal team, young team, very complex, but I believe that on this level and we this energy we can compete against them and if we go further (to the main round) it would be like an Olympic medal.”
On the match against Austria:
“Austria has great back players, great goalkeepers and great leadership. I respect their coach, the Dutch coach a lot (Monique Tijsterman) and I somehow believe that this Slovenian team play a bit of an ungrateful handball. We keep the ball a lot, girls are very mobile, and some players have Olympic and world experience, so I see this somehow as an advantage and on top of it our peacefulness.
“Of course, their full hall will give them energy on the other side. It will be a demanding match, but I think we can make a great result and go to the main round.”
Ana Abina (SLO) – centre back
On the keys for the clear victory:
“We knew that we needed to run and to play fast, combined with an aggressive defence. And we really, really fought today.”
On being one of four players who combined for 28 goals:
“Every goal from every girl is important, we all played it like a team, but of course I am happy for us four.”
On the ‘final’ against Austria on Monday for a main round ticket:
“I am happy about today’s win, as it was so important for making it to the main round. I hope we can continue this fighting spirit against Austria. We just need to fight and run like today, we are young, so we can run. So I hope we will win.”
Jorge Dueñas (ESP) – head coach, Slovakia
On the defeat:
“It was a big difference between the defence of Slovenia and our defence was very weak. No good contacts when player with the ball tried to attack, the defenders gave them chance to continue and a lot of possibilities to continue, and I think that was a big difference.
“We played this kind of match with very good team, and you give the chance to continue in attack with some passes, they are able to get a situation to get a goal.”
On what he will tell his players in the locker room:
“For us maybe it’s experience to play in this tournament. A lot of players are new, and I think that’s a learning for the future because we came here to learn and to take more experience, and I think that it’s a bit disappointment, but at the same time we need to understand that this is EHF EURO and we need to play as a team with more strength and confidence.”
Tatiana Šutranová (SVK) – left back
On the reasons for the defeat:
“In the first half we did not play aggressive enough in defence. We have repeated it in training, we talked about it in half-time, it was our fault. We concede easy goals and then it is hard for us to score easy goals on our side. It was our biggest mistake that we started playing aggressive too late in the game. In attack, many players need to go with 100 per cent to the goal.”
On scoring 11 goals:
“Not at all I am happy with this number. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter who scores the goals. Today I was top scorer, yesterday it was someone else. Handball is a team sport, so I am not satisfied.”
On their gameplan against Norway:
“First, we analyse today’s game. Then, I hope we can step up our game against the quality of the best team of the world.”
Erika Rajnohová (SVK) – centre back
On the match:
“For us most of the match was difficult, and tough, but with first half we’re of course disappointed again, especially with the defence. We need to work a lot in the defence, because that’s the main problem for us.
“We improved a bit after second half, we lost I think two, so it was better when we compare first and second half, but still we need to do a lot of work.”
SWEDEN 25:32 HUNGARY
Tomas Axner (SWE) – head coach
On the match:
“Of course, we’re not satisfied with the result and how we lost the game, and at some point we were also behind almost 10 goals. I think we have lot of things we can improve. We knew Hungary will come with a lot of power and a lot of players that can really attack us.
“We didn’t stand up as we wanted in the defence and also lost some of our counter game and had problems scoring goals against the goalkeeper from Hungary. There are much things for improve, of course we’re not satisfied with the game, but we have to look forward and see how to find confidence that will take us further in the tournament.”
On what to improve for the next match:
“A lot of things, but I also think that we have possibilities to change the things on better, but overall we’re not satisfied and we’ll do better in the next games.”
Carin Strömberg (SWE) – centre back
On the defeat:
“Hungary played really good in this match, and we really didn’t stop their strong breakthroughs, and I think it was the defence. In the second half we had many good chances but their goalkeeper had many very good saves. I don’t feel it was our day today.”
On what to improve:
“Some more accuracy when we should and normally we are a defence team, a lot of physical defence, so just to be a little bit more tight to make it harder for the opponents.”
Vlagyimir Golovin (HUN) – head coach
On the team’s performance:
“We’re really happy of this win today. We managed to do everything what we discussed before the game, which makes me really content. I didn’t think that my team will be concentrated and dominate through all 60 minutes, and I’m really proud I have a team like this.”
On whether they played a perfect match:
“It was a perfect game, and we wouldn’t change anything. We couldn’t do anything more, or add anything more to it. We played really well.”
Petra Simon (HUN) – centre back
On the win against Sweden:
“I think our defence was on fire, we played a really good game, we were tough in defence, in the attack we were quite smart, we didn’t hesitate.
“Of course, the arena was full of power, it gave us so much motivation, everything was perfect. I mean, I could never imagine something like this but we are at home and of course, the fans are amazing.”
On her performance:
“I think I was quite good, I could get better, but this was a teamwork, we all played together, played for each other and I could score eight goals because their defence was like this, I could make my one-against-one.”
FRANCE 24:22 SPAIN
Sébastien Gardillou (FRA) - head coach
On the win against Spain:
“It could end different, of course. We know Spain are good in both sides, they know us so well and how I said to the players, it will be hard and we must be patient. We were better in second half time, particular in defence.
“We changed a lot of things and we were better in attack. We played with our mind, more clever than in the first half. We found a lot of situations in attack, but we had some crisis against the goalkeeper, particularly my left back.”
On progressing to the main round:
“We will play serious against Portugal. My first goal at this championship is my players having a smile. I'm happy for them because they played with their hearts and mind and this is my best award for this day.”
Grace Zaadi Deuna (FRA) — centre back
On the match:
“Spain against France. Always a tough game. I think about the history between those two countries — in handball, but I think in every sport. Tonight, we faced a great team of Spain who played differently than the friendly game we had in the past.
“It was a tough game — ‘mano a mano’, as they say. In the second half, I think we were stronger in defence, and we had also impressive saves from Hatadou Sako. We are happy, even if we couldn't play our best handball. I think the spirit was there, and this was the most important tonight.”
On why she feels it was not their best handball:
“To be honest, I expected something different than the Poland game, because it's a different handball. The Spanish team plays a typical handball, to be honest. It’s the only team who plays like that, and I know that we used to struggle against this type of playing.
“I cannot say that I'm satisfied of the ingredients that we have put but sometimes you don't play good and you win and this is the most important, especially with this kind of schedule we have in this tournament. Those points are super precious, but of course we will work a lot on this game because maybe some upcoming opponents can use some weakness against us.”
On the main round:
“Big goal, check. I think we should win all three games to arrive in a good position even though I know that it's completely different when you cross with the different teams on the main round.”
Tamara Horacek (FRA) - centre back
On a narrow win against Spain:
“We expected that it would be really hard game. We were prepared for everything tonight, but I think we fought until the end with what we have today. We were at 100 per cent, always, but maybe a little bit less sometimes in some point of games of the game. Still, I'm really proud of my team.”
On what they need to improve:
“We need to improve in our attack, really, because we have some situations where we don't score. They (the goalkeepers) can save it also, but we have a really clear situation and we miss so, this is the point and the key point.”
Ambros Martin (ESP) - head coach
On the narrow defeat against France:
“It is hard in one side, in the other side, I think we have to be proud of the game that we played today. It's not easy when you have led against world champions and the vice-champions of the Olympic Games, and you play two games in one week and you are so close to them.”
On their game:
“I think we played really smart, in the meaning that we knew that they cannot run on us. That's why we were on the match and also leading the match during the second half. But also everybody knows that when we miss some clear chances against France, it's really difficult to turn it back, and you pay it at the end.”
On their goals:
“We came here with the targets, with the clear goal to think about the future. And we know now that we are maybe a bit closer, but you never know what is going to happen in the sports.
“It was really tough in the physical to play with such a strong team, and we hope to be ready also against Poland in the same way.”
On the next game against Poland:
“We need to fight the same with this fighting attitude. With that, we will have the chance. We know also that they are really strong in the physical way, very big players and many more experienced than us in this type of championship.
“However, I repeat, we know why we came here and we know what is our goal and we know what we have to do, no matter the result will be against Poland.”
Paulina Pérez (ESP) - right wing
On the defeat by France:
“We were playing against one of the biggest and best teams in the competitions, not just in these competition, but in every competition. We have a new team and we are very proud of what we are building.”
On the next game against Poland:
“We want to go through and we were talking about it. We need to play every match like it's the last one. We know Poland play and we know what we can, so we will focus on that. And I hope we will be able to achieve it.”
Danila So Delgado (ESP) – left back
On the key to France’s win:
“For me, it was the little details. They are a national team that are used to play with each other for a long time, they are used to winning, and we are not, but I think we will get there eventually. It was a very good game for us also. It was the little details.”
On the positives in Spain’s game:
“We had a very good read of the game. I think we adapted well to their different defences, and also our defence was very compact and it was like very troubling for them.”
On whether the two close games they have played is beneficial:
“It's a good thing because we are interpreting this pressure as just the key of being here. Just enjoying the moment and really being happy for having this opportunity to play in the European championship.”
On her own game:
“I personally felt great. It was an amazing game for me and also I have the support of my team, so it's easier always to play like this, with a team like this.”
NORWAY 38:24 AUSTRIA
Thorir Hergeirsson (ISL) – head coach, Norway
On the upcoming match against Slovakia:
“We will do a bit of both (resting players and preparing the team for the main round). You don’t rest to be sharp, you train right, you do the right things. No one is going to get better of resting. They will get good in resting but not in sport. We will find some balance on it, of course. We don’t know, but maybe we will be in a position to turn around a bit with the team. We will look at it after the match Slovenia – Slovakia.”
Camilla Herrem (NOR) – left wing
On improving from the first match against Slovenia:
“In the first game the defence was not as tough as we wanted to be, today we were aggressive from the start. We had a good defence and goalkeeper, that leads to many fastbreaks as well. If we play a defence like this, it is easy for us to score those easy goals.”
On the fact that 13 of 14 court players scored:
“I did not know this statistic, but this proves our quality. It means that everybody has the opportunity to be on the court and be in the game. Some of the players are new to big championships, so this is a perfect opportunity for them to get experience. I am very glad that everybody had this good feeling.”
On playing for Katrine Lunde, who misses two matches being home with her daughter:
“Of course, we play those two games also for Katrine. You saw that when Eli (Marie Raasok) came into the goal in the second half, she is also very good. We also had and still have so many good goalkeepers in Norway.”
Maren Aardahl (NOR) – line player
On the atmosphere:
“We enjoyed the home crowd, cheering for Austria, we thought this was really cool and we were looking forward to this game, also we are having a lot of fun and this is often a recipe for success.”
On the match against Slovakia:
“We are definitely going to use it as best as we can to be prepared for the main round. We dream big and we have huge goals, so this is just one more step to reach our goal.”
Monique Tijsterman (NED) – head coach, Austria
On the atmosphere in the arena:
“It was a great atmosphere, the whole crowd was behind Austria, it was really nice to have them, they cheered, like 60 minutes and it was so good to have them here.”
On the game plan for Slovenia:
“We have analysed them, but first I think we need to take also a little bit of look back on this match because I had thought our defence was a little bit better today, so we have to take a look at it. As of tomorrow, the full focus is on Slovenia and we will be ready on Monday and hopefully, again such a crowd will be here to cheer us on.”
Sonja Frey (AUT) – centre back
On the defeat by Norway:
“The first 15 minutes were quite OK, then we could not get this last step or touch in defence. We wanted to cause some problems to Norway, we wanted to make them think, and in some parts of the game it worked.
“But all in all, we did not show what we can do. Our main focus was on Monday, when we face Slovenia. For a miracle we did not play efficient enough today. I am sure we could have showed a better performance today.”
On the atmosphere in the arena:
“The crowd was amazing today, on a Saturday many more people found the time to come to the arena, I am really happy with this big number and this great atmosphere and spirit.”
On the crucial match against Slovenia:
“We will give everything, we are ready to go to the main round, we will give everything we have, this will be a really tough game.”
Katarina Pandža (AUT) – left back
On the match against Norway and the next match:
“I think it was a tough match ahead. We kind of expected it. Norway is a great team, and played us down. I think we could have do it better, but we did too many mistakes and we have to do it better on Monday. We still didn’t analyse Slovenia yet, but we have tomorrow the whole day, and we’ll be ready for Monday.”
On the message to fans:
“I want to thank all of them. It was a nice atmosphere in Innsbruck, and we hope to have full home on Monday.”
POLAND 22:21 PORTUGAL
Arne Senstad (NOR) - head coach
On the win against Portugal:
“We were ahead at the start but we knew it will be hard. We have talked about how to play against this kind of defence. We struggled to get to the good situation, and we managed to get, we missed too many shots.
“Little bit disappointed we didn't get to score more. We missed some seven-metre penalties, we missed clear shots, but that's all part of the game. Defence was good, still we were a bit late in some situations but we fought.”
On what they need to improve:
“To play more against kind of offensive defences because we are getting a little bit to staying with a ball, instead of moving without. When we had situations one-against-one, I think my players need to be more tough directly on the goal. We gave Portugal a chance to run with us.
“In the next game we are playing against Spain, they are even better in playing like that, so we need to come up with a better play.”
Monika Kobylinska (POL) - right back
On a narrow win against Portugal:
“It was really a tough game. It didn't work like we wanted. We started good and I don't know why we allowed them to come back. Portugal are playing a good handball and we are happy we managed to take two points.”
On a low number of goals by both teams:
“It was really hard both teams to score. There were also not that many counter-attacks in both teams. Every goal was hard and we needed to fight for it.”
Paulina Wdowiak (POL) - goalkeeper
On her first EHF EURO game:
“I'm happy I got this chance. It was really difficult match and I'm glad that we managed to win in the end.”
On her performance:
“When the team is playing good and when they are helping me, I can also perform on a good level.”
José António Silva (POR) – head coach
On the defeat against Poland:
“Despite our fantastic fight against very strong team, this is still a defeat. We made some mistakes we can't repeat in the high competition. It is impossible to fight so hard and not to have a chance to win because of our faults.”
On the key moment:
“We made unbelievable mistakes in substitutions, our attack when we had numerical superiority was a disaster today. These two factors have a lot of weight in the final result. It is very difficult to digest match like this. We made so many almost perfect things and we compromised that.”
SWITZERLAND
Knut Ove Joa (NOR) – head coach
On their maiden EHF EURO win:
“For the players, it was a lot emotional. I think I'm just happy for the players, the federation, and all of the Swiss people who were part of this. We reached our main goal for that game.
“It was tough, especially for these young players, because there's a lot of pressure on them. They showed the morale at the end to keep calm and actually take the game home: it's impressive.”
On the next opponent, Denmark:
“We are trying to get good performances. The first main goal was the Faroe Islands, as we knew it would be important. But we also always say that we need to play well in all three games.
“It's more for us to be more focused on what we can do, how we want to create the game, how we want to perform in this game and that we have a game plan that will follow.
“Denmark are huge favourites. We have to know that compared to Switzerland's handball, teams like Denmark are still ahead of us, so we are still learning with each new experience. We are all winners, we all want to perform, and that's why we want to be good against them.”
Chantal Wick (SUI) - left back
On the perfect start to the EHF EURO:
“We are extremely happy and proud that we could get such a nice historic win. It's amazing not just for us but for Switzerland's handball also.”
On the game against Denmark:
“It's a totally different situation than yesterday. We had a lot of pressure for the first game, and now we are definitely not the favourite. Denmark have an extreme quality in each individual player. Of course, we will try to give our best, we will be tactically prepared and take it from action to action, and in the end, to get a nice result.
“It's also nice for us to play freely. Don't have the pressure anymore, and we have to crowd on our side, so we hope we can get some energy from that.”
On Denmark:
“I guess we need to be really honest and realistic; we will not have a chance if they play their style. But of course, they are also a team, they also have the pressure and need to perform every day. We will try to get them to struggle.
“We need to get a good defence with, again, a good performance from our goalkeepers, which were on a high in the first game, so hopefully we can get that anymore. And they play extremely fast, so we need to break that to have a chance.”
Mia Emmenegger (SUI) - right wing
On Denmark:
“They're really strong. They have a lot of good players. You can't easily stop players who are playing in the (EHF) Champions League. We are also looking up to them a little bit, so it's going be really hard, but we will try our best.”
On the support from the stands:
“I think we're going to have a nearly full hall, so this is going to be really incredible. We're also going to play with special shirts because of the 15 anniversary of our federation. So it's going to be special, and I hope we will have something to celebrate — we try to celebrate every moment we are here, what we can do, and just enjoy it.”
CROATIA
Lucija Bešen (CRO) – goalkeeper
On the defeat against Denmark:
“We are putting the defeat behind us and are full focus now is on the next game. We need to win if we want to stay in the game for the main round.”
On the Faroe Islands:
“They might be unknown to most of handball fans, but just like their men’s team, they are trying to make something good with women’s team. Young team, playing similar to Denmark. It will be tough but we will fight hard.”
On the Faroese style of play:
“Maybe they do not have such great quality as Denmark, but they have a similar style of play. They showed against Switzerland they are not easy to beat and you should not get relaxed in any moment.”
Sara Šenvald (CRO) - line player
On the defeat against Denmark:
“We gave too little in every segment of the game, and we could not keep up with them because of it. We should now just focus on what’s ahead.”
On the Faroe Islands:
“They showed strength and fighting spirit against Switzerland. They made a comeback and came close against the hosts in an amazing atmosphere. We need to take them very seriously.
“We saw how much they were celebrating with their fans. They have amazing support here in Basel, but we have some of our fans too.”
SERBIA
Katarina Bojicic (SRB) - line player
On the loss to Montenegro:
"It's hurting now that we didn't do anything that we spoke about. It was not a good match for us. I think that we could do a lot more, but I think that big wish we had ate us and we were so slow. We go in a lot of fouls and we didn't let the ball to roll. In defence It was not that bad, but still, I think we can do a lot better. So, we will take the better part from that game and try to win."
On whether the defeat crushed their confidence ahead of Czechia:
"I will lie if I tell that it didn't beat us a little. Of course, every lost is hurting but like every professional player, today is a new day. We will start to think about the game tomorrow and we will fix it. Now, we are up and going for the win."
Jelena Agbaba (SRB) - line player
On what went wrong against Montenegro:
"I think that we missed a lot of sitters and penalties. Also, I think that we had some good segments in defence, we were good, but I think that we need to be a little bit better in attack that we can and if we do better, we can win."
On whether the main round is still possible:
"I don't know because we need to prepare better and I think we can do everything if we are good in our heads on the court, but I hope that we will be better."
On the atmosphere in the arena:
"It was like playing at home. There were so much people from our country and I think they gave us some power. But I'm not too happy at this moment we didn't give the win, for that people. It was so, so painful."
GERMANY
Markus Gaugisch (GER) – head coach
On what they carry from the opening match against Ukraine to the next match:
“An opening match is always something special. Starting the tournament is always a different situation. I was satisfied that we played in a sovereign way. I saw some good things and some things that we have to sharpen again. Because we know that the Netherlands have a different level of quality.”
On the performance of the German goalkeepers:
“We managed to force Ukraine to shoot in the sectors we wanted, this speaks for the cooperation of defence and goalkeepers. Therefore, the goalkeepers had a high number of saves. We could see the respective strengths of both goalkeepers.
“But against Netherlands, we have to improve in defence, as we need to have more contact with the attackers. If we manage this, the cooperation of defence and goalkeepers will work well again.”
On the key points for the game against the Netherlands:
“The tactical approach of both sides will be similar, it is all about speed, defence and goalkeeping. The Netherlands had achieved the highest efficiency in counter attacks in the Olympic Games. They are clearly the best team in this matter. And they have the individual skills for this kind of match play, mostly taking the right decisions.
“So we have to control this intensively. Any turnover means a potential goal against us. Therefore, we have to be highly concentrated in attack.”
On the match between the Netherlands and Iceland:
“I was not surprised by the way Iceland played. They beat Poland twice in October. And Iceland have the attitude to fight until the end, they are physically in good shape, they are emotional and have a good goalkeeper. So I didn't expect the Netherlands to go through easily.”
On the pressure on both teams:
“The pressure is on both teams, everybody knows the significance of this match. So, the pressure is normal. Both want to proceed to Vienna, both want to take the points to the main round to have the best possible starting position. That means both have to win this match. But even, if we win, we still have to beat Iceland, which will not be easy.”
Sarah Wachter (GER) – goalkeeper
On the win against Ukraine:
“I think we all expected a clear win. In the first half it was still close, but in the second half, we settled down and played our game. We put up a strong defence and that's how the result came about.”
On the German goalkeepers and how they cooperate:
“We are definitely satisfied. Of course, you have to say that Ukraine was not an outstanding opponent. If we had a great defence, it makes life little easier for us. We usually change after the break in such games.
“It was all good, we work perfectly as a team. We watch a lot of videos, talk a lot about the opponents. We understand each other very well. We exchange ideas and we are a very close team. Kati (Katharina Filter) and I, we both want to play. We push each other, but we are also happy for each other, if it goes well. That's why it's all good.”
On the atmosphere in the team:
“After such a start, I think it's pretty good. Since we've been together, we've had really positive vibes together. We have a lot of fun, laugh a lot. But we are also focused. And that's what matters when it comes to tougher matches. That atmosphere should encourage us and take us far. “
On her strong performance throughout the whole season:
“I am much more confident, I trust myself, I know what I can do. I've been delivering games over the last few weeks, of which I was a bit surprised myself. And also I played constantly on a high level. That's why I'm full of confidence to deliver that here now.”
On the match against the Netherlands:
“It will be a game of fight. It will probably end up with one, two, three goals difference, I think, for us. These are games why you are here. You want to win such games, as only such games bring us as a team further.
“Now it's just about delivering, being confident and winning the game. Our key point is, of course, defence and goalkeeper performance. That will be crucial in the game. If we create a great defence with good goalkeepers, then we can win.”
On the pressure for both sides:
“There is a certain pressure. The winner takes two points, which is a great starting position for the main round. I love such games – in contrast to matches such as against Ukraine, because I know that we will actually win. And it's just so much fun against top teams.”
Alina Grijseels (GER) – centre back
On the win against Ukraine:
“We set many little goals, and most of them we achieved. There we are satisfied with the way we played. It is not easy to play against Ukraine, as you stand such a long time in defence, but we managed this task well. We had waited for the start to come, now it is time for the decisive matches. We had a lot of support from the stands, this was great.
On the fact that her 100th international match will be on Sunday against the Netherlands, as her mother is German and her father is Dutch:
“I am superstitious always, so I do not like to talk about my 100th match, before I am not on the team list for it. But in general, this is a special number – and in this case even a double speciality as we face the Netherlands, my second home. My Dutch father is in Innsbruck, and we made a lot of jokes about this match together. I am proud that I could play so many international matches for Germany and I am really looking forward to this match. And I will be even happier if we win.”
NETHERLANDS
Henrik Signell (SWE) – head coach, Netherlands
On the match against Germany:
“We do not take many points from the first to the second match, as they are completely different opponents. Germany are on a higher level with a different way of playing handball and they play more physical. We have a plan, and this plan is not the same like against Iceland.”
On their tactics:
“Running and mainly home running is always a key. I am not so sure, if we see more than 30 goals on both sides, I don’t expect that much. The players know each other that well, they know how to stop each other.”
On pressure:
“There is always pressure when you play a tournament like this, but you can turn that pressure to a positive mindset. And with this, there is a possibility to increase our chances in this tournament.”
Larissa Nüsser (NED) – centre back
On the match against Iceland:
“We know that a first game in a tournament is always hard and secondly we knew Iceland have a good team with good players. We were prepared, but we have to be critical with us that we should have played better and focus more on ourselves.”
On the match against Germany:
“We have to be ready all the time in all departments. Against Iceland, partly we were good in defence, then in attack. But then we lost the focus and Iceland scored easy goals. Therefore, we have to run more, score more goals and create more chances.
On her new leading role in the team:
“As Estavana (Polman) and other experienced players are not here, others have to step up. Now players like me and Dione (Housherr) got the experience from the last tournaments and take the young girls with us, who are new in our team. And I think we are ready to do so.”
On the significance of the match against Germany:
“If you want to go to the main round and then take a step further, you have to take all points with you. Therefore, the match against Germany is a make-it or break-it, it is highly important to take the points. In general both teams know extremely well. The players know from matches in Germany, (EHF) Champions League or other competitions, so I am sure everybody will be prepared.”
Yara ten Holte (NED) – goalkeeper
On the close win against Iceland:
“Iceland have a good team, with players you do not know that much, as many of them play in Iceland and had not been playing so many major tournaments. To adapt on those players, takes some time. Besides, we have some new players and we have to find ourselves. But finally, I am happy with the two points and we fought hard for them.”
On the match against Germany:
“It is the most fun game, but also the hardest game. I know them, they know me. But it is still fun, as you play against many friends, you try to get the best out of it. In our last test match against Germany in October, we had problems in attack, we have to learn from those mistakes and do it better than in this match.
“One year ago, in the placement match of the World Championship we won, we played really well and finished the tournament in a good way.”
On the importance of the next match:
“It is a mega-important game. The win against Iceland was important to start well, now it is all about the two points to the main round. Having in mind that we face Norway and Denmark later, those two points are highly important. In this perspective, it is a final for both teams.”
On the crowd in the arena:
“I was really happy that more than 2,000 fans were there for our first match. It is nice to have so many spectators, as often at those tournaments your matches are attended by 1,000 fans. I was happy with the support for us and I like it, because the noise in the arena gives me more energy.”
On the changes in the Dutch squad:
“We have some new, young players – and you can see that we have some difficulties in our timing, both in defence and attack. We have to get a better timing as soon as possible, as the tournament already started.
“Besides, we goalkeepers have to adapt to the new defence players – and this takes time. But we do not have this time. But also Germany have some new players in the team, so even from this perspective, it is a 50:50 game.”
ROMANIA
Florentin Pera (ROU) - head coach
On his tactics in the first match against Czechia:
"Our team played like a team, played together. I am very happy that we didn't give up. I tried to find the best solution in defence, in attack and I changed the system.
“In first half we come back in the game, also in second half in the last 10 minutes. I think our team showed good energy and showed character. We fight for every ball and I think our defence helped us to win the game."
On the atmosphere in the arena:
"It was a really nice atmosphere. I want to thank to all the fans, all the supporters, I think they give us the energy, the support for this victory.
“It's important victory. We are in the beginning and we have a lot of new players. We rebuild the team and we have seven players for the first time in European championships, 10 new players for the world championship. We, we try to grow, to fight and to have the same energy in defence. Step by step to earn better results."
On the match against Montenegro:
"I think they have players with big experience, a lot of players play in the (EHF) Champions League. We have younger team, but the same applied against Czechia. It's important to keep the team spirit, to keep the, the energy to fight together and we will fight 60 minutes for our chance."
Bianca Bazaliu (ROU) - left back
On the win against Czechia:
"It was hard. We were expecting a hard game, but I'm so happy because we didn't stop to play and we were going until the end and we got the points."
On the atmosphere in the stands built by the Romanian fans:
"I feel like home and I'm so happy because of that and I want to say thank you for them because they were next to us and they were pushing us until the end. I'm waiting for them in the next game and I hope they will push us the same."
On the next match, against Montenegro:
"We are expecting the same hard game. We know it will be more hard and I want to enjoy and to be next to each other and we want to win this game."
Bianca Curment (ROU) - goalkeeper
On the match against Montenegro:
"We expect that it will be a very tough game. We know them, we played against them so many times and every time it was a very hard game. They are a bit aggressive and we know it will be hard, but we expect that we will do our best until the end of the game and we will see then."
On the atmosphere in the arena:
"The fans will be there again. To be honest, it was amazing feeling to play in front of our fans because I had the feeling that we were playing in Romania with so many, so many fans."
FAROE ISLANDS
Claus Leth Mogensen (DEN) - head coach
On the good moments against Switzerland:
“The last 20 minutes for us was very good, the way we played and intensity, the tempo we played with was very good. And that was what we would like to show in our performance. It was a big step for us coming into a tournament and I think there was a bit too many nerves in the first half for a longer period. We struggled to get rid of them.
“But I'm really happy that we showed that we have capability of competing in tournament and we are really happy about that.”
On the game against Croatia:
“The amount of goals that they lose against Denmark, you can't put too much into that in my opinion, because for us, it's a very different match from the one against Switzerland. Croatia play a bit slower, but they have so much physique. And that's not what is our force.”
“So it will be a tough match for us meeting this big physic which they will bring into the match. It is important for us that we again show intensity, aggressivity, and then that we get a match in our terms, where it's more about speed than physique.”
On line player Katarina Jezic and his advice to his players:
“Pick someone else (to attack against). She is amazing defender and a tough fighter. She will always give 100 per cent for the team. I really enjoyed coaching her in Kastamonu (Belediyesi GSK).”
Turid Arge Samuelsen (FAR) - left wing
On the first match at the EHF EURO:
“We're just blessed to be here and we feel of course, amazing, that the competition started. Of course, we were a bit sad about the results yesterday. We wish that we had a better beginning of a game, but it's amazing to be here. We're just really grateful.”
On the next game against Croatia:
“I always believe in the in ourselves, and we always hope in a good results. Of course they are really big and strong, but we are small, fast players. And maybe if we just reduce our mistakes maybe it can be a good game for us.”
On the key factors against Croatia:
“We have to find a way, maybe we can get the tackle and the game to our favour. We want to run and we have really fast players, so maybe also we get a bit of fast attacks and stuff like that. We have to watch their video and prepare us really well.”
Súna Krossteig Hansen (FAR) - centre back
On the first game:
“The atmosphere was amazing. It's so professional here and I'm so proud to call me Faroese because our fans are the greatest. You could hear them through all the match and it was absolutely amazing.”
On the slow start against Switzerland:
“We are not used to playing on that a big of a stage and it took us about 40 to 45 minutes, which is way too long to like, to finally come through the handball we normally play. We are proud of 15, 20 minutes of the match.”
On the game against Croatia:
“We will fight, we will give it our all and our best. We know that if we want to steal one point or maybe two, we need to top up our game. Croatia are a very good team, they are very strong. And they know this stage better than we do, so we can only surprise.
“Their defence is really strong. Their defence 6-0, they are flat. So we are hoping that we can win in certain parts because we play fast. In the offence, they are really good shooters, so we need to be a little bit more aggressive than we were in the first game.”
CZECHIA
Sabrina Novotná (CZE) - goalkeeper
On her performance and the defeat to Romania:
"I think it was good for me as I had video preparations before the match with my coach, Martin Galia. And I think we made a good job, but the last 10 minutes it wasn't that good. We conceded some goals when we had empty goal and I think it was difficult for us to play seven against six and we didn't manage it, that's why we lost by one goal."
On Czechia's goals at the EHF EURO:
"Our goal is to make it to main round. We are still looking forward to that and I think for us nothing changed, we want to go to the main round"
On being selected as Player of the Match:
"It means a lot to me because it was my first match as a starting goalkeeper at the EHF EURO and I was a little bit nervous, but I'm glad that I performed good because I heard some things that everyone looked at me and they expected something from me. So, I'm glad that they made the right decision to put it me as first goalkeeper."
Dominika Zachova (CZE) - right wing
On the narrow loss to Romania:
"It was really tough match because we were winning for 56 minutes and then suddenly it was unfortunate for us, but I don't really know what happened. It was all in our hands, so it's really hard for us now, but we have to keep going."
On whether the defeat affects their confidence:
"It cannot break us because we have two more matches and now we have to clear our heads and focus on another game."
On the match against Serbia:
"It will be a difficult game, of course, but every game here will be difficult because we have really good opponents against us. But we have to fight, we have to go 100 per cent to this game and we will see, but we have to win and we know they also have to win."
On the areas in which they can improve as a team:
"We have to stay together as a team. We have to be strong in the defence and we have to go fast, to attack. Our goalkeepers are excellent. So they have to continue and we have to help them."
TEXT:
European Handball Federation