Karacic: “In the second half we were better, played tougher and reached history“

Igor Karacic

Vardar - Nexe 29:25 (11:12)

(Cindric 7, Cupic 5; Milic 14 saves / Sipic 4, Gadza 4; Lelic 11 saves)

Raul Gonzalez, Vardar coach:
NEXE played a well match today. I'm pleased only with the fact we won the match which is in the end of the day the most important thing. In the first half we experienced way too many problems in both attack and defense. In the second half we were a bit better but still not on our best level. We'll use this short break to prepare for F4 in the best possible way.

Igor Karacic, Vardar player: 
NEXE were obviously well-prepared for this match. We opened the encounter poorly I must say that. We fought hard but the result was not good. In the second half we were better, played tougher and reached history. Now it's time to prepare for SEHA F4 and CL quarter-finals.

Hrvoje Horvat, NEXE coach: 
Congrats to Vardar who have with this win written yet another history book page and we're glad we were a part of it. We're obviously not their top priority so they experienced some difficulties playing against us and I'm satisfied with the way my players performed today, especially some youngsters who took the chance they were given in the right way. It's important for young players to face teams like Vardar.

Ante Gadza, NEXE player: 
We played well today, were able to stay focused and take care of the ball because we knew how good they are. We were patient today and good in defense. I believe spectators can be satisfied with what they've seen today.