First home joy to Belarus

brest zagreb

Victory against the current winner of SEHA GSS league, Zagreb CO with 21-19 (8-9) probably means that in Brest are completed days of defeats, and beginning time of "chasing" the high ranking for Meshkov. After four matches Meshov is "back in game", and could have a short break from pressure they had on its back.

After two home defeats (Tatran and Vardar) in SEHA GSS league and three bar results in row (SKA Minsk, Vardar, Dinamo Minsk) visitors in Palace of Sports "Victoria" finally can applauds the team, even coach Zeljko Babic is still faced with injuries to some key players, like Atajevas and Baranau.

Crucial was the series 3-0 in second halftime, when home team manages to increased lead to "plus 5" (19-14 in 52 minutes). Than became clear that the Croats do not have the strength in attack to response to the strong Meshkov defense. After two defeats at home this was "to be or not to be" for Belarus team, and put maximum efforts to control the result, especially in second halftime.

- Defense resolve winner. It is always the first rule in every game when we speak after winning. I think that Zagreb had chances in the first half, but our defense managed to keep the situation under control. Even we have many problems with injures this victory are very welcome, as proof that we can much more. Next have two matches against Permskie Medvedi -leading team in Russian League. We have plans also in EHF Cup, said Zeljko Babic, coach of Meshkov.

Zagreb arrives in Belarus after a long journey, passing 36 hours. First problems with airlines from Zagreb, then had to sleep overnight in Warsaw, and held only one training season before game versus Meshkov.

Beginning belongs to Zagreb, and thanks to Josip Sandrk after 19 minutes Croatians lead 7-4. Defense was main weapons for both teams, and that's why just a few goals scored on both sides. Ten minutes pause was welcomed for home team. After five minutes play results was 10-10. Another series of 6-2 gave advantage for Meshkov (16-12), but Kaleb and Sprem, quickly responses. But in four minutes, Karacic and twice Tatarin make 5 goals deference (19-14), first time during the match, which was announcement of victory.

When Zagreb reduces to three goals deference (19-16 and 20-17), Robert Markotic enters the scene and strikes twice, enough to seal second victory this season in SEHA GSS league.

- Meshkov are good team, it was just a matter of time when they will begin to play like now. I think decided their defense in the second half, by which we showed a lot of fear, and from that we have not been able to extracts. We are a young team, and such a situations need to go, to learn to deal with them. It was too little courage in the attack, especially in the first half when we should have 4-5 goals difference. But we did not succeed, said Boris Dvorsek coach of Zagreb CO.