F4 SPECIAL - Meshkov Brest - Second year, second F4

Zagreb-Meshkov

This was second SEHA GSS season for Brest Meshkov. Again they have managed to be among TOP 4 places and participate on Final Four tournament.

Last year, after the regular part of the season, they were first with 40 points but were not able to achieve any bigger success on F4 in Skopje. CO Zagreb was better than them in the semi-final, Metalurg in battle for third place.

This season they are coming to final tournament from fourth position in the league with three less points than last year. After many problems in the first part of the season, Željko Babić' team had almost perfect ending of the season with 12 wins and a draw from 13 matches.

Meshkov is at the moment leading team in Belarus because last year's champion Dinamo Minsk does not exist anymore due to bankruptcy. Team is made out of young players and experienced international players which surely gives them potential to surprise in Novi Sad.

Meshkov's main stars are Slovenian NT player David Špiler, Serbian NT pivot Rastko Stojković, captain and former Croatian NT player Ljubo Vukić along with many Belarus players who came from their rival Dinamo Minsk - Dzianis Rutenka, Dymitry Nikulenkau, Maxim Babichev, Siarhey Shylovich.

For SEHA GSS website, Meshkov' captain and former Croatian national team player - Ljubo Vukic.

SEHA GSS: What do you think about SEHA GSS League's season 2013/14 compared with earlier seasons?

LJV - I've been playing SEHA League from its very beginning and I have to say that it is this year on a much higher level than it was before. One year, back when I was still playing for Zagreb we didn't go to play in Skopje against Vardar because it wasn't decisive. Difference is just enormous and I'd like to congratulate everyone who was responsible for it. The fact that EHF CL's quarter-final participant is not playing on F4 says everything.

SEHA GSS: What do you think of your semi-final opponent?

LJV - Tatran is a great team and they are showing great form lately. They've been playing together for a long time and i think that's their biggest plus. They are a very good opponent which has managed to beat us both times this season in the League. In case we want to win we'll have to show the best handball we can play. Of course, I believe in us and I expect us to play the last match of the tournament.  

SEHA GSS: Which team do you see as main favorite for the title?

LJV - It is really hard to say who's the best from the best. Each team has had a good season and those will be great matches in Novi Sad. I believe Vardar's recent form puts them a little bit ahead but we've too reinforced for the tournament so I say it will be really interesting.