Zagreb confident in Skopje, firmly holding third place on the table

Загреб сигурен во Скопје, и сигурен на третото место на табелата

Metalurg - PPD 1 14/15


 

Croatian champion PPD Zagreb have made a big step towards securing the third place in the SEHA GSS league, after the triumph in Skopje against Metalurg, 23-20 (14-5). For PPD Zagreb this was fourth triumph versus Metalurg this season, twice in the SEHA GSS league and twice in the EHF Champions League.

Now PPD Zagreb have real chance to hold third place on table, and Metalurg remain in battle for sixth place although chances are reduced, and will now depend on results of other teams until the finish of regular part od season.

 

The winner was determined in the first half with guests reaching huge +9 goal difference. Uncertainty was back in the last ten minutes of the game with Metalurg managing to reduce PPD Zagreb's lead but that was all they could do.

Final result 20:23.

Metalurg's goalkeeper Nikola Mitrevski shad 16 saves, Marko Neloski scored 4 goals, as much as Stipe Mandalinić for PPD Zagreb.

 

Veselin Vujović, PPD Zagreb’s coach:

 

We played two matches in three days against each other, and both were uncertain. On first halftime we were better, and in second halftime Metalurg played much stronger. I think that besides the great attitude showed by Metalurg, we've showed we're better team at the moment. Now we're turning to next matches in SEHA GSS League and EHF's Champions League.

 

Leon Šušnja, PPD Zagreb’s player:

 

We've had a good defense allowing us to score some easy goals. We were not fully concentrated in the second half and Metalurg have used it to come back into the game a little but in the end victory is all that matters.  

 

Lino Červar, Metalurg’s coach:

 

Zagreb were better, I wish them luck on next games. I have to praise my players for playing two tough matches in only a few days with a whole new lineup. We have a lot of work waiting for us in the future. We now have to prepare for remaining matches in SEHA GSS League and then focus on national championship.  

 

Borjan Madžovski, Metalurg’s player:

 

We've played poorly in the second half with too many technical errors. We did not repeat good defence from our previous encounter. In the second half we've started playing better but there was not much we could do.