Meshkov’s final test before Porto, Borac looking to surprise

Финальная прикидка перед «Порту» для БГК и желание удивить - для «Бораца».

Meshkov brest

After almost three-week long pause it is time for Meshkov to continue with their SEHA Gazprom League duties in Brest against Borac m:tel. Both teams see the match as a way to stabilize and prepare for further European challenges waiting for them.

Guests are waiting for the fixture in the better mood after a successful campaign in Norway and an important win against Haslum in EHF’ Cup. Main goal is to be fully prepared for the reverse fixture in Banja Luka.  Meshkov have on the other side a bit surprisingly suffered a defeat against La Rioja at home in Champions League and a duel against multiple Bosnian and Herzegovinian champions surely is a chance for them to regain strength and self-confidence needed for the away clash against Porto waiting for them in a week.

Speaking of their performances so far in SEHA Gazprom League, Borac m:tel have managed to reach only one point which has not brought them anything better but bottom place of League’s table. Meshkov are, on the other side, in a desperate need of a victory too keep them among 4 best teams. They have two losses this season already, against direct competitors for League’s crown - Veszprem and Zagreb, and it is clear that each and every point is important. Goalkeeper Ivan Pešić and back Pavel Atman will miss the match due to injuries but favorite role, despite of that, remains on Meshkov’s side.

Sergii Bebeshko, Meshkov’s coach:

Borac only have a point so far in the League. However, some of their players like Tibor Ivanišević have performed on pretty high level in last few matches and we surely must not underestimate them. We are confident on the other side, we’ve played well against La Rioja but lost in the end. Pešić and Atman will not appear in the roster due to injuries.

Simon Razgor, Meshkov’s player:

Everyone expects us to win this match and it is important for us players because it gives additional self-confidence boost and strength. An important match against Porto is waiting for us at the end of the week and we would definitely like to go to Portugal in a good mood.

Boris Dvoršek, Borac m:tel’s coach:

My boys will have a chance to play a match without any pressure after an important victory in Norway against Haslum in EHF’ Cup. I’d like the team to rise from match to match, that’s why I am here and that’s what we’ll try to use this match for. It would be nice to catch good form with another well performance ahead of reverse fixture waiting for us in less than a week in Banja Luka. Meshkov are a much better team than us, it is not wrong to say we’re underdogs with such players and great supporters waiting for us in Brest. However, our goal is to play good, competitive match, do as much things as possible we agree on before the match and show what we really can against stronger rival.

Srđan Trivundža, Borac m:tel’s player:

Meshkov are surely favorites especially taking into consideration the fact we’ve just got back from Norway leaving a tough match against Haslum behind us. I’m sure coach already has an idea of how to play against Meshkov, some players were given a bit time to rest against Haslum and all I can hope for is that we’ll provide decent resistance.