Hungary (28:26 against FYR Macedonia) and host Sweden (25:20) against Brazil took the lead of the ranking at the Olympics Qualification Tournament II in Gothenburg after the first match day. 

Hungary vs. FYR Macedonia 28:26 (15:13)

Hungary took a highly important victory in a match, which was on the edge for 60 minutes long, whilst the Macedonians left the field with heads held low. The team of Lajos Mocsai took the profit of a better goalkeeper performance – and of their “old stars” Carlos Perez (6 goals) and Milorad Krivokapics (4 decisive goals after the break). Aside the Hungarians were able to stop Macedonian top scorer Kiril Lazarov (7 goals) most of the time. Supported by more than 4000 fans arrived in busses and planes in Gothenburg, the Macedonians started better and increased the gap to 9:6 thanks to a great opening period of Naumce Mojsovski and goalkeeper Borko Ristovski.

But then Hungary – missing the injured key players Ferenc Ilyes and Tamas Ivancsik - turned the game despite several two minute suspensions. In minute 22 Perez brought the first lead to them, and Hungary took a two-goal margin to the dressing rooms also thanks to the saves of goalkeeper Nandor Fazekas. Playing sovereign, the Hungarians seemed on the winner’s way as they were able to calm down the Macedonian “red and yellow wall” on the stands with an intermediate four-goal gap. But everything changed in minute 50, when the Balkan team could catch up at 23:22 – but could not equalize despite four straight goals of Zlatko Mojsovski. But especially in this period, Krivokapics took the responsibility for the Hungarians. Being in a one man disadvantage on the field, Hungarian Gergely Harsanyi decided the game with the 28:26 – and during a final time-out of coach Mocsai the Hungarians already danced on the field.

  

Statements after the game:

Zvonko Sundovski, coach FYR Macedonia: “The number of mistakes in those situations when we had more players on the field was much too high to win this game. We did not take any advantage of being in one or two man advantage. Another key for our defeat was that Hungary had more options to rotate in the decisive stage of the match.” 

Kiril Lazarov, player FYR Macedonia: “It was not possible to beat this strong and more experienced Hungarian team, when you cause so many mistakes in defense and attack. Even during Hungarian suspensions the number of errors increased – and Hungary was well prepared on the way we played our attacks. We gave only 55 to 60 percent of what we can give.”

Lajos Mocsai, coach Hungary: “It was a big fight in an equal game. We had a good preparation on this tournament and this opening game and despite the creative and precise Macedonian way of playing we stood strong in defense all the time. This defense performance was decisive to win, but we had luck, too. My players know well that the upcoming match against Brazil will have the same importance and I hope they know to play against them.” 

Gabor Csaszar, player Hungary: “This was a decisive victory for the future and an important step towards the Olympic Games in London. We showed we have enough power and now we are looking forward to the match against Brazil.”

  

Sweden vs. Brazil 25:20 (12:10)

Supported by more than 7000 spectators and a brass combo, Sweden expectedly won their first match on the way to London. But the former World and European Champion needed a long time to break the resistance of the Pan-American runners-up. Top scorers were Felipe Ribeiro (Brazil) and Jonas Larholm (Sweden) with each five goals. 

The host had to replace Oscar Carlen, Kim Ekdahl du Rietz and Jonas Källman due to injuries – and nominated their two younger goalkeepers Andreas Palicka and Johan Sjöstrand despite experienced Mathias Andersson for this tournament. Sweden had much more work than expected to be in lead at the break. Their defense did not cope with the strong Brazilian back court striker Felipe Ribeiro and in attack most of their goals were scored from wing positions and by counter attacks. As Brazilian goalkeeper Maik Santos showed a good performance before the break Sweden was lucky to be away with a two-goal margin – thanks to three late and straight goals of right wing Mattias Zachrisson. 

After the break and the change of goalkeepers on both sides the Brazilian defense remained movable and intercepted several Swedish attacks – so the host still could not outdistance the Pan-Americans. In contrast, in minute 42 Brazil equalized again at 15:15 and were still physically on the Swedish level. But with four consecutive goals to 20:16 the host slowly broke the resistance of their opponent, who missed some shots against goalkeeper Johan Sjöstrand. And after missing the first three penalty shots the host’s curse was broken when Fredrik Petersen scored the 22:18 from the seven-meter line – but the Swedes still could hear the Brazilian breath in their necks. But at least a double strike of Jonas Larholm to the score 24:19 sealed the Brazilian fate and brought the first two points to Sweden.

 

Statements after the game:

Javier Cuesta, coach Brazil: “We are very satisfied especially with our defense. We were trying to bother Sweden – and for some minutes we accomplished this mission. But we already knew in advance, that against a team like Sweden you will always have problems. In the end the host won without a doubt. We knew that all matches here would be difficult for us, as all the other teams have more experience and are tactically and technically better. But we will do our best to show a good result against Hungary on Saturday.” 

Ola Lindgren, coach Sweden: “The most important thing is that we gained those two points. We can – and have to – perform much better. Some players were nervous, the pressure was on our team, so we could not play as fast as we have to. But we are on the road with two points and we will be better against FYR Macedonia. As Kim Ekdahl du Rietz is missing due to an injury we have to fight harder for each goal, as he is someone for the easy goals.” 

Felipe Ribeiro, player Brazil: “We started well, but then conceded too many counter attacks – as Sweden took the advantage of our lost balls.”

Henrik Lundström, player Sweden: “It was a typical first match of a tournament, as we were insecure and nervous. But we fought from the beginning to the end – considering that Brazil is no bad team. We have to improve to be successful in the two upcoming matches.”

 

Photos by Viktor Ljungström