“Handball is culture in Sweden”

Interview with the Algerian ambassador for Sweden 2011 Habib Labane

Do you believe that the World Championship in Sweden will be a real highlight for international handball?

Habib Labane: The World Championship is an important global event, and the fact that it is organized by Sweden is important for the success of the event, as Sweden is a traditional handball country.

What do you expect from host Sweden in terms of sports and organization?

Habib Labane: Handball is culture in Sweden, so we can expect a high performance event in terms of organization and sports. Even if the Swedish team was not playing that well in the last years they will have a really good event on home soil and they will take a place among the top nations. I expect an incredible World Championship.

What are your expectations concerning the performance of your team in Sweden?

Habib Labane: Our team aims to confirm the progress they have made in the last two years. The group in which Algeria will play is very difficult, but we intend to do great benefits and to give our opponents a hard time.

Which teams do you rate main contenders for the World Championship title? 

Habib Labane: France, Croatia, Sweden, Germany.