Coach: Rasmus Rygaard Poulsen

 

Key Players: Barbora Lanczova (right back), Edina Pastorekova (centre back), Martina Popovcova (left wing)

 

Qualification for Poland 2018: Qualified as first substitute nation for Asia 5

 

History in Tournament: 2006: DNQ, 2008: 7th, 2010-14: DNQ, 2016: 13th

 

Overview

 

Slovakia ranked 12th at the Women’s 17 EHF EURO 2017 they hosted last year. But that fact could be somehow misleading, as it does not show what they are capable of on a good day.

 

In the preliminary round of the continental competition, they recorded a 25:36 loss to Spain, a draw at 18:18 versus Serbia and a major win 25:23 against a powerful Norway, who claimed silver in the end. Right back Barbora Lanczova was Slovakia’s top scorer in that exciting match with 13 goals, and she was the reason why they could turn around the game after trailing by four at half-time.

 

In the intermediate round, Slovakia were defeated by Sweden 26:22 and then they beat Czech Republic 21:18. However, they failed to book a ticket for the Poland 2018 World Championship as they lost to Montenegro 20:22 in the placement matches 9-12.

 

Left wing Martina Popovcova was the highest scorer for the Slovaks at the EURO with 43 goals, followed by Lanczova with 36 and the skilled centre back Edina Pastorekova – who finished with 20 goals.

 

Qualified as first substitute nation for Asia 5, Slovakia know they have to make improvements before August 7, when they meet Romania in the start of their third IHF Women’s Youth World Championship campaign. The European champions Germany, Austria, the hosts Poland and Angola complete a demanding Group A.

 

Slovakia coach Rasmus Rygaard Poulsen believes that “it will be a very difficult group for us. Germany and Romania are two of the strongest teams in this generation, while Poland at home will be also very strong for sure. Brazil and Angola are two teams that we don’t know [Note: Austria replaced Brazil who withdrew from the competition], but we look forward to have the opportunity to play against these nations, which are connected with a good handball culture.”

 

“We have created a very good mentality in our team,” says Poulsen. “This will be helpful to make our way through the whole tournament.”

 

The team had three training camps in July. In the first one, the coach worked on building the team spirit, while during the other two they focused on handball – with many training sessions and friendly matches.

 

“We want to do the best possible for us, so we can be proud of our performance after the tournament,” declared Rasmus. “This is not about looking for a certain placement, instead we want to experiment a good feeling.”

 

Follow the Slovak Federation on their website, on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube.

 

Group at Poland 2018:

Group A: Germany, Romania, Poland, Austria, Angola, Slovakia

 

Games at Poland 2018:
All times local

Tuesday 7 August: ROU-SVK (12:00)
Thursday 9 August: SVK-POL (18:00)
Friday 10 August: GER-SVK (16:00)
Sunday 12 August: SVK-AUT (20:00)
Monday 13 August: ANG-SVK (16:00)

 

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Photo: Slovak Handball Federation