Denmark right back Louise Burgaard spoke to Chris O’Reilly on Saturday about Denmark’s picture-perfect start to the World Championship, the luxury problem of not facing a close match yet at Spain 2021 and the team’s biggest strength being in the depth of the squad. The 29-year-old, who plays her club handball with Metz, emphasised the self-confidence that has developed within the …
The Alina and Emily show sends Germany to the knockouts
Spain 2021 – South Korea vs Germany 28:37 (16:19) By Chris O’Reilly Before the Game Germany stood on the verge of qualifying for the quarter-finals, thanks to a perfect four wins from four, but a tricky test awaited in the form of South Korea. The Asian powerhouse had endured a rocky start to Spain 2021, including a hard-fought win over …
Aardahl reaping the rewards of the road less travelled
Aardahl reaping the rewards of the road less travelled by Chris O’Reilly Norway has been blessed with incredible line players over the years with the likes of Heidi Løke and Marit Malm Frafjord doing the business for over a decade, joined in recent years by Kari Brattset Dale. So spare a thought for those next in line, patiently working away …
Danish defence dominates
Spain 2021 – Denmark vs Hungary 30:19 (15:11) By Chris O’Reilly Before the Game So close but no cigar for Hungary against Germany two nights ago in Lliria, could they bounce back in what was immediately a must-win match if they hoped to stay in quarter-final contention. Their much-changed squad made heavy work of their victories against Slovakia and Czech …
Oh noooo, not another 32 team rant
By Chris O’Reilly At first, I felt like writing this at the beginning of the championship, despairing at the expansion of the Women’s World Championship to 32 teams and what we were about to experience for the next six days while also trying not to sound like an arse. Mr. Stregspiller himself, Joachim Schuetz, recommended waiting until the end of …
Germany’s heart sees them edge past Hungary
Spain 2021 – Germany vs Hungary 25:24 (14:9) By Chris O’Reilly Before the game Germany and Hungary went into Monday night’s Group E finale with perfect winning records, Germany claiming a pair of double-digit victories while Hungary were made to work a bit harder for theirs. This was the first real test of Germany’s credentials as a medal contender, taking …
Kristina Liščević – bridging the gap to Serbia’s new generation
On Monday afternoon, Serbia’s Kristina Liščević spoke to Chris O’Reilly about her experience at Spain 2021 to date. As one of only five players in the squad with more than 50 caps, the playmaker is a natural leader within the squad and she speaks about how she is finding her way within the new-look setup, having just returned from injury. …
When handball worlds collide
Spain 2021 – Iran vs Norway 9:41 (3:22) By Chris O’Reilly As I entered the media centre at Pla de L’Arc in Llíria on Friday and cast an eye over the screens showing matches taking place elsewhere, one game stood out among the hammerings being dished out by big-name teams – Romania were beating Iran 19:2 after 27 minutes. Not …
Germany and Hungary tease thrilling group finale
Spain 2021 – Group E roundup By Chris O’Reilly It’s approaching 17:00 as I head out for a stroll, an hour before Germany take on Slovakia, hoping to soak up some Spanish afternoon sun and pre-match atmosphere. The sun obliges but I am largely alone as the seemingly sleepy town of Llíria is left unattended. I was expecting more from …
Serbia survive opening day nerves
Spain 2021 – Serbia vs Poland 25:21 (16:13) By Chris O’Reilly Before the Game It was a somewhat fitting opening match for two teams which lie far from the upper echelons of the sport, where they both once dwelled. It has been all downhill for Poland since their consecutive semi-final appearances in 2013 and 2015, failing to progress from the …