“It’s a little odd to have FC Barcelona as an underdog”
June 1, 2017
While some countries in Europe enjoy bragging rights of hosting the strongest handball leagues – Germany (men) and Hungary (women) – hardly anywhere is the sport covered more extensively and discussed more intensely than in Danmark – on a daily basis.
Bent Nyegaard, Tina Mueller, Lars Bruun-Mortensen, Stine Bjerre Jorgensen are only some of the journalists that represent the tip of Denmark’s formidable (handball) media iceberg, covering the domestic and European handball scene. Β On the forefront of all – TV2’s Thomas Kristensen. Β He has called countless games on the men’s and women’s side and looks ahead to yet another extraordinary VELUX EHF FINAL4 2017.
Thomas Kristensen
Commentator TV2 (Denmark)
Meanwhile – can the status of the VELUX EHF FINAL4 be compared to a European – and/or World Championship?
TK: Β National team is one thing and club team another thing. Β I find it difficult to compare. Β But, I note that for many players, the season’s big goal is to win the Champions League. Β Right now, it’s probably the hardest tournament to win, as you have to perform over such a long period of time and then hit an extreme level on the final weekend. Β It’s a tough combination.
Which team is your favorite?
TK: Β PSG is my favorite, based on the number of extraordinary players. Β The team is built to peak right now. But I’m excited to see if the World Cup title has taken a toll on the French players. Β I only have them as a “weak” favorite, because all teams coming to Cologne are amazing.
Which team is the underdog?
TK: Β It’s a little odd to have FC Barcelona as an underdog. Β They are hard to describe because they are not being pushed in their domestic league. Β It must give them a physical advantage that can be crucial. Β And they may have the world’s best goalkeeper, right now.
Who – in your opinion – will become the dominant player of the 2017 VELUX EHF FINAL4 and who will be the one that will surprise all?
TK: Β Perez de Vargas in Barcelona’s goal may experience a very big weekend. Β I still think he’s underestimated, but if he hits his top level, he can win the Champions League for FC Barcelona. Β I find it difficult to emphasize a single player who will surprise. Β To me there are no surprises when you reach Final4. Β Only the best make it there.
To me the VELUX EHF FINAL4 is β¦
TK: Β … an extraordinary event. Β I am impressed with the final weekend that has been set up in Cologne. Β But at the same time, I am also worried about the development of the hole tournament. Β How long can players stay in this extremely hard format? Β The expansion of the Champions League has both – a plus and a minus.
/ S. Staat
Latest News:
; 
Podcasts:
