Serbia defeated Portugal (28:21) in the first qualifying match for the World Championship. VD Selektro is very pleased and warns that nothing is almost over, is it expected by a difficult game in Portugal.
– I’m glad the players found a common language with me. Chemistry is different, we have confidence in one another, regarding the tactics on my part, that is, responsibility and the implementation of tasks with theirs. We’re not thinking about the plus. If we want to progress individually and collectively, we have to beat Portugal away. The boys are concentrated, we are left to add a little bit of attack, defense, counter-attack. The game was tough, we have to have a rotation – said Obradovic,
On Thursday, at 2200 hours, Serbia expects a return to Povao de Varzim.
– I do not know what he expected, but their coach said he wants Serbia. When he got Serbia in a draw, he said that they must pass. They were great optimists. Probably still. It is up to us to deny them that optimism. After the game we heard from their side that Serbia can win everybody at home and that it is not a surprise. Everyone has to respect our team. So we should be asking if we want to return the handball where it is and place. We do not overestimate or underestimate opponents. I accepted this responsible role that our handball team is not in Group C and prequalification for big competitions.
Obradovic estimates that Portugal will go to „all or nothing“ in the reverse.
– They have nothing to lose after this defeat. He’ll try to make up for a minus. We will see if they can make a surprise for these three trainings, that is, to add 6, 0 and 3-2-1 defenses, perhaps 5 + 1 or 4-2. We will process that part of the tactics. We have some surprises for them. We go bravely, responsibly and fiercely. There is no retreat and we hope for the best.
On the eve of the barrage, they did not give a great chance to the Serbian team after the turbulence in the team after the EP in Croatia.
– These are only free estimates. I would not look at this in such a way. Perhaps some of the guys were neglected in the past. Everyone gets a chance and for now everything looks good. It’s a shame that we did not have a friendly game, because it would look even better. I have a lot of confidence in this composition. The government has a wonderful atmosphere between the players. They want success, and that is the most important thing – concluded Ljubomir Obradovic.
