Barcelona teach another lesson
Taubate - FC Barcelona18:32 (10:15)
Both semi-finalists of group B of the IHF Super Globe in Doha, Qatar, are already confirmed after the second match day on Monday (26 August): After Tunisian side Sportive Etoile du Sahel had made it to the semis before, FC Barcelona remained with a clean record too:
The Catalans, for the first time ever part of the IHF Super Globe, beat Pan-American champions Taubate from Brazil clearly by 18:32 (15:10). Like Al-Rayyan, now Taubate is definitely out for the semis. The group winner will be decided on Tuesday, when Sahel faces Barcelona in the direct duel. Taubate had fully improved after their 24:29 opening defeat against Sportive Etoile du Sahel and was a competitor on eye level in the first 25 minutes. The defence of the Pan-American club champion had cleverly adapted to the Barcelona style of playing in the initial stage. But the seven times European Champions League winner - again in their newly designed red and yellow shorts instead of their traditional "blaugrana" - had one important key for their constant lead: goalkeeper Arpad Sterbik saved brilliantly in the first half. But Taubate stood strong also in attack and kept a close distance until the intermediate score of 9:12, when Barcelona coach Xavier Pascual took his time-out. And his players transformed his words on the court, forging ahead to 15:10 at the break. And like in their clear opening victory against Al-Rayyan (38:25) the Catalans showed a highly impressive re-start in the second half, adding five more straight goals to their tally and pre-deciding the match by their first double figured lead at 20:10. But Taubate did not surrender in this match they had dreamt of before - and they could count on the saves of goalkeeper Michael Oquendo. But he was chanceless against the hammer goals of Nikola Karabatic or the several counter attacks of Barca's high speed wings Victor Tomas or Juanin Garcia. So eight minutes before the end, the margin was 13 goals for the first time at 28:15, as Taubate only hardly managed to score after the break (only eight times) against tremendous Barca goalkeeper Danijel Saric.
Statements after the match:
Fabio Vanini, player Taubate:
It was a historic game for us, facing FC Barcelona. It was entertaining and funny, we really enjoyed it, especially the first half. We are learning so much in this tournament, which is a great experience for upcoming competitions.
Xavi Pascual, coach Barcelona:
After we had not been concentrated enough in the first half, we really improved after the break and played more aggressive, especially in attack. We took the game very serious, what we have proofed mostly after the break. We will also take our last group match against Sahel very serious, as all matches are important for us in this stage of the season. We will not give rest to any player, except Jesper Noddesbo, who is injured.
Viran Morros, player Barcelona:
In the first half we lacked concentration, but after the break our 5:1 defence was brilliant. We have to follow the line we played after the break to be successful in the tough match against Sahel tomorrow – and we have to avoid those mistakes we did before the break.
