Exelent second half win for Atletico Madrid
They needed some time to adapt, but as their defence performance improved after the break, Atletico Madrid sealed the fate of El-Jaish (QAT) in group A of the IHF Super Globe.Founding on this stronger defence, Atletico gained confidence to forge ahead also in attack. Before Al-Zamalek (EGY) had beaten Metodista Sao Bernardo (BRA) by 33:24 (12:14) in this group. Tomorrow Madrid face Metodista, while El-Jaish play against Zamalek for their first points in this competition.
Atletico Madrid - El Jaish 28:23 (11:13)
It was the first preparation match for Atletico in this season, so the Spaniards needed some time to work as a team – but then the cooperation in defence improved, after the break the spell of El-Jaish was broken. Combined with a strong defence, Darko Stanic was the key for the 13:11 halftime lead. Led by playmaker David Spiler, El-Jaish was able to crack the defence of Atletico Madrid. The Spanish club, 2011 IHF Super Globe finalist, was additionally weakened, as they had to abandon their goalkeeper Arpad Sterbik.
But after the break the two time IHF Super Globe winner had found their rhythm in attack and stability in defence. In only eleven minutes Madrid had turned the game to 18:16, causing a time-out of El-Jaish coach Ivica Obrvan. But his team decreased in attack, and still was trailed in the final stages. When Jonas Kallman hit the net for 24:19, the Spaniards were close to decide the game, in which El-Jaish only scored six goals in the first 24 minutes of the second half. Atletico coach Talant Dushebajew had adapted the defence on their powerful opponents, who then were blocked more often – the key to the victory.
Top scorers were Kiril Lazarow with seven goals for Atletico Madrid and Yure Dobelec with six goals for El-Jaish.
Statements after the match:
Ivica Obrvan, coach El-Jaish:
I was satisfied with our first half, as we played well in defence, but after the break Madrid played with a higher speed and had more possibilities to change players. Our defence lacked concentration, so we missed fast-breaks. In total it was a short period of preparation, as the players come from different clubs, but we are eager to win for upcoming matches.
Mohsen Yafai, player El-Jaish:
The bench of Madrid decided the game, as they could rotate their players on a high level. This was the difference and this was why they won.
Talant Dushebajew, coach Madrid:
I was really excited, as I did not know before the match, what we are able to do in Doha. After the Olympic Games we only had six days of preparation and this was our first match in the new season – and we have several new players in our team. I was satisfied, with the way we played after the break against a strong opponent. The level of El-Jaish was very high, but our players showed passion and engagement throughout the game. We have come to reach the final and to win this tournament but need more time to rehearse.
Jonas Källman, player Madrid:
As Talant said, we need to improve in all departments, in defence and attack. The IHF Super Globe is a good tournament to train our skills. But we must play better tomorrow to have a chance to beat Metodista.
