Handball journeys

Time to have a go at the good, bad and ugly of EHF 2022 Women’s EURO Ugly Empty arenas, not helped by hefty prices Media accreditations are not given on the basis that it takes out of the pot seats that could be sold. This point makes sense if the event is close to or is bound to be sold-out. These championships had all venues almost three quarters empty. The increase in prices strategy is not the right one. Add to this the very limited advertising and promotion of such event. At none of the airports did we see an advert for it. We did see Ana Gros in the street ads in Slovenia. One does not want to be brain-washed or annoyed by the campaign. There is a balance to be struck. Anyone attending the Montenegro Netherlands or the beginning of Poland – Germany would have been in shock. Inconsistent security measures: unfair, strict & zealous behaviour, unpredictable casus belli, wild open door based on trust I over-reacted to the marker incident.   The security was tight an...

Norway led by example and were a bit nore composed than France. German refs on the night were shambolic. I lost it slightly as I felt the unfair decisions stacking up. We did miss a couple of easy chances. Lessons from Granollers appear to have been forgotten. Scary how Norway got out of jail so quickly. Also France let the game slip with a 7-1 loss in the last ten minutes. Oftedal, Solhberg and Reistad were so impressive. Class exudes when it matters most. Had responded to a Montenegro fan in Skopje saying that Denmark would win the whole thing. Norway confortable winners with a 8-goal drubbing, one more than in Granollers last December.  

Rebellious teams on 0 points getting the upper hand over the two teams with 2 points. Germany confortable winners over the Netherlands. Grit, attack efficiency and balanced defensive display. Spain tactical adjustments to Romania were not very robust. Numerous saves from Nicole Wiggins avoided a first half onslaught, Spain only trailing by one at the interval (11-12). For 13 mins in the middle of the 2nd half Spain looked more likely to turn the game on its favour. One particular passive play decision would be costly and then the draw escape would be nullified by a tremendous long range shot. Tough to take this defeat but gracious in defeat. Eating and drinking with the fellow fans in a posh restaurant reduces the sadness. The mood the next morning was fairly low. And when we met 8 of the Spanish players I respectfully went separate ways doing my touristy things. I had to wave respectfully with a soft smile. I bought a couple of items at the bazaar.

DOBRE POGDORICA VUE DU CIEL !!! LE CHEMIN PLUS COURT PASSE TOUJOURS PAR BELGRADE! LE PONT MODERNE SUSPENDU ET LA MORACA ARENA IMPERTURTABLES.

Two very different matches. Poland did very well especially during the first 20 mins of the match and then Montenegro stepped up one gear.  Spain's Jenny did not get to plus four and then the defence welcomed a German goal, which satisfies both teams. I thought +3 was still ok. But obviously not ! Then I had the privilege to spend time with literally close friends of close friends and the mothers of key players. And we bonded straightaway. Also ready to mean business but will have to wait for the adequate right of action and the right moment. Skopje awaits but it is beyond belief. Literally no flight between 20h30 and 23h05 at a strategic airport.

I was far too calm during the first match and Montenegro played well to weather the German resistance.   I then went through all sorts of feelings in the second match and in the end I was distraught. I am very sad for Jose Ignacio. Met with the Poland 2023 tournament directors. Sat with the Spanish team backroom staff. Then cheered on Spain with the young ladies dressed as volunteers. After the ectasy of a 4-goal lead the 6-0 drubbing in the last ten minutes was a fatal unexpected ending. Once back at the hotel I checked the rules and Poland are through come what may on the next match unless the regulations changed again. When I got up towards the exit I saw the entrance door closed so I feared the worst au revoir to your items. I had praised security for their fairness on Day I and earlier in the day about seating etc. My moment of shame is to have stayed around in the first place and shouted that this was not fair. Even a Spanish old man was ignored when he tried to help me....

 Of course instead of watching the football I went out into the local market. And a blessing in disguise as I got to know that part of Podgorica. Stains on the football shirts or not the right size but definitely the right bazaar for everything except timbles ! Then I happened to be near the football stadium and Podgorica were playing FK Arsenal Tivat and I was weraing an Arsenal shirt as the Bud ultras were going through. I remained clam and stuck in a bizarre mud for my own safety ! On game's day and on the Monday the club shop was still closed. Partly due to COVID? I ended up going again to my favourite Indian restaurant. And then chilled out watching the other group matches and catching up on sleep. The next morning it was sunny that I had to have a stroll here and everywhere. I also found the Montenegro shirt for my boss and bumped into Jessica Alonso from the Spanish delegation. On our approach to the Podgorica hotel, facing the old bridge, there lies of the statue of native ...

On your birthday it is fun to fly somewhere you had never flown to before. Also when an airport, passengers, airline, security, baggage all is going well. What is happening? Nothing to tell until you scramble before getting your passport stamped. Or the taxi driver brings you to the wrong New Star. The rain on the first day was a nightmare. But in the end I praise the security because they did look after our property in a very rigid yet fair manner. Good on me not to take even my medium size camera. I think it is good for the true fans that the Montenegro is early throw-in then you have time and space to be yourself and on your own. I had become thirsty despite having had a blast at a superb Indian restaurant in an unfamiliar setting. Where is Laura? She's around ! Montenegro deserved their victory and I was sat behind the bench and next to the players not picked up for the match. One fan from Montenegro shook my hands and that was pure class from him.  The Ultras and their flare o...