Australia vs Saudi Arabia 19 - 23 [ 11 - 15 ] - 27 JAN 2009

Today the Australian Team played its last game in WC09.  This was against Saudi Arabia, to decide its placement.  Like the Aussies, Saudi Arabia did not win a game in the Preliminary Round where it played against:  Norway [23-39]; Egypt [18-26]; Denmark [13-32]; Brazil [24-26] and Serbia [29-38].  Likewise, it did not have a win in the President’s Cup:  Tunisia [21-28]; Russia [15-34] and Algeria [2730].

Prior to the start of the game, the Aussies had a team photo taken.  We are proud to present to you the team representing Australia and the management team which had provided valuable support to the players.  Although it did not achieve what it set out to do, the Team had won great admiration for the passionate way they played and never gave up no matter what.  Head Coach Morten accomplished much in two weeks to blend the experience and skills of European-based players and players selected from various states of Australia.

Team Photo before game against Saudi Arabia

Australia’s starting line comprised:  James Blondell, Tommy Fletcher, Taip Ramadani, Lee Schofield, Bevan Calvert and Nemanja Subotic; Goalkeeper Jim Varkanitsas.  Australia had the throw off.

Majority of the spectators were cheering for the Aussies all throughout the game.

It was evident from the start that both Teams were eager to clinch victory in this match. 

Tommy Fletcher was first to score for the Aussies at 2:28 game time from a goal at centre 6 metres, from a pass from Taip Ramadani.  In the following seven minutes, the attempts at goal by the Aussies [James Blondell, Nemanja Subotic, Ognjen Matic and Lee Schofield].  Even a subsequent steal by Daniel Kelly, fastbreak by Taip Ramadani and shot from centre 6 metre missed their mark.

Bevan Calvert shooting for goal

Then at 11:15 game time, Daniel Kelly successfully put away a goal from right wing, bringing the score at 2-5.  Tommy Fletcher scored two goals in succession, which was followed up by Bevan Calvert at 15:32 with a fast break from a pass by Daniel Kelly, score at 5-7.

Taip Ramadani added to the Aussies’ score one minute later from centre 6 minutes, which drew loud cheers from the spectators. Daniel Kelly was next to score for the Aussies, from a fast break from a pass by Lee Schofield. At 19:36  Bevan Calvert scored at goal centre 6 metres, bringing the score at 8-10.  Two minutes later,  Tommy Fletcher converted a penalty shot, from a foul on Taip Ramadani. After this, it took the Aussies five minutes before Lee Schofield scored a goal at centre 9 metres. Before the close of the first half, Daniel Kelly managed to add to the Aussies score, from the right wing.

First Half Score:  11 – 15.

At the second half, starting line comprised:  James Blondell, Tommy Fletcher, Taip Ramadani, Lee Schofield, Bevan Calvert and Richard Ridley.  Goalkeeper, Ognjen Latinovic.

Tommy Fletcher shooting for goal

Bevan Calvert opened the Aussies score at 31:41 game time from a goal at centre 6 metres. For approximately five minutes both sides were unable to score. The Aussies’ aggressive 3:2:1 defense held off their opponents. and had more attempts at goal but which were unsuccessful.  James Blondell scored a penalty goal from a foul on Taip Ramadani who copped a big hit which had him on the floor, bringing the score at 13-17.

At 36:56 game time, Bevan Calvert had a steal and scored from a fast break; narrowing the Aussies’ score deficit at 3 goals at 14-17.  Four minutes later, Tommy Fletcher put away one for the Aussies from centre, 9 metres.  This was followed by another block of four minutes wherein the Aussies held off Saudi Arabia from scoring and Lee Schofield converting a goal from a fast break from a pass by Taip Ramadani; with the score difference narrowed at 16-18.

The Aussies continued with their brave play.  James Blondell scored from the right wing at 48:04 game time, bringing the score at 17:19.  After the opponents scored a goal,  Tommy Fletcher responded with a goal from centre 9 metres to bring the score different back to two, 18-20.  After a goal by Saudi Arabia, another five minute period followed wherein both teams held off each other from scoring.  Both sides’ defense was intense.

Ognjen Latinovic in goals anticipating the play

At 58:38 Nemanja Subotic managed another goal for the Aussies from centre, 9 metres with the score favouring the opposition at 19-22.  Whilst this was the Aussies’ last goal, Saudi Arabia scored another goal at 59:05 game time, which sealed their win.

Full time score:   19 – 23.

Tommy Fletcher was chosen as the Best Player of the Match.  This was Tommy’s second award during WC09 tournament and Australia’s fourth [previous awards were given to Ognjen Latinovic in Men’s WC07; Cathy Kent in Women’s WC07].

Australia vs Kuwait 24 - 27 [ 10 - 14 ] - 26 JAN 2009

This was the last game for Australia in the President’s Cup, against Kuwait.  This is Kuwait’s fifth participation in the World Championship.  The last one before WC09 was in 2003, when it placed 19^th.   Like Australia, Kuwait lost its games in the Preliminary Round  These were against Spain [17-47]; Croatia [21-40]; Korea [19-34]; Sweden [19-30] and Cuba [23-26].

Before playing Australia in the President’s Cup, it has also lost against Argentina [25:26] and Romania [17:34].

Australia’s starting line comprised of:  Bojan Stojanvic, Tommy Fletcher, Taip Ramadani, Lee Schofield, Ognjen Matic and Bevan Calvert.  Kuwait scored early in the match.  This was immediately replied by Taip Ramadani by a goal at centre, from a pass from Bevan Calvert. James Blondell then scored from a fast break from a long pass by Ognjen Latinovic, Goalkeeper.

Ognjen Latinovic prepares for a shot at goal from Kuwait

At 9:24 game time,  Taip scored again from a pass by Tommy Fletcher and one from Bevan Calvert, with the score then being 5-5 at 9:24 game time.  James Blondell  added to the score immediately after Kuwait scored a goal, levelling the score at 6-6. Lee Schofield, Bevan Calvert and James Blondell all tried but their attempts were blocked.

Nemanja Subotic  scored the next Aussie two goal from 6 metres, bringing the score to 8-10.  The next attempts at goal by the Aussies during a five-minute period were not successful.  Tommy Fletcher broke the draught with a goal at 9 metres which was followed by James Blondell by a goal from right wing to bring the score at 10-12.  This was the last goal for Australia to the end of first half.

First Half Score:   10-14.

At the start of the second half, the Australians looked relaxed and eager to get into the game.  Starting comprised of:  James Blondell, Tommy Fletcher, Taip Ramadani, Lee Schofield, Bevan Calvert and Richard Ridley.

The Aussies were first to score from a fast break by James Blondell at 31:24 game time, with score at 11-14.   This was followed by another five-minute period when the Aussies’ attempts at goal were unsuccessful. Then James Blondell had another fast break from a pass by Taip Ramadani at 36:12 game time to bring the score at 12-16.  James added another one soon after that, from a penalty shot from a foul on Tommy Fletcher, score of 13-16.

Taip Ramadani, [ No 6 ] anticipates as he watches the play in pivot

Then Lee Schofield followed this up with a goal at 9 metres at 38.14 game time and by Nemanja Subotic  with a fast break at 39:54; bringing the score tally to 15-17.  This was followed by five minutes where attempts at goals by the Aussies did not find their mark.  These included fast breaks by James Blondell and Tommy Flecher. 

The Aussies kept up its aggressive 3:2:1 defense and attempts at goal added seven more to its score.  This brought much cheering from supprters in the crowd and each time the Aussies scored its bench lept up to celebrate.

Taip Ramadani’s goal at 57:14 from a pass from Tommy Fletcher gave the Aussies hope for a win, with the score deficit reduced by one, with the score at 23-24.  However, this was immediately answered by Kuwait with a goal, bringing the score at 23-25.  Bevan Calvert scored another goal for the Aussies at 9 metres, narrowing again the gap to one point at 58:07 game time.  After this, Kuwait put away two more goals which unfortunately were not answered by the Aussies to close of the game. 

Full time score:   24 – 27.

"Throw it to me" - Kuwait pivot covered by Bojan Stojanovic

Comments by Head Coach, Morten Fjeldstad:
“Closer to a win, without winning; we cannot come.  Aggressive 3:2:1 defense, winning one to one, fast counter attack and smart set play; they were the ingredients in Australia’s game tonight. 

Lack of concentration in the start of the game caused 1-4 behind Kuwait but brave and strong performance from our Team closed the gap of the first half.  A refreshed Aussie Team came out in the second half and showed up the best that an Australian had seen.  An extremely strong 3:2:1 performance closed down Kuwait’s attack effectively,  and we closing the gap from minute to minute.  With help from Croatian fans and strong support from the entire bench, we played some of the best handball I have seen from any Australian national team.    Our 3:2:1 defense provoked offensive fouls and stressed nervous Kuwait players so the Australians closed the goal difference to 23:24 seven minutes before the end of the game.

The game switched from side to side with a high level of intensity,  like in arm wrestling both teams pushed for win.  Only a lucky punch from Kuwait grabbed the game from the best playing Australian team. 

I am proud of my players who showed winner attitude, fighting back from seven goals deficit showed great courage and character, and playing with the hearts.  The peak performance in the last fourteen days have impressed me a lot and gives hope for even stronger performance in WC2011 in Sweden.  Most of the players in their early twenties and if they are willing to continue the progress with hard training and dedication, they will draw the picture for the future of Australian handball towards Olympic Games 2016. “ 

Comments by Lee Schofield, Team Captain
“It was a case of so close, yet so far.  For me personally, I went for another two years as I want to win a game with the Team.  At the later stage of the second half, I felt that we would win as we were on top of them then.  The difference between winning and losing the match was the small mistakes.  That is what it boiled down to.  The biggest positive from the game is that we know we can win tomorrow if we retain same level of performance.”

Australia vs Cuba 17 - 27 [ 6 - 14 ] - 25 JAN 2009

The Australian Team played against Cuba in its second match in the President’s Cup.  This is Cuba’s 7^th participation in the World Championship.  Its last appearance was in 1999, wherein it finished on 8^th place.  In this WC, it was in Group B where it lost against Sweden [14:41], Spain [20-45], Croatia [41-20], Korea [26-31] and won against Kuwait [26-23].

Today the Team was eager to put in place the positives from the big game yesterday against Spain.    The starting line comprised of James Blondell, Tommy Fletcher, Lee Schofield, Ognjen Matic, Bevan Calvert and Bojan Stojanovic; goalkeeper – Jim Varkanitsas.  This was Bojan Stojanovic’s WC debut performance, as he sustained injury from a friendly game in the preWC training camp. 

Tommy Fletcher [ No 5 ] covering pivot in defense

At the start of the game, Lee Schofield and Ognjen Matic had a few attempts at goal but were unfortunately not successful.  James Blondell was first to score for Australia from the right wing, at 5:11 game time.  These were followed by attempts by Bevan Calvert, with the last one from a steal which was at 7 metres.    Tommy Fletcher successfully converted the penalty goal at 8:31 game time. 

Again at 14:08 game time Bevan Calvert won a penalty shot awarded to Australia.  This was converted to a goal by Tommy Fletcher at 14:31 game time, bringing the score at 3-6.  Tommy followed this up with another goal from 6 metres at 15:42 game time.  

Lee Schofield, Team Captain received a number of bit hits but continued his fearless play to lead the Team in their campaign.  At 19:32 game time, Lee scored from centre at 9 metres. 

Mladen Turanjanin joined the Team with his enthusiastic play which unfortunately earned a Warning [yellow card] which was the third one for the Aussies [after one for Bojan and James].  He had two attempts at goal from 9 metres which unfortunately were not successful.

Australia Defending against Cuba

The Aussies kept their strong 3:2:1 defense which prevented Cuba scoring in blocks 4 and 3 minutes play.  Head Coach Morten Fjeldstad called time out at 24:11, with the score at 5-11.  Two minutes after coming back, Bevan Calvert scored from centre at 6 metres.  This was to be the last goal to close of the first half.  Jim made brilliant four saves during this half. 

Half Time Score:   6 – 14.

The Team’s starting line comprised of: Bojan Stojanovic, James Blondell, Tommy Fletcher, Taip Ramadani, Lee Schofield and Bevan Calvert; goalkeeper Ognjen Latinovic.

Cuba scored two goals early in this half.  Bevan Calvert  put away a goal at right 9 metres at 32:10 game time, which brought the score to 7-16.  Attempts at goal by Bojan Stojanovic at 9 metres left wing and by James Blondell at right wing were saved before Tommy scored from centre 9 metres at 33:34 game time.  This was followed up by Lee Schofield from centre 9 metres at 37:04 game time, with the score at 9-16.   

It is worth noting that the Aussies held off the Cubans from scoring for a period of seven minutes and in this time Aussies scored three goals.  An aggressive 3:2:1 defense by the Aussies worked effectively at this period.  

Taip Ramadani fast break shot was saved but Tommy Fletcher scored at left 9 metres at 40:28 game time.  This was followed up by Bojan Stojanovic from a penalty goal from a foul on Tommy Fletcher, at 41:34 game time, score then 11-17.  Taip Ramadani had a fast break but was saved.   

Ognjen Matic, takes the brunt of a tackle with a Cuban player

Michael Thomas got fouled which earned the Aussies a penalty shot and successfully converted to goal by Tommy Fletcher at 43:37 game time, with score then at 12-18.

Daniel Kelly joined the Team and scored at 45:00 game time from a fast break which gained loud cheering from the crowd.  He certainly was one of the crowd’s favourite.  Score was 13-19.  This was followed up by a goal from fast break by Lee Schofield, from a great pass by Tommy Fletcher at 45:39, bringing the score to 14-19. 

A minute later Bojan Stojanovic added to the Aussies’ score from a goal at left wing, score at 15-20. 

Head Coach Morten Fjeldstad called time out at 48:27, with score at 15-21.   Upon return, Bevan Calvert immediately scored from right 9 metres, to add to the Aussies’ tally board. 

At 52:35 game time Daniel Kelly burst once again in a fast break and scored for the Aussies; score at 17-23.  This was to be the last goal for the Team to the end of second half.  Ogi made eight brilliant saves during the match.

Full time score:    17 – 27.

At the presentation after the match, Tommy Fletcher was awarded ‘Best Player of the Match’.  This was the third time, that I know of, that an Australian player would have received the award, despite the Team losing the game.  The first one was to Ognjen Latinovic, Goalkeeper, during the game vs Brazil at WC07 and the second one was to Cathy Kent, Goalkeeper at the Women’s WC07.

Comments from Head Coach, Morten Fjeldstad
“We have a strong second half; we came to being down by only four goals.  There were too many technical faults and missed chances, so the end result was a difference of ten goals.

In periods we played good handball, but it was not consistent.  I see many positives that we could build upon.”

Australia vs Spain 10 - 42 [ 6 - 18 ] - 24 JAN 2009

This was the first game of the President’s Cup for the Aussies.  It was against one of the strong handball teams in the world – Spain.  This is Spain’s 13^th WC participation.  In WC2007 held in Germany, it placed 7^th.  In this WC however, Spain came fourth in Group B. Hence it became a participant in the President’s Cup.  In the Preliminary Round it lost against:  Sweden 34:30; Croatia 32:22 and Korea 24:23.

The Aussies looked relaxed and eager to get into the game.  The starting line comprised of Tommy Fletcher, Lee Schofield, Bevan Calvert,  Daniel Kelly, Richard Ridley and Nemanja Subotic;  Goalkeeper Jim Varkanitsas.  Australia had the throw off.

Tommy Fletcher attempt at goal from centre 6 metre at 0:26 game time was not successful.  The Aussies’ intense play also resulted in a few technical faults, foul for a 7 metre, a warning [yellow card] and two 2 minutes suspension.  For the first nine minutes of play, Spain shut down the Aussies and progressively added to the their score. 

Bevan Calvert tackling a Spanish player

At 9.50 game time Tommy Fletcher scored the first goal for Australia at centre 9 metre, from a great pass by Lee Schofield; score being 1-6.  James Blondell attempt to add from a penalty shot 10.36 game time but was unfortunately not successful.  Nemanja Subotic managed to do that from centre 9 metre shot at 11.32 game time, which he followed by another one 13:05 game time.  Whilst the Aussies tried hard and committing technical faults and warnings in the process, Spain kept scoring.

James Blondell’s strong shot from right, from a pass from Bevan Calvert, found its mark and scored at 19:18 game time, with the score at that time being 4 -12.   Tommy Fletcher added to the Aussies’ score at 22:19 game time from foul on Bevan Calvert.  He returned the ‘favour’ with a flick pass to Bevan Calvert who converted it to a goal at 29:26 game time. 

Half time score:  6 – 18.

The same line up started for Australia in the second half; Jim Varkanitsas Goalkeeper.  Spain was first again to score in the second half.  At 32:17 game time, Daniel Kelly scored at right wing, with the score at 7-19. 

The Aussies committed more technical faults and only six minutes later that Nemanja Subotic was able to put away a goal at left 6 metre at 39:43 game time. By this time, the French has greatly widened the gap with score being 8 – 26; Spain collected more goals for the following ten minutes with the Aussies attempts being unsuccessful.

Then James Blondell put away a brilliant pass from Michael Thomas, from the right wing at 49:53 game time, with the score being 9-35.  This was followed up two minutes later by a goal at metre by Tommy Fletcher at 51:08, to bring the score at 10-35.  The Aussies kept fighting to the end, but was unable to add to their score.

Australian 3:2:1 defense forcing the Spanish Pivot Player to come out towards the 9 metre line

The highlight of the second half was the debut WC performance of Curtis Eitzen as Goalkeeper for twenty minutes of the game.  In that time, he saved 4/18, with 2/4 of shots from 6 metres and 2/3 from 9 metres.

Full Time Score:  10 – 42.

After the match, Head Coach Morten Fjeldstad attended the Press Conference with Mirna Bosnic, our Liaison Officer, who also acts as our translator.  His comments at the press conference:

Morten at the Press Conference

“I congratulate Spain for their win.  I wish you come back in the top four in the next WC.  I saw many beautiful aspects of our 3:2:1 defense, but it was difficult to sustain our performance against such a strong opponent.

We come from another level but we keep trying to play against the best teams of the world.   We had many chances today to reach 6-7 goals closer to Spain.  I am proud of the Team and I believe they continue to gain respect in the handball world, especially by those who understand what odds they have to overcome.”

Additional comments by Morten, at team debrief:

“The team had strong 3:2:1 performance and excellent goalkeeping by Jim Varkanitsas and WC debutante Curtis Eitzen.

The very aggressive Spanish 3:3 defense caused us some problems in attack and which resulted in us committing too many technical faults.  This is a big issue we need to work on towards the next campaign against Cuba.” 

Australia vs Argentina 16 - 36 [ 8 - 15 ] - 22 JAN 2009

Today Australia played its last game in the Preliminary Round.  It was against Argentina which also had not win a game in this stage of the XXI World Championship.  It was therefore expected that Argentina would be giving all its got to win.  This is Argentina’s 7^th participation in the World Championship.  In WC07, it placed 16^th.

The starting line comprised James Blondell, Tommy Fletcher, Taip Ramadani, Lee Schofield, Ognjen Matic and Bevan Calvert; Goalkeeper Ognjen Latinovic. Australia had the throw off but Argentina was first to score with a penalty shot at 2:13 game time.  This was followed by another two goals by them.

At 5:57 James Blondell put one way for Australia with goal right 6 metre bottom left.  The Team’s defense was strong and intense, which resulted in Bevan Calvert getting a Warning [yellow card] and a number of technical faults being committed by the Team.  This caused Head Coach Morten Fjeldstad to call an early time out at 11:59 game time, with the score at 1-4.

Michael Thomas defending as Tommy Fletcher watches the ball

The Argentineans scored four more goals with attempts made by the Aussies not finding their mark, committing three more technical faults and receiving two Warnings.  They found it difficult to penetrate the Argentineans’ 3:3 defense. Then at 18:43 Bevan Calvert burst through with a goal from a breakthrough bottom right, which brought the score at 2-8. This was followed by tit-for-tat goals by the two teams for the ensuing five minutes.  From the Aussie side, the goals were scored by Taip Ramadani [from pass by Bevan Calvert], Tommy Fletcher [from pass by Taip] and two successive ones by Bevan.  Score was 6 – 12.   Another goal each was made by James Blondell and Tommy Fletcher before end of half time.  Ognjen Latinovic made four brilliant saves during this half.

Half time score:  8 – 15.

At second half Michael Thomas and Nemanja Subotic joined James Blondell, Tommy Fletcher, Taip Ramadani and Lee Schofield on court.  The Aussies again put in place the 3:2:1 defense.

Nemanja Subotic was first to score for the Aussies with a goal at breakthrough at bottom right at 31:00 game time.   Argentineans tightened up and became more effective with their 3:3 defense and shut down the Aussies for the next seven minutes whilst they kept adding to their score tally.   It was after more than seven minutes before Taip Ramadani had a fast break goal at top centre at 38:32 game time.  

Dragan Jerkov and Bevan Calvert

The Aussies had noticeably slowed down in their play. Their tiredness from previous big matches took a toll on them and more technical faults were committed at almost the same rate that their opponents were scoring.  Nevertheless the Aussies battled on.to the finish of the game.  Goals were scored by Tommy Fletcher, Nemanja Subotic, Taip Ramadani and Dan Kelly before end of second match.   Ognjen made another three great saves in this half.

Final Score:  16 – 36.

Ognjen Latinovic, who made several brilliant saves during the game, was voted as Best Aussie Player of the match so he attended the Press Conference with Head Coach.

Comments at Press Conference:

Morten Fjeldstad –
To Argentina, thank you for good handball game today.  We experienced some problems in our attack.  Having a young team and having played a number of strong matches already, made it difficult for us to sustain the fight.  But the Team will continue to try its best in its participation in this World Championship.

Ognjen Latinovic -
“Congratulations to Argentina for their win.  We played well in the beginning.  In the second half we got tired. This was the fifth game in six days. Our rival showed us great contra attacks in the second part, when we experienced the fall in our play as well as in concentration.”

Morten and Ognjen at the Press Conference

When we got back to the hotel, I asked Morten if he wanted to make additional comments, which I share here:

"In today's match the players showed great fighting spirit but what the heads and the hearts want, the bodies could not deliver.  Argentina's 3:3 defense caused headaches in our attack.  We still look that there are a lot of positives we could building upon, from  playing againt very strong opponents in the Preliminary Round.  This gives me hope for further development of handball in Australia, especially that there are a lot of young players in the Team.

The young Australians will again meet strong teams especially that the President's Cup in this WC has somewhat changed.  We will face Spain, Cuba and Kuwait.  We continue step by step in our development. Strong handball nations such as Russia, Egypt, Romania and Spain are all participating in this WC09 President's Cup.  This tells it all, the sort of level of competition in this WC09."

Australia vs Romania 20 - 40 [ 9 - 21 ] - 21 JAN 2009

Today Australia played its fourth game in the Preliminary Games, versus Romania.  This was Romania’s 13^th entry in the World Championship.  It is worth noting that their last participation was in 1995.  It was also in four Olympic Games, the last one being in 2008 in Beijing where it placed in third position.   It has certainly come back into the handball arena in a huge way after some work in team re-building.  The Australian Team once again played against another of the best teams in the world, so this ought to be considered and not merely look at the scores.

Australia had the throw off.  The starting line comprised of James Blondell, Tommy Fletcher, Taip Ramadani, Lee Schofield, Ognjen Matic and Bevan Calvert; Goalkeeper Jim Varkanitsas.  This was Taip’s first game in this WC.  Taip who is also the Team’s Assistant Coach last represented Australia in WC05 in Tunisia.

At 0:25 game time, Bevan Calvert burst through to score goal at bottom centre.  This was immediately equalised by Romania’s tallest guy.  Ognjen Matic responded with a goal at 9 metre bottom right, bringing the score at 2:2 at 2:22 game time.

The next goal contributions to the Australian score were made by Lee Schofield at 6:56 game time, at 9 metre top left and James Blondell at 9:21 game time from a pass by Bevan Calvert. 

Head Coach Morten Fjeldstad called a time out at 10:30 game time, with the score at 4-7.  It was not until 15:41 game time that Taip Ramadani added to the Team’s score [5-12], at centre 6 metre bottom left.   Taip had won some fans in the crowd, who every now and then called out his name to spur him on.

The pace of the game was frenetic by both sides. The Aussies continued to commit several technical faults to the end first half.  There were brilliant saves by Aussie goalkeepers, which included a penalty shot by Romania at 16:34 in game time.

Additional goal was made by Nemanja Subotic with breakthrough at bottom left at 17:11 game time.  This was followed by two successive goals by Bevan Calvert, both at right 9 metre top right. Ognjen Matic was last to score, at 9 metre bottom centre, during the first half.

Half Time Score :   9 – 21.

Morten asking a question during the match

For the second half, starting line was the same as the first half; Ognjen Latinovic, Goalkeeper. 

The Aussies had stronger 3:2:1 defence in the second half.  This pushed the Romanians back a bit with them committing three two minutes suspension in addition to seven technical faults. 

Australia scored first with a shot by James Blondell from the right wing at 31:11 game time. This was followed by a goal by Tommy Fletcher at centre 6 metre bottom right, from a pass by Bevan Calvert at 33:20 game time. Taip Ramadani continued his relentless play, leading to team to be awarded three penalty shots which were successfully converted by James Blondell.  

Aside from a goal made by Nemanja Subotic and two by Tommy Fletcher, all the remaining eight goals during the second half were scored by James Blondell.  The crowd cheered on James’ fearless performance against much bigger players.

Although the score does not reflect the intensity of the Aussies’ effort, this was so far the best of the games that the Australian Team had played in the Preliminary Round.  The WC09 website described the match as “Victory for Romania, Record for Australia”  [ http://www.croatia2009.com/eng_news.php?id=322 ]

Full time Score:    20 - 40

Taip scoring a goal against Romania

Head Coach Morten Fjelstad and James Blondell, Best Australian Player of the match attended the Press Conference. 

Morten Fjeldstad’s comments:  “The Australian Team is here to gather experience and make progress.  This was the best Australian match ever.  We make technical mistakes far too easily and this is something we need to work on.  I congratulate the Romania team and wish them luck against Slovakia.  Our best player Tommy Fletcher has missed too many shots in the first half, I challenged him during the half-time and he was much better in the second half.  I would like to thank the IHF President Hassan Moustafa for all the effort and making it possible for u to compete in this championship.”

James Blondell:   “Although I was born in Sweden, where I play, I am proud to be a part of the current Australian team, we played pretty good match against Romania, actually it was our best match.”

James and Morten at the Press Conference

During the question and answer session, a member of the Press asked James Blondell whether he gets scared playing against much bigger opponents.  His reply:  “Not at all.  I trained with Marcos Ahlm, famous Swedish Pivot and have learned how to take hits and score against bigger guys.”  

Romania’s Best Player of the Match, Marian Cozma, had these to say:
“As expected, Romanians have won in a match without any uncertainty and tension. However, despite the defeat, exotic Australians should be satisfied because they broke a record at the World Championship in Croatia! They have scored 8 goals during the first half-time against Hungary, six goals against Slovakia, and three goals against France.

But yesterday they were dashing; in the first half-time they scored even nine goals, and finished the match with 20 goals, their highest result so far in Osijek. At the same time, they lost the match with less than 30 goals difference for the first time in group A. Both team left the field satisfied, Romanians because of the new two points, and Australians for their more tolerable defeat.”

James was later requested to have a photo with Marian Cozma.  The photo below shows the difference in the built of the two players. 

James Blondell stands next to Marian Cozma

It was a great comeback by Taip Ramadani.  When asked to comment on his play, he said:  “It was great to be back on the court at this level of competition, after four years.  I definitely have forgotten how hard it was.”

Letter to the Team from Australian Embassy in Croatia

Australia vs France 11 - 42 [3 -20] - 18 JAN 2009

The Australian Team had put behind the outcome of yesterday’s game, in terms of level of performance.  The Team’s aim for the Preliminary Round has been to earn some respect for the way they play, despite losing the games.  Although they had to work harder at today’s match, they welcomed the challenge of playing with one of the world’s top handball teams – France.  This will be 13^th WC for France which is also the 2008 Olympics Champion in handball.

As the Australian players did their warm up and right through the game, they looked more relaxed compared to the previous day.   The starting line comprised of James Blondell, Tommy Fletcher, Lee Schofield, Bevan Calvert, Nemanja Subotic and Dragan Jerkov; Ognjen Latinovic as Goalkeeper. 

Australia had the throw off but committed a technical fault, allowing the French to score first at 0:22 in game time. At 0:54 game time, Bevan Calvert had the first go at goal, right 9 metre but was unsuccessful; so was Tommy Fletcher’s attempt at centre 9 metre.  Nemanja Subotic was first to score for the Aussies and equalised the score at 1:1 at 3:17 into the play.  Then he earned a penalty shot for Australia, which was successfully converted into a goal by Tommy Fletcher.  So at 4.57 game time, Australia was leading at 2:1.  However, this did not last long as the French progressively widened the margin as the Aussies’ attempts at goal were either ‘swatted’ like flies by the French goalkeeper or simply did not find their mark.

Tommy Fletcher tackling a French player

The Aussies had majority of the spectators supporting them throughout the game.  In fact, in the early part of the match, Seb Louis even had the French groupie do the famous “Aussie, Aussie, oi, oi” chant.

Head Coach Morten Fjeldstad called time out at 18:11 game time, with the score being 3:11.  Unfortunately, this did not improve the Aussies’ standing and with the players’ intense play produce results, they committed more technical faults.  In fact, they did not relent one bit.

First half score:   3:20.

Nemenja Subotic in defense

The Aussies had a better second half with a continued strong defense and more attempts at goal.  There were many technical faults committed, albeit less than the first half, 13 and 11 respectively.

Nemanja Subotic again was first to score for the Team in the second half.  Bevan Calvert was intense in defense against Nicola Karabatic, the French star player.  His continued strong defense earned him successive 2 minutes suspensions which resulted in Disqualification [red card].

The Team tried to rise to the tempo of the play but clearly was no match for the more experienced French team.  The crowd expressed their appreciation of the Aussies’ passionate play, willing them on to the finish.

The Team nominated Taip Ramadani, Assistant Coach and Bevan Calvert to attend the Press Conference for the Australian Team.  At the Press Conference, Taip commented:  “The match showed the difference between the two teams, with France having experienced players and Australia’s young team.  We will take the experience home and further improve on our play.  The standard is quite high and we wish France the best of luck in the competition.”

Bevan Calvert said:  “It is a big challenge to play against a great team.  All we can do is work at our game.  I look forward at the rest of the games that are coming towards us.”

Collectively, the Team felt happier with its performance in this game compared to the previous match with Slovakia.  Head Coach, Morten Fjeldstad, was equally with the player’s performance that he treated them with a case of beer.  They were joined by two French broadcasters who were staying at the next room where the merriment was taking place.  It turned out that one of the French guys used to play handball and he commented on how the Team played well; that their favourites were number 3 [James Blondell] and number 14 [Bevan Calvert] as they were fearless in their defense.

Bevan and Taip at the Press Conference

Additional comments on the match by: 

Morten Fjeldstad, Head Coach 
“The Australian Team showed up its development they have achieved since WC07 in Germany by challenging the Olympics Champion, with great team spirit.  After the game, getting acknowledgement of this from the French Head Coach was fantastic.  He said:  “We felt it was a real match by the two teams, with Australia having improved on its defense and attack.  Two years ago, Australia did not even reach to play in defense. This time we really needed to use our tactical skills to break down its 3:2:1 defense.”

The second half’s score of 8:22 against the gladiators – France – is a testament to the cohesive way the team played.  In fact, it is remarkable how far we got with this new team.  This gives Australia hopes for the future.  For example, Bevan Calvert fearlessly challenging the world handball star, Nicola Karabatic in defense was outstanding; also our goalkeeper had big saves against the world top shooters. 

The Team Captain, Lee Schofield, has stepped up with the new generation of players showing leadership and mentality we have not seen in the Australian national team.  Nemanja Subotic also showed that the Team can make goals from distance. And we also now have young players like Ogi Matic, Tommy Fletcher and Dan Kelly making a mark in Australian handball.”

Lee Schofield, Team Captain:
"It is always a great thing as an athlete to be able to measure yourself against the best in the world.  The game against France provided that opportunity for us. 

Unfortunately, for now the gap between us and France is too big to be competitive, but the experience was memorable and enjoyable. 

As with every match, there were things that we could have done better.  However, the performance as a team was respectable and an improvement on the result two years ago against France in Germany.”

Australia vs Slovakia 12 - 47  [ 6 - 20 ] - 18 JAN 2009

This was the second match for the Australian Team against another strong team – Slovakia. This is Slovakia’s first participation as a nation in the World Championship but it have shown it is a force to be reckoned with, by qualifying for a berth in the WC against great odds.

The Australian starting line for the first half comprised of:  Tommy Fletcher, Lee Schofield, Bevan Calvert, Daniel Kelly, Mladen Turanjanin and Dragan Jerkov; Ognjen Latinovic as Goalkeeper.

Nemenja Subotic shooting for goal

Australia had the throw-in.  The players appeared anxious and disjointed at the start.  Tommy Fletcher was fearless but that earned him a Warning [yellow card] only 1:46 into the game.  Slovakia was first to settle into the game and scored first goal at 1:54 game time.    Nearly a minute later, Tommy Fletcher settled his play and scored first for Australia, with goal centre 9 metre bottom left. 

Thiis was followed by missed shots, technical faults and Warning.  Head Coach Morten Fjeldstad called a time out only 6:27 game time, with Australia trailing by 3 goals [1 – 4].  The Team seemed to have re-grouped after this.  Daniel Kelly scored a minute later, with assist from Bevan Calvert.  It was not till after four minutes for the next goal for Australia, scored by Bevan Calvert with goal right 9 metre middle right.

There were more technical faults and a two minute suspension, with the Team only able to score three more to close of the first half.  

Half time score:  Australia 6 – Slovakia 20.

James Blondell shooting from right wing

For the second half, same players started for Australia.  The Slovakian team upped the ante and further widened the score gap early.  After six minutes into the second half, Tommy Fletcher scored the first goal for Australia in the second half; the score by then was  7: 27.  Head Coach Morten Fjeldstad called time out at 50:18 game time, with the score at 7 – 38.  The Team managed to score five more goals to close of half time.  The guys had a hard day in the office but certainly eager to benefit from the experience.

FINAL SCORE   AUSTRALIA 12 – SLOVAKIA 47.

Morten and Lee at the press conference

Morten Fjeldstad’s comments at the Press Conference:
I wish to congratulate Slovakia.  I agree with the Coach that the Slovak team was concentrate during the whole game.  I wish you to win the game against Romania tomorrow especially you are participating for the first time.  Australia has a lot to learn but will never give up.  We continue tomorrow against even tougher opponent – France.

Lee Schofield’s Comments: 
Congratulations to Slovakia on a well-deserved win.  It was not our best performance.  We have to start playing better tomorrow, for better results against a much tougher opponent.  I wish Slovakia the best for the rest of the tournament.

Lee being interviewed by a French Journalist after the press conference

Lee was also interviewed by a French Journalist after the Press Conference.  The Journalist was interested to know the level of handball being played at various states and what initiatives there are to further develop the sport.

Australia vs Hungary 17 – 41    [8 – 20] - 17 JAN 2009

This was the first match for Australia in the Preliminary Games.   Australia was up against one of the top teams in the tournament – Hungary.  This is Hungary’s 16^th WC participation, compared to Australia’s 5^th.  It placed 9^th in WC07 but was a surprise omission in WC05.  Its best ranking was 2^nd in 1986.   Being the second game of the day, there was already an electric atmosphere when our Team arrived and warmed up for their match.

The following players made their debut WC participation in this match:  Tommy Fletcher, Daniel Kelly, Dragan Jerkov, Ognjen Matic, Richard Ridley and Mladen Turanjanin.

Australian Team defending 3:2:1 against Hungary

Australia had the throw-in.  The starting line comprised of James Blondell, Tommy Fletcher, Lee Schofield, Ognjen Matic, Bevan Calvert and Dragan Jerkov. 

Lee Schofield scored the first goal for Australia, with a goal breakthrough bottom left at 2:40 game time.  Australia started with tight defence and only 3:00 into play, James Blondell was given a Warning [yellow card].  There was some degree of nervous intensity amongst our players, with eight technical faults committed in the first half.

The Team used 3:2:1 defence and from middle of the second half used 7:6 attack.

First half closed with Hungary leading 20:8.

The Team had same starting line for the second half.  In the second half, Ognjen Matic opened Australia’s score, at goal centre 9 metre at 32:16 game time.  The pace of the game lifted during the second half but unfortunately our technical faults also increased to 12.   In this game, Tommy Fletcher  a stellar debut performance with total score of 8 from 11 attempts.  Nemanja Subotic scored second highest with 3 out of 5.

Nemenja Subotic [No. 31], concentrating agasint Hungary

The score made by both sides during the second half were similar to the first half, this being Hungary leading 21:9.   

Final score was 41 -17.

After the match, Head Coach Morten Fjeldstad and Tommy Fletcher [best Australian player of the match] attended the Press Conference. 

From Left : Tommy Fletcher and Morten at the Press Conference after the game agasint Hungary

Comments by Head Coach Morten:  We have a lot of new players compared to WC07 and with a number of young ones like Tommy Fletcher.  I plan to use all players during the Preliminary Games so that they will be better prepared for the games in the President’s Cup.

Comments by Tommy:  Personally, I thought I had a good game and that the Team had a pretty good match.  If we had more speed in the second half, we would have had a better game.  This experience is a ‘dream come true’ for me.

Comments by Taip Ramadani, Assistant Coach his comments about the game:  A tough start for us but considering we had eight new players to this level of competition, it was a credible result.

I think the game has been a great confidence boost for some of the younger boys, who had no idea of what to expect.  The highlight for me was Tommy Fletcher’s performance.  He came to Croatia as a back but Morten and I have pushed him into Pivot and he has responded to this in an amazing way from day one.  Eight goals in his international debut is testament to the kind of player he is, and he is only eighteen years of age.

Collectively, we had periods where we fought hard and managed to put pressure on the Hungarians, but it was difficult to sustain that for significant periods.

AHF President's Message

On behalf of the Australian Handball Federation, I congratulate the athletes who have been selected to represent Australia and I wish the members of the Men's Team and Team Management all the best in their participation in XXI Handball World Championship in Croatia.  This will be the fifth time that Australia, as winner of the Oceania Region World Championship Qualifying Tournament, will compete in this significant handball event. 

I also wish to thank all players and management who attended and those who helped in the various Towards Croatia Program 2009 camps held throughout the year but who were unable to go with the Team.  First of all, to Steve Jackson who has contributed so much to Australian handball in general and to the Team's preparation in particular, over a period of many years.  Unfortunately, due to work commitments and personal reasons, Steve has resigned his position of High Performance Manager and withdrawn from handball activities for the time being.  Secondly, thanks to the coaches who ran the training camps in Australia and New Zealand: Russell Garnett, Taip Ramadani, and Katsu Kinoshita and in Europe:  Morten Fjeldstad, Lee Schofield and Nicolaj Statager. 

A further thank you to Sasha Dimitric for his assistance and efforts in organising a pre-World Championship camp in Croatia for the team. The benefits to the team of this camp are obviously enormous both from a preparatory and a financial aspect.

As in the past, participation in the handball world arena, the Team's passion for the sport and for representing their country will no doubt shine through and do us all proud.    

To the Team and Team Management, we will be with you in spirit as you face the challenges of the competition. We wish you a memorable and successful participation in the World Championship. 

I invite all supporters and friends to follow the Team’s progress via the AHF web site and to send many messages of support to the Team throughout the campaign: www.handballaustralia.org.au *

Go Aussies!

Alex Gavrilovic
AHF President

* Messages of support to the team will be available via website very soon

Final WC09 Men’s Team Composition

The Australian Handball Federation [AHF] is pleased to announce that the composition of the Men’s Team to compete in the XXI World Championship to be held in Croatia has been finalised.  Adjustments to the Team were made due to work commitments and other reasons which affected some players who were selected and subsequently withdrew from the Team.

The AHF wishes to congratulate the following players who will represent Australia in the World Championship: 

The reserves have been selected to be on standby in case of injury of Team members are:

The Team will be supported in Croatia by the Team Management comprised of: 

AHF wishes the Team and the Team Management all the best in their participation in a very significant world handball event.

Osijek Gives the Australian Men's Team a Hand

The Australian Handball Federation [AHF] is pleased to announce that arrangements have been finalised for the Australian Men's Team's pre-World Championship training camp in Osijek, Croatia. 

The AHF wishes to thank Sasha Dimitric, Founder of Handball in Australia, for all the effort in negotiating with the Croatian Handball Federation to host the Australian Men's Team and organise matches with the local handball clubs in: 

During the period before the Preliminary Games, the Croatian Handball Federation in collaboration with the handball clubs in these towns will meet the accommodation, meal and transport expenses of the Australian players and management team.

It has been many years since Sasha played for “RK Zagreb”, the best Croatian handball club at the time. Before moving to Zagreb, Sasha played for over 10 years with the well known club "Red Star" (Belgrade), winning with the club the Yugoslav Championships twice. He also won with the club the "Yugoslav Cup".    Over the years, he has remained in close contact with Croatia's handball officials and community, constantly exchanging ideas and generally keeping abreast of developments and events in handball.  In preparation for the Sydney Olympic Games, at the "Test Events" Sasha extensively helped the Croatian Olympic Delegation in their search for the facilities for several sports and in particular for handball. It was through this continued liaison that he was able to gain approval for his proposal for the Men's Team training camp in Osijek.

Sasha Dimitric [right] during his playing days at 'RK Zagreb' - photo courtesy of Sasha Dimitric

The AHF also wishes to express its thanks to the Croatian Handball Federation, in particular to Mr. D. Poljak (Secretary General) and Ms T. Suster, as well as to the clubs in Beli Manastir, Nasice and Osijek, in particular Mr. Goran Peterko, (Secretary, Executive Council) for hosting the Men's Team.  Their assistance in preparing the Australian Men's Team for its participation in the World Championship to be held in their beautiful country is extremely valuable and is very much appreciated.

Men's Team Adjustments

Following the withdrawal of Jason Hoppner, Darryl McCormack, Tim Jackson and the unavailability of Zlatan Ivankovic, the Men’s team for the 2009 World Championships will now be represented by the following players. Head Coach Morten Fjeldstad has opted to include 3 goalkeepers in the Team to ensure that we have fresh keepers in the goals for all games.

 

The following reserves have been selected, who will be on standby in case of injury or any other factor preventing a selected team member from travelling to Croatia.

Team Management in Croatia will be;

AHF Announces 2009 Men's WC Team

The Australian Handball Federation [AHF] is pleased to announce the composition of the Australian Men’s Team which will compete in the World Championship to be held in Croatia in January 2009.

The team selection was based on players’ participation and performance in a number of training camps and tournaments which were considered to form part of Towards Croatia 2009 Program undertaken throughout the year.

The AHF is pleased that the selection process not only identified a strong team for the World Championship but also highlighted a number of upcoming talent who in due course will be stepping up to take their rightful position in the men’s team for future world championships and other significant international tournaments.

The AHF congratulates the following players who comprise the Australian Men’s Team:

The Men’s Team will be supported by the following officials:

The AHF also extends its thanks and appreciation to the Clubs of the following European-based players for releasing them from club matches to enable them to attend the preparation camp and represent Australia in the World Championship.  

The AHF wishes the Australian Men’s Team members and officials a successful and enjoyable participation in the 2009 World Championship.

Australian Men’s Squad September '08 Camp

The Senior Men’s Squad recently completed another successful training camp.  This camp was part of 'Towards Croatia 2009 Program' as well as the general players’ development strategy.

The first part of this camp consisted of comprehensive gym sessions to test the players’ strength and fitness in three disciplines with weights - squat, bench press and clean. For fitness and endurance, players performed the interval or “beep” test. This involved a series of levels each of one minute, and increasing in number of 20 metre intervals to run at each level.  This very tough test was made even more challenging by being performed in 35 degrees.  

From the start of 'Towards Croatia 2009 Program', it has been emphasised to all the players the importance of working on personal programs to improve their strength and endurance. The World Championship will require play of ten matches over twelve days. From previous experience, the ability to play as well up to the last day of the competition depended on fitness and strength being at the best possible level.

The second part of the camp was held in Valentine Park Sports Centre.  This involved intensive court sessions which focussed on technical aspects of refining defence and attack.  These were undertaken under the guidance and watchful eyes of Taip Ramadani, who coached the training camp.  After each session, Taip gave the players a feedback on the good aspects of their play as well as what errors were committed and need to be worked on.  During a session break, the players undertook the final test of fitness and strength which was the ability to jump to a minimum of 43cm from standing position.

The players who participated in the camp were:

The camp was organised and managed by Steve Jackson [Team Leader] and John Calvert [Team Manager].  George Tsai [Physiotherapist] also provided support during the camp. Visitors to the camp included Sasha Dimitric who did some photography and offered technical advice at the close of the camp, Bronwyn Thompson and Violi Calvert.

- Article by Violi Calvert
  AHF Media & Public Relations

Planning A Tour

When any Australian National Handball Team travels to play games internationally, many factors have to be taken into consideration. There is the distance factor, the time factor, the personnel factor, the player availability factor, the financial factor and amongst others the ‘why’ factor.

Each factor is like a piece of a jigsaw puzzle, one factor influences the other. For example, the distance factor affects the time factor, which affects the player availability and personnel factor, with the overriding financial factor always looming over the heads of the tour party.

Where is the tournament?

How many days is the tournament?

Will there be a pre-tournament camp?

How many days will the tour be?

How many days off work does each person need?

What will the cost be to each player?

For an Australian team to travel 24 plus hours, to play a tournament in Europe, that may last 2 weeks, is not a justifiable exercise for the amateur players and officials involved in the sport of Handball in Australia. For a tour by any Australian Handball Team to Europe, to be justifiable, the tour length needs to be about 4 to 5 weeks, with a camp preceding the tournament.

So spare a thought for the people that have to organise the logistics for such a tour.

As we edge closer to the 2009 Men’s World Championships, to be held in Croatia, planning for a pre-tournament camp of about 12 days is heavily underway. One person who has planned many tours in the past, and is currently involved in negotiations for these camps is the founder of Australian Handball, Sasha Dimitric.

In May 2008, Sasha approached his former well known club, Red Star Belgrade (Serbia) and received an encouraging response. He has submitted a preliminary program and the Handball Federation of Serbia also expressed a desire to help.

In addition, Sasha is discussing the possibility of the camp in Croatia, possibly in Osijek, the place where Australia will play their preliminary matches. He has used his personal contacts and spoken to the Secretary General of the Handball Federation of Croatia, who also expressed a desire to help.  

The final choice will depend on overall costs, quality of accommodation, availability of training facilities, availability of friendly matches and logistical ease. 

Other locations under consideration are possibly in Switzerland or Germany.

Many hours are spent in planning and organising tours for Australian Handball Teams, which leads us to the last factor, the ‘why’ factor.

Why do people spend many hours doing this?

Because they love the sport of Handball.