Mandalinić and Rakocija put on a show as PPD Zagreb cruises through Subotica
Šou Mandalinića i Rakocije u pobedi PPD Zagreba u Subotici
Croatian champions PPD Zagreb have managed to extend their winning streak on road to SEHA Gazprom Final4 celebrating in Subotica against Spartak with 35:29 (18:12). Despite of health problems they are currently experiencing with goalkeeping duo Ivić - Stevanović missing the match along with important players Šebetić and Vujić, Croats have succeeded reaching their 11th victory of the season which brings them position 3. In such situation, young goalie Arian Jović was with 8 saves along with returnee Stipa Mandalinić who scored 7 leading Zagreb towards an important victory.
Spartak were able to stay close for 10 minutes but match was already decided before the half-time whistle. Biggest enigma for Zagreb’ defense was playmaker and Serbian U21 NT player Vukašin Rakocija who has finished the match with 11 goals. Guest-team’ advantage was however rising through counter-attacks which clearly proves which side has more quality and is better prepared.
Zagreb were after less than 40 minutes already up by 9 with Horvat and Šprem slowly breaking Spartak’ resistance all the way until 29:18 and Zagreb’ biggest advantage of +11. Fans in ‘Dudova šuma’ were given a chance to see a show with Mandalinić and Rakocija having a shooting encounter entertaining the crowd.
Zagreb will in a few days host Tatran in a crucial home clash and Spartak will travel to Hungary to meet Veszprem.
Veselin Vujović, PPD Zagreb’ coach:
We are experiencing certain health problems at the moment and we were forced to play without two players and both goalies. We’ve allowed too many goals. My colleague Zeljković has a big impact on this team and they are fighting until the end and so do we. This is not an easy away match as it seems. I am sure Spartak will prepare well for domestic challenges and that they will join us next year in SEHA company once again. I’d once again like to thank hosts on understanding and postponing the match, we really appreciate that.
Luka Raković, PPD Zagreb’ right wing:
Our goal was to enter the match seriously knowing that the quality was on our side but we had to prove it on court. I’d like to congratulate my teammates but also to our today’s rivals because it was not at all easy to win here.
Branislav Zeljković, Spartak Vojput’ coach:
I am satisfied. Congratulations to our rival, coach Vujović and Zagreb players. This was a fine match with a lot of nice handball actions. I am glad that we’ve had such a strong rival as visitor, so my players and I could see something more modern and quicker, which can be problematic for us. We’ve made a lot of technical mistakes in attack, but that is normal against such a team and this kind of defensive system. We were motivated to play against them especially knowing that they’ll be without two of their first team goalkeepers and we’ve scored 29 goals which makes me partly satisfied. I can’t blame my players for a lack of fighting spirit. It was our goal for every player to give his maximum. We have to realize that we are weaker in certain encounters. It’s not my style to praise some individuals, but today I have to make an exception for Vukašin Rakocija. He, however has to continue that way…
Vukašin Rakocija, Spartak Vojput’ playmaker:
I want to congratulate our rivals on a quality match. Most of PPD Zagreb’ players are my role models and my personal goal is to reach their level in the future. We’ve tried to fullfil tasks coach gave us rewarding our fans with a nice match.