Serb&Mont - Slovenia 20-27

(PHOTO: handball-world.com)

Ljubljana, SLOVENIA, January 27, 2004 - Serbia-Montenegro was defeated by Slovenia 20-27 (11-14) in the first match of the main round at the 6th Men's European Handball Championship.

In the first half hosts were leading the whole time. In the 20th minute Serbia and Montenegro only managed to tie the score to 10-10. Till the end of the first half Slovenia gained a three-goal advantage - 14-11.

In the first ten minutes of the second half Serbia and Montenegro made a 5-2 run to tie the score to 16-16. The score was tied or the Slovenians were leading one goal up to the 46th minute, but afterwards the best Slovenian player Renato Vugrinec scored his first goal. Thanks to an excellent defence and quick counter-attacks, hosts gained a four-goal advantage in less than five minutes. They managed to increase their lead till the end of the match.

Tivoli Sports Centre. Attendance: 6,000. Referees: Rancik and Beno (both from Slovakia).

2 Minute Suspensions: Serbia&Montenegro 14, Slovenia 20 minutes.

7 Metre Shots: Serbia&Montenegro 6 (4), Slovenia 5 (4).

SERBIA&MONTENEGRO: Peric, Sijan, Djurkovic, Curuvija, Ma. Krivokapic, Mi. Krivokapic 1, Eklemovic, Djukanovic 1, Maksic 4, Lapcevic 2, Matic 1, Milosavljevic 3, Andjelkovic 5, Nikolic 2.

SLOVENIA: Skof, Lapajne, Backovic 3, Vugrinec 2, Jovicic 3, Kastelic, Kavticnik 5, Bedekovic, Pungartnik 3, Tomsic, Simonovic 1, Pajovic 2, Zorman 1, Lubej 6.

Group 1

Switzerland - Spain 24-26
Sweden - Croatia 26-28
Russia - Denmark 31-26

1. Croatia           1   3   0   0   84-80  6
2. Denmark           1   2   0   1   85-77  4
3. Russia            1   2   0   1   89-83  4
4. Sweden            1   1   0   2   88-82  2
5. Spain             1   1   0   2   75-78  2
6. Switzerland       1   0   0   3   68-89  0

1. Slovenia          1   2   1   0   93- 82   5
2. France            1   2   1   0   81- 70   5
3. Germany           1   1   1   1   92- 84   3
4. Hungary           1   1   1   1   80- 83   3
5. Serb&Mont         1   1   0   2   68- 76   2
6. Czech Republic    1   0   0   3   85-104   0