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Even with a win against North Macedonia in the last preliminary round game, Switzerland’s chances of reaching the main round of the European Championship are slim.
“From heaven to hell and back again” – that’s how Andy Schmid described the emotional roller coaster after the opening debacle against Germany and the draw against France. It took the Swiss handball players a correspondingly long time on Sunday evening to slow down a bit.
Accordingly, Nikola Portner slept little. The Nati goalie was an outstanding support in the draw against France. Nevertheless, the day after he spoke of “mixed feelings”. Of course we were very happy about winning the point. “We also thought a lot about what it would have taken to win,” said the 30-year-old, who kept going over the last game situation in his head.
Would have, would have, could – it remained 26:26 on Sunday evening. And although the point win came as a surprise for the Swiss, it only improved the starting position for progress to a limited extent. Group A at a glance:
- League leaders Germany are already safely ahead with 4 points.
- In order for Switzerland to come second, they have to win against North Macedonia on the one hand and hope that France loses to Germany on the other.
- Switzerland and France would then both have 3 points, so the goal difference would decide.
- France currently has a goal difference that is 23 goals better.
The Swiss not only have to win as much as possible against North Macedonia, but at the same time hope that the “Equipe tricolore” loses heavily against Germany.
North Macedonia will throw everything into it
The chances of advancing are therefore slim for the handball team. Also because the game against the North Macedonians, who still have no points, is not a sure-fire success in itself. The last win against the Balkan state (34:30) was on January 19, 2003. After the subsequent draw, the SHV selection suffered 6 defeats.
“We know that it will be extremely physical and extremely hard,” said Michael Suter. North Macedonia is a team that leaves its heart on the record. “They play 7 against 6 well with two very good pivots, we have to fight that,” said the national coach, who is leaving after the European Championships.
Portner also expects Tuesday’s opponent to play 7-on-6. Neither Germany nor France have done this so far. “We are playing against an opponent who, like us, has ticked off this game before the European Championships. From their point of view, it would be embarrassing if they lost to us,” says the Swiss backer.
It is also almost certain that the Swiss players will not enjoy as much freedom as they did against France. Lukas Laube, who had a brilliant day against France and was skilfully put in the spotlight by Schmid time after time, is expecting a difficult game. «It will be a huge battle at the circle for me and Lucas Meister. But that’s why you’re a cyclist, that’s why you fight.”