Bosnia and Herzegovina handball players seek victory against Spain in Skenderija tonight for EP qualification

The handball national team of Bosnia and Herzegovina will host Spain today at 6 PM in Skenderija as part of the fifth round of qualifications for the 2018 EP, reports Patria news agency. 

The Dragons are currently in second place with four points, two more than Austria and Finland, and a potential triumph would mean a huge step towards the European Championship.

On the other hand, the Spanish have secured first place in the group and have come to Sarajevo with a mixed squad, but still a very high-quality one.

Our guys have had very good preparations in Ilidža in the past few days, and coach Šuman announced at the press conference that he will try to transfer some actions from training to the field, where he hopes for a good performance from us, as we decide our own fate. After Spain, we go to Austria.

Coach Biljan Šuman emphasized that his players expect a difficult match, regardless of the fact that the Spanish are coming to the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina with a mixed squad.

- Two more matches await us. The most important thing is that we have everything in our hands. The guys are motivated. We have practiced some of our concepts in training. Spain is the favorite. It is important how we will behave on the field. We all have the will, desire, and motivation to qualify for the EP for the first time. Spain is the focus first, then we turn to Austria. Spain is coming with a mixed squad, but it is still a quality team - said Šuman, explaining the reason why tomorrow's match will be played in Sarajevo and not in Goražde.

- We had planned to play against Finland and Spain in Goražde, but the EHF sent a letter stating that we must play the match against Spain in another city. It doesn't matter which city we play in, Sarajevo is Sarajevo, but it is important that we show our best on the field. 

One of the most experienced national team members, Nikola Prce, expects a difficult match.

- Every match is important. We are preparing as best as we can. The Spanish are coming with a mixed squad, but that can be a plus and a minus - emphasized Nikola Prce.

Mirsad Terzić called on fans to come in as large numbers as possible and support the national team.

- There is no need to waste words on Spain. I am glad that we are working seriously. Progress is evident from every gathering, and I hope it will be visible on the field. As for the audience, no matter how many come, it is the players who play, but we still call on the fans to support us - said Mirsad Terzić.

The match BiH – Spain will be played in the Skenderija hall starting at 6 PM. The Dragons will visit Austria on Saturday, and that match will likely be decisive for qualifying for the European Championship.