Handball players ready for the rematch with Portugal: We need fan support

(Patria) - The handball national team of Bosnia and Herzegovina will play the return match against Portugal tomorrow at 5 PM in Tuzla's Mejdan for a spot in the 2025 World Championship. Our team lost the first match away with a score of 19:29.

"What we discussed and talked about even before the match in Portugal, we are playing against a rival who is significantly better at the moment, and that was shown on the field. We are also working on ourselves. Regardless of the fact that we need time because we have been together for a short period, there are things that are not necessary to show on the field. We are all aware that we were not at our best. We are trying as much as possible in a short time to regenerate and prepare for the match. I hope we are all aware that we can do better and that we will give our best to improve the impression from the first match," said coach Damir Doborac.

He also commented on the fans and believes they are disappointed.

"But sometimes things don't work out the way we want, but I repeat that we will give our best tomorrow to show a different face and a game that will characterize us in the future," said Doborac.

Then the new captain of the BiH team, Senjamin Burić, addressed the media.

"It is an honor and a pride to be captain. I have been in the national team for a long time, and together with the older colleagues, we will help these young guys get used to it as soon as possible. As for the match, we cannot be satisfied, but we are on a path to creating a new national team, and of course, it will take time. We go into the new match with a positive attitude, starting from 0:0, and any victory against a team like this will give us confidence for the future and for achieving the goals we have set for ourselves," said Burić and added:

"As the coach said, we are trying to help the new players. I invite the fans to support us as they have always done; we have always felt good here in Tuzla, the hall has always been full, so I think it will be the same tomorrow."

Finally, Mislav Grgić, who made his debut for our national team in Portugal, had the floor.

"First, I must say that it is a great honor and pleasure to play for the national team, to be a part of this team, and in the future, I will do my best to show that I deserve this place, that I deserve the coach's trust. And in the game, I will try to be there for my team," said Grgić.