The Israeli handball team has finished its preparations for tomorrow’s game against the Hungarian team (Wednesday, 19:00 at Heichal Shlomo in Tel Aviv) in the playoffs for promotion to the World Championship, three days before the rematch in Hungary.
“It’s definitely a dream to come and take part in a world championship,” coach Oleg Botenko said today. “In the best way. If that is enough to beat Hungary, it will definitely be a dream come true – and a sensation in world handball.”
Botenko referred to the qualification to the playoffs and the winning streak in the previous round over Lithuania: “Confidence only strengthens after such victories. The team continues to advance, both in rankings and ability, and the question always arises how far we can advance. We meet teams with world-class players , In teams that are considered to be among the best in Europe. I hope we make the duo a good game, and without a doubt everything we achieve is a bonus for us. I have already said that the next campaign in the European Championship qualifiers is important. Definitely something huge, “Botenko added.
Botenko commented on the significant physical differences between the teams: “We will look for solutions and if we do you will see it on the pitch. On the physical level, there are clear differences – there are taller, more massive players – but we also have our advantages. We are a stubborn, aggressive team. Fast, it’s not that we have nothing to offer. We have, and we will try to do it in the best way. I appeal to the fans, it is very important that you come, and push us as much as possible. “Experience it here as well. Beyond being an experience for every handball fan, the support will be very helpful to the players.”
Botenko and Assaf Levy have established the squad, which is mostly based on young players in the 19-24 age group, and about half of them are legionnaires who play in leagues in France, Germany and Switzerland. The squad includes goalkeepers Dan Tepper (Saran, France), Yahav Shamir (Winterthur, Switzerland). Corner players – Amit Stellman (Hapoel Ashdod), Nadav Cohen (Hapoel Rishon LeZion), Nadav Nizri (Maccabi Rishon LeZion) and Daniel Tzarfati (Ramat Hasharon). Centers – Yoav Lombroso (Limoges, France), Yonatan Dayan (Rimfar, Germany). Connectors – Ram Turknitz (Ramat Hasharon), Adir Cohen (Tremblay, France), Lior Gorman (Sharbor, France), Yirmi Sidi (Maccabi Rishon LeZion) and Daniel Musindi (Saran, France). Pivot – Daniel Shekels and Yossi Apo (Ramat Hasharon) ) And Snir Natzia (Ness Ziona).
Hungary is one of the strongest teams on the continent and has a glorious history: 21 appearances at world championships (runner-up world champion in 1986), 13 appearances at European championships (including a record ranking in sixth place in 1998) and 8 appearances in Olympic games (including ranking in fourth place in 5 Olympics). The last year has been shaky for the Hungarians, who did reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Egypt in 2021, but experienced failure at the European Championships they hosted last January in the form of relegation in the first round and this led to the appointment of a Spanish coaching staff led by Chama Rodriguez.
The day after the meeting in Tel Aviv, the team will take off for Austria and from there to Hungary, where the players and team will celebrate Seder night.