Rabbits, Blinkity

I was only able to watch one match this week (Midtjylland v. Larvik), so I don't much to report. The results were rather predictable, anyway: Larvik won by 4 (I had the distinct impression that everybody was coasting after the first half - not hard when Leganger is on), while Györ edged Itxako (complete with a 10 point game from Görbicz). Over in group two, Valcea beat Krim rather badly as expected. Buducnost did manage to edge out Metz, but only by two. Given that Ognjenovic only scored 4 points (she averages 5-6), she'll be due for a big game the next time they'll play; possible upset? (Oh, who am I kidding...)

This week, the two games to watch will likely be Larvik v. Itxako (no favorite there, rematch of last year's final) and Buducnost v. Krim (will Buducnost be on-form for the impending showdown with Valcea?).

I'm going to have to revise my main draw predictions, I'm afraid. Metz has lost too many key players, I don't see them getting any further with their current squad.

I didn't have much time to watch matches last weekend, thus the lateness/lack of commentary for day 4. Tomorrow's will be on schedule if I can help it. Not that anybody's reading this part of the blog anyway, Although I do get a few search engine hits, which reminds me - if you are reading this, let me know what you think! Is this interesting? Should I do more scoring breakdowns? More complaining about fouls? More irrelevant gushing? Should I stop trying to analyze tactics in a sport I've only played a few times? (Not that this stops the people on ESPN... I'm learning quickly, I promise!)

Anyhoo, on with the show!

HC Podravka Vegeta vs. Larvik (21:24)

This match was over before it began. Vegeta hasn't won a match yet, Larvik's on a roll. Nothing interesting to report, except Larson's continued under-performance.

Metz Handball vs. Györi AUDI ETO KC (24:33)
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As we reach the halfway point in group play, things are starting to work themselves out. Except when they don't. Gyori and Hypo didn't play this week due to some scheduling issues (involving the Brazilian NT) but the rest have now completed 3 games.

Viborg HK VS HC Podravka Vegeta (27:27)

This was an insanely rough game, complete with three red flags and 2 additional yellows. I have no idea whether this was a conscious strategy on the part of Vegeta (they have yet to win a match) or simply happened out of desperation. Whichever it was, it worked until near the end, when Viborg finally put enough together to tie it up for the final seconds.
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