Handball Møbelringen Cup, Nov 25-27

[Hondje]

Hi all, The world championships are only two weeks away and the traditional Møbelringen Cup is a yearly dispute between the top contenders for the title, taking place each year late November in Norway. This year the Norwegian hosts and the Russians seems to have found form nicely in time to be able to compete at the big stage, furthermore, Korea can never be underestimated. Oddly, though, the Koreans turned down the invitation to part-take here (after initially having accepted) when they learned that the Russians (whom they did defeat in last weeks World Cup in Aarhus, Denmark) were coming :-) Tonight the Russians open the tournament against a Danish side which seems to be really struggling! In last weeks World Cup they only managed a draw and two defeats in a group which they should have cruised away from and its been many many years since a Danish side has been in that kind of trouble this close to a major tournament. Coach Pytlick has only named 11 out of 16 players in the squad, star playmaker Katrine Fruelund has been seriously ill the last couple of weeks and has only recently joined the team training camp and the team seems to be struggling to shoot from distance even when fielding experienced Rikke Hørlykke who normally is able to crack the cross bar wide open with one of her missils from distance. The talented (and ever-so-good-looking) Mette Sjøberg has good spells but lacks the consistancy that Ditte Andersen has - when she is in form! Yes, Denmark is struggling and desperately needs this tournament to get their game back together in time for the World Champs. It won't happen tonight, though against a Russina team who did very well at the World Cup before falling to Korea. There is no doubt that Russia currently has the most fysical team of all teams at the World Championships and remembering how Denmark previously have struggled with that style - especially against teams from Eastern Europe (Russia, Hungary, Romania, to mention a few), it should make people who are thinking of backing Denmark all but comfortable tonight. My guess is that Russia will well cover the 2 point margin and win by 4-5 goals! Reccomendation: Russia - Denmark (+2.5): 1 @ 1.80

[Bamse81]

Re: Handball Møbelringen Cup, Nov 25-27 Cheers for good write up! I dont know much about womens handball but I might have some of that! It looks a good bet. GL.