Vardar and PPD Zagreb have after semi-final losses against Meshkov and MKB MVM Veszprem met in bronze-medal fight in front of more than 3,000 fans in Veszprem Arena. Zagreb have in the end, in their third bronze-medal match in four seasons managed to reach third victory with 26:23.

Reigning champions have opened the match better. Their 6-0 defence with Stoilov and Rastvorcev in the middle was working great providing their wingers Shishkarev and Marković with the opportunity to score easy goals. However such thing did not happen mostly due to, today amazing Filip Ivić between Croatian champions' bars with 8 saves in first 30 minutes. Zagreb have taken some time to 'get into' the match after a thriller loss to Hungarian champions in semis playing better in the second part of the first half reaching minimum advantage at the end of the first half with Mihić' buzzer-beater for 11:10.

Macedonians have once again opened the half better enalrging the goal gap to maximum +3 but were not able to keep it until the end. Zagreb's bench is at the moment obviously wider due to absence of some of Vardar's most important players like Dibirov, Brumen and Abutović and Zagreb's players were able to keep the tempo high and reach SEHA Gazprom League F4's bronze. Obranović and Brozović have scored 5 each for Zagreb, Ivić was great with 12 saves. Marković was on the other side Vardar's best scorer with 5 goals, Shishkarev and Stoilov netted 4 each.

 

VESELIN VUJOVIĆ, PPD Zagreb's coach:

Vardar have, even without many players, played a good match today making this match interesting until the end. I'm really sorry for Raul because he was forced to lead this important match without many players. We're now, just like Vardar turning to CL where our goal is, just like Vardar's I believe to reach F4. I think Vardar have a big chance if they manage to heal their injuries.

RAUL GONZALES, Vardar's coach:

First of all I'd like to congratulate Zagreb, they are in very good form and I wish them all the best in CL, I believe they have a chance even against Barcelona. Speaking of this match, our defence was good despite of the fact we have many injured players, attack was a problem and of course we're not satisifed about this loss but that's how it goes with sport. We're now turning to CL.

DUŠKO ČELICA, PPD Zagreb's player:

We're satisifed with this win, especially after a tough match on Friday against Veszprem. It is always nice to leave the competition with a victory and, as coach stated, we're now turning to CL and clashes against Barcelona.

ARPAD ŠTERBIK, Vardar's goalkeeper:

PPD Zagreb have played a good match, they are in good form, young, talented, confident team. Well deserved win for them today.