HandbaL Venlo beats VOC Amsterdam in a blood-curdling duel | 1Limburg
The women of HandbaL Venlo have won the first game of the battle for the national championship. In a blood-curdling duel in Sporthal Elzenhagen in Amsterdam, the team of coach Robin Gielen met VOC 23-24.
VOC Amsterdam was the favorite at home against the Venlo handball players, but had to compete against a team that had previously played for the national title. The North Limburg women were in the game until the fight, in which the first goal was scored.
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The home team opened the score, but in no time the score was level again and after 3-3 the Venlo women took away from the team of coach Rachel de Haas to the great surprise of the audience. HandbaL Venlo had control over the match, led 5-12 and dealt a mental blow to the elimination. The Amsterdam handball players had it in the attack against the Venlo women and were unlucky that Liza Roovers defended her goal with verve. The first half was drawn 7-13.
VOC more aggressive
In the second half, VOC was more aggressive in coverage and HandbaL Venlo struggled to get to the defense of the Amsterdam team. In a time-out, VOC was instructed by the coach to play over the proceeds. The match became more grim, but Venlo ran out to 10-17. VOC came back to 17-12, later Becky van Nijf pulled the emergency brake and was sent off with a red card.
HandbaL Venlo to slacken leeks, VOC got more into its own game and managed to narrow the deficit to 16-18. The pace remained high and behind VOC only one more goal, left a gap of three goals: 17-20. However, VOC came closer again and at 19-20 the equalizer was only a matter of time. HandbaL Venlo again ran out and after Lianne van Sleeuwen’s 20-23 the game seemed decided. That was not worth counting, because VOC punished the Venlo errors without errors and back to 22-23. In the final phase, the Venlo handball players keep their cool and data their Amsterdam opponent at 23-24.
Decision
With the victory in the away game against VOC, the women of HandbaL Venlo can become national champions at home next Saturday. If VOC wins in Venlo, the decision will be made a week later in Amsterdam.