Two of the biggest contenders in Danish women’s handball go head-to-head as Odense Håndbold host Team Esbjerg in a highly anticipated showdown. Esbjerg have looked like the stronger side so far this season, but can Odense use home advantage to turn the tables? We asked three experts to break down the key questions ahead of the clash.
To get different perspectives on the showdown, we turned to three people with extensive knowledge of Danish handball.
Bent Nyegaard is one of the most recognisable voices in Danish handball journalism, with decades of experience covering the sport at the highest level.
Oliver Jørgensen is a journalist with a close eye on Danish handball, bringing detailed knowledge of the league, its teams and the players involved.
Johanna Ahlm knows the Danish league from both sides of the sideline. The former Swedish international played in Denmark during her career and is now a handball expert for Viaplay.
Team Esbjerg have looked like the superior team so far this season. What is it that Esbjerg have at the moment that Odense lacks?
Bent Nyegaard:
“Consistency. Both teams have a lot of injuries at the moment, but Esbjerg, with Reistad-Deila-Kindberg, have shown good connection with each other, whereas it’s been very difficult to know who Odense have available for the individual game. Examples could be Fauske, Vyakhireva, Jerabkova.”
Oliver Jørgensen:
“The biggest difference for me is individual class and international experience. And I mean … Henny.”
Johanna Ahlm:
“Esbjerg won quite comfortably last time, 33–25, and I think they will go into this match with plenty of confidence. Odense also have quite a few injuries to key players – including Fauske, Vyakhireva and Højlund, who are all doubts – as well as a couple of important players who are pregnant. They have a big and deep squad, but when so many key players are missing, it obviously becomes more difficult to put everything together.”
Still, home court for Odense in this game. Does that mean they are favourites to win it?
Bent Nyegaard:
“No, at the moment I think that Reistad & Co. will have the edge. Four very good goalkeepers, but still a little bit better form Filter and Solberg. They were very superior in the Danish Super Cup – 33–25 by the end of August – I don’t think things have changed that much the last month!”
Oliver Jørgensen:
“For me it’s a 50/50 game. Odense have won 4 of the last 5 matches at home against Team Esbjerg so they will for sure have the confidence they can win.”
Johanna Ahlm:
“Home advantage is certainly a factor for Odense, but I still think Esbjerg have more going for them. They essentially have the same team as last season, and Reistad has been outstanding during pre-season. I believe in Esbjerg.”
Esbjerg have announced that Tomas Axnér will leave the club after the season, as he is committing full time to being head coach for the Swedish national team. Do you think that will have any effect on the Esbjerg players during the season and if so, how?
Bent Nyegaard:
“I don’t think it will mean a lot. It didn’t come as a big surprise that Axnér wanted a ‘normal’ life after having two very hard jobs for a long period. Esbjerg is a well organised club and are known to be close to their players and involve them in big decisions as to whom will be their next headcoach.”
Oliver Jørgensen:
“No, I don’t really think it will have a major impact on the team, given the experience the players have. That said, you naturally want to have the future sorted out as quickly as possible, so it doesn’t become an issue the players have to deal with when you get to the important matches in the spring.”
Johanna Ahlm:
“No, I don’t think so. At this level, the players and coaches are so professional that the focus is on winning here and now. Esbjerg have the same goal as always – they want to win every game and, above all, compete for the Champions League title. Regardless of who coaches the team next season, I think Axner is very clear about what he wants to achieve this season. Winning the Champions League is something neither he nor Esbjerg have on their CV, and that is obviously a very strong source of motivation.”
Henny Reistad is, most would agree, the best player on these two teams. Who is the second best player?
Bent Nyegaard:
“Fully fit i will go with Bruna De Paula.”
Oliver Jørgensen:
“Hmm, that’s a tough one. I think there’s quite a big gap between Henny Reistad and the rest of the world’s elite. There’s a group of players such as Bruna de Paula, Anna Vyakhireva, Helena Elver and Dione Housheer, all of whom have particular strengths at an absolutely top level. The latter might just edge it because of her abilities at both ends of the floor.”
Johanna Ahlm:
“There really isn’t anyone who is particularly close to Reistad right now. What makes her so special is how complete she is. She can make a difference in virtually every aspect of the game and at both ends of the court. But it’s a fun question, because there are several players with an enormous X-factor. Bouktit, Bruna de Paula and Thale Deila are three names that immediately come to mind. They can all decide games on their own and are exceptionally good at certain aspects of the game. But when you look at the complete package, I still think Reistad is in a class of her own.”
Last one: Give us your score prediction?
Bent Nyegaard:
“27–30.”
Oliver Jørgensen:
Let’s have a thriller and say 28–28.”
Johanna Ahlm:
“This is quite a tough game to play so soon after the international break. Many of the players have been away with their national teams, and Norway and Denmark also faced each other in Romania on Sunday. That leaves very few days for both the players and Axner to prepare together. At the same time, most teams are dealing with the same circumstances, so it is no excuse for either side. I think Esbjerg’s continuity and quality will make the difference, and I’m predicting a 30–27 win for Esbjerg.”