European Youth Championships in Ostrava
Germany won medals in all four teams events at the European Youth Championships in Ostrava but only one was gold. The top place at the metal rostrum came from the team with less odds – Junior Girls. In the final they overcame top seeded Russia last year’s runners up behind Azerbaijan.
Power of German team is never being to denied and it seamed that the victory came as bigger surprise to the players then to the others. The coach Dana WEBER as well as the players concluded the match with the tears of joy.
“Girls said and that is true it is our dream come true. I have to congratulate the girls for great effort fantastic team spirit and to praise their fighting skills ” said Coach Dana WEBER.
In the Group stage Germany beat Turkey and Netherlands but the turning point was the unexpected defeat against Czech Republic. The girls took the best of it. Instead of losing the spirit they showed they are mature for the big things.
“After the defeat we spoke a lot that night. I told them we can make it. I ensure them how good team we have. And I felt immediately in the knock out stage how motivated they are. They rose the game to next level and their confidence was contagious.”
Portugal Poland and France were next in line Anastasia BONDAREVA Franziska SCHREINER and Sophia KLEE took the most of the burden but Yuki TSUTSUI also had her part in victory over Poland.
“Not only players near the table but whole bench contributed to this success. Their support is built into our gold. The atmosphere in the team is something that launched us at the top ” said WEBER.
WEBER has vast experience. Her teams were six times in the finals and first medal came with cadet girls in 2012 but this is the first one with juniors.
“It was very difficult final against Russia. After KLEE beat ABRAAMIAN I knew we are on the good path. KLEE was 0-2 down but she recovered. TAILAKOVA overcame SCHREINER who previously beat Anastasia KOLISH. In the decisive match KOLISH was 2-0 up against BONDAREVA but when Anastasia won the third that was it. Never before I was confident before the end of the match like I was yesterday. Simply I knew we will win. For a first time I had no doubts before the end ” said WEBER.
Girls showed how brave they are.
“Franziska SCHREINER is very experienced with the Youth Olympics in her resume and still she is very young. BONDAREVA is fighting spirit and element that puts everything together in the team. However this is not about strong individuals we have it is about strong team. I am so grateful to work with them and I congratulate them all ” said WEBER.
Congratulations came from various sides yesterday’s late night among them were the ones from Petrissa SOLJA and Nina MITTELHAM girls who started their successful journey by winning gold at the European Championships.
