Uros Bregar faced the side he made his name with on court on Monday night and reminded them of what they were missing as his Serbian side took a six-goal (31:25) victory over Slovenia in Granollers to end Spain 2021 with four victories.

Before – and after – he took the Slovenia job, Dragan Adzic spoke to Bregar about his former team, but all the thanks he got on his birthday (28 years old according to the arena announcer with tongue firmly in cheek), was a defeat with his side only in front once in the game after Petra Kramar put Slovenia side ahead (2:1) after five minutes.

MAIN ROUND GROUP I
Serbia vs Slovenia 31:25 (19:14)

Sometimes it is just the luck of the draw which means the difference between playing well and going home with nothing or being in contention for medals.

This can certainly be the case when it comes to Serbia at Spain 2021 who lost just two of their six games, and they were against the last two sets of players who have featured in the last two gold medal matches of the Olympic Games: France and RHF.

Uros Bregar’s side saw off Poland, Cameroon and Montenegro with their fourth win gained on Monday night in Granollers thanks to an early 6:0 run from his side (7:2, 6th-11th minute), despite a time out from Dragan Adzic on the Slovenia bench aimed at disrupting the flow – and a 5-1 defence.

Also making a difference was Serbia captain Jovana Stoiljkovic, who scored seven goals, but coach Bregar was left to reflect on what might have been, had his side faced a different competition draw.

“We lost against the Olympic champions and vice-champions (France and Russia),” said Bregar. “We played really good against France and we lost a little rhythm against Russia with the red card and we couldn't build the defence, otherwise, we built really good [here in Spain]. 

“We changed a lot of players from the Olympic Qualification Tournament, from that time, just four players stayed in the team, and we put more younger ones inside [now]. It was a really difficult preparation for us. But now we show that that we can do it.”

Before heading home with his team, Bregar reflected on the emotional day for him and his former players on court at the same time for the first time since he moved on.

“It was really difficult when I listened to the anthem, but this is professional sport,” said Bregar to ihf.info. “As coaches, we have to live it. I'm not working in Slovenia anymore. But still, this is life and I'm proud that we are continuing this good way and I'm so happy for that. I'm really proud of the team.”

hummel Player of the Match: Jovana Kovacevic, Serbia