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After only three of the maximum five games, it is clear: there has never been anything like this playoff final in Swiss handball before. On average, almost 2,700 fans attended the first three matches between Kriens-Luzern and Kadetten Schaffhausen – a record.
A matter for the history books is especially game 3: After two extra times and 80 minutes, only the penalty shootout decides in favor of Kriens-Luzern. A novelty in a Swiss handball final.
“We’ve never seen a match like this before,” sporting directors Nick Christen (Kriens) and David Graubner (Schaffhausen) agree. Both have experienced many finals as a player and later as an official.
Handball hype in Kriens-Luzern
The qualifying winner from Central Switzerland in particular adds to the excitement surrounding the final. Kriens has been carried away all season by the euphoria surrounding Andy Schmid (39), who returns from Switzerland. “We played practically everywhere to full houses. It’s incredible for handball,” says sports director Christen. “But that euphoria also causes problems. In terms of infrastructure and personnel, we are reaching our limits, which are not sustainable in the long term.”
The opponent from Schaffhausen also benefits from the hype surrounding the new challenger and latest newcomer Kriens. “There is already a stronger bond with the team in the city. The championship title is no longer self-evident,” says cadet sports director Graubner. Game 4 on Thursday (6:15 p.m., SRF) in Schaffhausen will probably sell out, which doesn’t happen every day with the cadets accustomed to success.
Schmid is out
However, the question is whether Kriens can force a decisive fifth game with a second win in the series. Because: For team leader Andy Schmid (partial tear in the Achilles tendon) the season is over. With Fabian Böhm (broken hand) there is still a central figure missing in the backcourt.
“We are certainly not going to Schaffhausen with white flags,” says Nick Christen. “Our young players will have to take even more responsibility than in Game 3. That is nice to see for a club.” (cmu)
Source : Blick
I’m Emma Jack, a news website author at 24 News Reporters. I have been in the industry for over five years and it has been an incredible journey so far. I specialize in sports reporting and am highly knowledgeable about the latest trends and developments in this field.
