In the Eighth Attempt: HSC Kreuzlingen Wins for the First Time Against Scout Winterthur
The Thurgau handball players won the NLA home game on Wednesday evening with a nail-biting 28:27, clinching the fifth spot on the table.
Valon Dedaj’s decisive penalty made history!
By Mario Gaccioli
After seven heartbreaks, HSC Kreuzlingen finally popped their cherry against Scout Winterthur! In front of a raucous crowd of 500 at the Egelseehalle, Kreuzlingen managed to achieve victory in the most thrilling fashion. I mean, if handball were a soap opera, this game would surely win an Emmy for “Most Dramatic Finale!”
With just 20 seconds remaining, Valon Dedaj’s cool-headed penalty found the back of the net, sending their fans into rapture – while the Scout goalie Leonard Grazioli could only look on helplessly. Forget Game of Thrones; this was the real battle of the thrones!
The match was a rollercoaster from the get-go, showcasing everything you’d want in a live sports event: intensity, excitement, and yes, a good bit of nail-biting. The Thurgau team seemed poised for an easy win early on, jumping to a 6:3 lead. But hold onto your hats, because the Winterthur visitors had their own agenda!
Winterthur started putting on the pressure. Grazioli, their goalie, was making saves that even a brick wall would envy. He turned away more shots than a bouncer at a nightclub, and just like that, they turned the tables and took a 14:13 lead into halftime. Heart rates were climbing faster than my own when I hear the ice cream truck!
An Injured Man on Each Side
Drama unfolded further when Kreuzlingen’s Drilon Tahirukaj went down before the break, leaving his teammates pondering whether they were playing handball or dodgeball at that rate. Meanwhile, Winterthur’s Tim Rellstab suffered a facial injury, leaving their hopes of victory as smashed as his nose!
Despite the injuries, both teams showed their mettle. Kreuzlingen’s defense tightened like a pair of jeans after a holiday meal, with Tommy-tough Haris Berisha making crucial saves. In a moment where tensions ran higher than my coffee levels on a Monday morning, HSCK star Damböck led the scoring charge, turning the tide in their favor.
Fast forward to the last minutes of the match: tensions boiling, and the crowd electrified. Coaches pacing the sidelines, probably wearing grooves into the floor—if only we could bottle that energy! Scout Winterthur made a comical attempt at a comeback, equalizing in the 59th minute, but the game was yet again in Kreuzlingen’s hands!
In summary, the Thurgau team can finally celebrate a victory worthy of a standing ovation. They’ve shown resilience, skill, and an admirable refusal to let ghosts of games past haunt them. So, here’s hoping this isn’t just a flash in the pan but the start of a promising chapter for HSC Kreuzlingen. And if handball had a fairy godmother, she’d surely be cheering for them right now!
If you’re not already a fan, get on board – who knows what drama the next match will bring?
In a Historic Clash: HSC Kreuzlingen Triumphs Over Scout Winterthur for the First Time
In a thrilling NLA encounter on Wednesday evening, the handball squad from Thurgau secured a landmark victory against Scout Winterthur, clinching the match with a score of 28:27 and ascending to fifth place on the leaderboard.
With ice in his veins, Valon Dedaj netted the decisive penalty against national goalkeeper Leonard Grazioli in the crucial final minute.
Mario Gaccioli
Despite facing moments of uncertainty, HSC Kreuzlingen celebrated their first ever victory in their eighth match-up against Scout Winterthur. The atmosphere was electric, with 500 fans watching a nail-biting finish where the Thurgau team surrendered a 27:24 lead in a matter of minutes. A critical foul on top scorer Eric Damböck opened the door for Kreuzlingen to score the game-winning goal just 20 seconds before the final whistle, expertly executed by Valon Dedaj, leaving the experienced Grazioli helpless. In a last-ditch effort, Scout Winterthur failed to convert despite playing without a goalkeeper.
Following a disappointing cup performance in St. Gallen, HSC Kreuzlingen showcased a rejuvenated spirit in front of their home crowd. The team demonstrated increased aggression and discipline in defense, along with precision in their offensive plays. The match got off to a strong start for Kreuzlingen, leading 6:3 within the first nine minutes. However, Winterthur quickly responded, particularly thanks to the standout performance of national goalie Grazioli, who thwarted numerous clear opportunities for the home side. As their forwards, led by the dynamic trio of Rellstab, Lioi, and Mierzwa, found their rhythm, Winterthur took the lead for the first time in the 19th minute. After an early timeout by coach Ralf Baden, Kreuzlingen fought back, leveling the score through Martin Brezina at 12:12 by the 25th minute, though they ultimately trailed 13:14 at halftime due to another impressive save by Grazioli and a missed opportunity by Bujar Ramosaj who hit the crossbar on the buzzer.
Injuries Impede Both Sides
Disruption struck for Kreuzlingen as right winger Drilon Tahirukaj sustained an injury just before the halftime break, while Winterthur’s leading scorer Tim Rellstab suffered a facial injury shortly after the restart when the score was tied at 15:15. Rellstab, having scored five goals up to that point, was unable to continue, which affected the visitors. Nevertheless, the Winterthur lineup responded with contributions from 18-year-old sensation Niclas Mierzwa and crafty Alessio Lioi, regaining a brief 19:17 lead. However, they struggled to fill the void left by Rellstab while Kreuzlingen’s fortified defense and the reliable Haris Berisha in goal stymied their efforts.
Kreuzlingen’s Damböck and Fynn Beckmann ignited the comeback for their team with a pair of successful goals each, flipping the score to 23:21. The hosts showcased their grit and determination, fiercely defending their lead. In a bid to regain control, Scout coach Goran Cvetkovic opted for a seventh field player from the 53rd minute onward; however, this strategy had a delayed effect. Remarkably, within just three minutes of frenetic action, Scout managed to equalize the score at 27:27 with seconds to spare. But ultimately, it was Kreuzlingen who seized the moment, striking for the winning goal in the dying moments of the match.
Match Summary: Kreuzlingen vs. Scout Winterthur 28:27 (13:14)
Venue: Egelsee – 500 spectators.
Penalties: 3 two-minute suspensions against Kreuzlingen, 5 two-minute suspensions against Scout Winterthur.
Kreuzlingen Line-up: Berisha (1st-60th/16 saves, including 1 penalty), Wieser (for 1 penalty/0); Mastrocola, Beckmann (4), Dedaj (3/1), Heim (1), Drilon Tahirukaj (1), Ramosaj, Saueressig (3), Brezina (1), Rink (5), Damböck (8/3), Wehrli , Kozina, Soos, Drenit Tahirukaj (2).
Scout Winterthur Line-up: Grazioli (1.-60./12 saves), Kusnandar (for 1 penalty/0); Hadzic, Cuencas, Rammel (2), Eggert (2/1), Mierzwa (8/3), Rellstab (5), Baumann (2), Romer, Bühlmann, A. Lioi (6), Rinderknecht (1).
Remarks: Kreuzlingen played without Leindl (convalescent) and Zeltner (injured). – Tahirukaj sustained an injury in the 30th minute. Rellstab retired injured in the 35th minute. – Penalties: Kreuzlingen converted 4 out of 4 attempts, while Scout Winterthur scored 4 out of 5.
What strategies did HSC Kreuzlingen employ to adapt to player injuries during the match against Pfadi Winterthur?
**Interview with HSC Kreuzlingen Player Valon Dedaj Following Historic Victory**
**Interviewer:** Good evening, Valon! What a thrilling match you just played! After seven attempts, you finally secured a win against Scout Winterthur. How does it feel to have broken that losing streak?
**Valon Dedaj:** It feels absolutely amazing! Honestly, it’s a weight lifted off our shoulders. We’ve always believed we could beat them, but the past games were tough. This victory not only boosts our confidence but brings us closer as a team.
**Interviewer:** The match was a real rollercoaster, with the lead changing hands multiple times. At what point did you think you were going to pull through?
**Valon Dedaj:** After we were up 27:24, I thought we had it, but then Winterthur made a comeback! When they equalized in the final minutes, it was nerve-wracking. But I think our determination to win shone through, especially in those last crucial seconds.
**Interviewer:** You had the honor of taking the decisive penalty with just 20 seconds left. What was going through your mind at that moment?
**Valon Dedaj:** It was pure adrenaline! I knew I had to keep my cool, and I focused on just executing my shot. I’ve practiced penalties countless times, but that moment felt different. Scoring that goal was surreal, especially seeing the fans erupt in celebration.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of the fans, how important was their support during the match?
**Valon Dedaj:** They were incredible! The atmosphere at Egelseehalle was electric. Having 500 passionate fans cheering for us really motivated us to push through, especially when things got tough. We’re grateful for their support; it makes a tremendous difference.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned injuries on both sides. How did that affect you and the team’s strategy during the game?
**Valon Dedaj:** Losing Drilon Tahirukaj was tough, but we had to adapt quickly. It forced us to rely on our bench players more, and they stepped up. Similarly, Winterthur’s injury to Tim Rellstab changed their dynamics, but we knew we couldn’t take our foot off the gas.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, what does this victory mean for the rest of your season?
**Valon Dedaj:** It’s definitely a turning point for us. We’re hungry for more wins now. This match proved we can compete with the top teams in the league. Our aim is to build on this momentum and keep climbing the table.
**Interviewer:** what’s next for you and HSC Kreuzlingen?
**Valon Dedaj:** We’re focusing on our upcoming matches. Every game is a chance to improve and grow as a team. We aim for consistency and to show that this win wasn’t just a one-time thing. We want fans to believe in us again!
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Valon! Exciting times ahead for HSC Kreuzlingen. Best of luck for your next match!
**Valon Dedaj:** Thank you! We appreciate your support!
