Handball is not football, but the pattern of results tells a similar story. Holstebro (TTH) defeated Karviná 33-23 in the EHF Cup on Tuesday, bringing a five-match winning streak to an end for the Czech side.
Karviná had looked sharp in recent weeks. They beat Brno 38-24, Strakonice 35-32, Zubrǐ 31-30, and Dukla Prague 35-30 before that narrow 29-27 victory over MMTS Kwidzyn. By then, the rhythm was easy to spot — goals coming at regular intervals, defence holding its shape.
Holstebro's record tells a different picture. Two wins in five — against Kolding 37-31 and Skive 38-29 — alongside losses to Skjærn and Sønderyjyske, and a draw with GOG. They might not have been consistent, but consistency is not the same as being unable to score.
The final score did not suggest a close contest. Thirty-three goals to twenty-three is not a margin that depends on luck. Karviná cannot afford another slip if they want to stay in this cup.
