RK Partizan - RK Vojvodina 24:25 (superliga play-off, round 6)

In the beginning it was a nip and tuck game. 3:3, 5:5, in the 17th minute it was 7:7. Then in the 20th minute we were leading to 9:7, meanwhile Ćućuz made miracles in the goal area. Our defense line was made from concrete, for the 23rd minute we have increased the difference to 10:7.
Soon before the end of the first half Vojvodina picked themselves together. First they just reduced the difference (12:10), then they equalized (12:12). We missed out numerous chances, also whenever Vojvodina attacked, one of their players always sneaked up to the right corner, from where he smashed the ball into our net with a deceitful trick, meanwhile Partizan-defenders desperately tried to throw themselves into the way, but most of the time they were too late.
The second half started with a draw (15:15), then on one hand Vojvodina took the lead (15:16), on the other Partizan-players were smashed on the ground too often. The team physician had a kind of "shuttle service" always running up and off the court to give medical assistance. We equalized with blood and sweat (18:18), but in the 43rd minute the standing was 18:20. Vojvodina’s defense line was very strong, their goalkeeper saved everything, even the impossible, additionally one had a growing suspicion that maybe even referees didn’t like us that much.
18:21.
19:22. Vanja Ilić falls to the court, he is in pain, but stands up heroically, with clenched teeth, shakes himself and continues to play. Then one of our players was pushed into the goal area. The referee whistles - and gives a penalty to Vojvodina. The entire Partizan bench jumps up, everyone facepalms, but the referee is relentless, he points at the 7-metre line. Vojvodina’s player shoots, Ćućuz saves with a giant movement, but the ball is again in Vojvodina’s possession. At this point they have run out of compassion, they shot and scored. 21:24. Meanwhile a goal was invalidated for us, and Vojvodina’s goalkeeper rolled down the shutters and saved even the indefensible with a smirk on his face.
Despite all these, we reduced the difference for the 53rd minute to 23:25. A bit later we got a penalty. The difference was only one goal afterwards. (24:25) We miss a chance, Vojvodina comes up slowly and comfortably, just walking, playing for time... and Ćućuz has a great save again. We run up for a counter-attack. There is an upheaval behind the free throw line, finally the referee takes a big breath and gives us a penalty. Mršulja stands on the 7-metre line. Whistle. Mršulja shoots... and the ball hits the goalpost.
Almost immediately comes the end buzz.

It’s surely more than difficult now for Igor Mršulja. There is the (absolutely understandable) pangs of conscience, but at the same time Sportski Žurnal has already started to mock him for the missed penalty. I can say only what I have said a million times: if you have never ever had your hand or knee shaken in the crucial, edgy moment, only then raise your hand. Mršulja is a hero, because in such a moment, when everything is hanging on a thin thread, most people dirt their pants and escape. Only the bravest stays there, risking even the possibility of not making it. A big high five and respect to our young left back.

Right now Partizan is positioned as 5th in the play-off with 1 victory, 1 draw and 4 defeats. Vojvodina is on the top of the table, they won all 6 matches so far. The other 4 teams of the play-off have their matches on Saturday.

Igor Mršulja being attacked by two Vojvodina-players

(photo: zurnal.rs)