By Peter Bang Overby
We have seen Anja Andersen, Camilla Andersen and Kristine Andersen - all of whom have the surname Andersen in common. Now, it may be time for a new star called Andersen. It is not a new talent from the Danish youth national team, on the contrary.

Her name is Erna Andersen. She is a tiny, grey-haired lady with happy eyes behind her round glasses. How old is she? Well, we'll return to that but let's just say that she is an experienced player. For the moment, Erna Andersen is the Danish team's guide, but as Jan Pytlick explains, she's more than just a guide.

'Erna has been a part of this team since the world championship in 1999 and she does a really good job. She is not only our guide, she's also part of the team', explains Jan Pytlick.

Erna Andersen is of the same opinion, and is therefore a bit surprised that the national coach hasn't put her on the team yet. The new Danish star, who for many years was an elegant playmaker for the team of Vejle-Bredballe in the Danish division, believes that she will be able to supplement the young players of the Danish team.

'It would be a scoop for Pytlick to let me play because of my routine', says Erna Andersen with a crooked smile.

Delaying the 7-metre shots

Experience or not. Jan Pytlick has considered bringing Erna Andersen into the game, but at the moment he is sceptical about her speed.

'I believe that Erna would have some difficulties with the fast breaks', says Jan Pytlick who at the press conference this Friday put focus on the fast breaks as the weapon in the match between Denmark and Russia.

Erna Andersen does not entirely disagree. She acknowledges that she is not one of the fastest players on the team. But, as she points out, she has a long list of qualities, for instance 7-metre throws.

'In the match against Russia, I could easily have shot the 7-metre throws. And I would have scored', the experienced playmaker points out and refers to the fact that she was a legendary 7-metre shooter on Vejle-Bredballe's team.

Jan Pytlick is not convinced. The decision about not using this new and yet experienced star stands. The national coach is defending his decision by mentioning the rules about passive play.

'In handball there is something called passive play. And I'm afraid that if Erna should throw 7-metre throws, we would probably receive a penalty for delaying the game before the ball comes into the goal', laughs Jan Pytlick.

The Danish national coach emphasizes that this is not a personal matter. It is only a matter of the age of the star. And yes, what was her age exactly? Well, I cannot exactly say because on the question about her age, she answers:

'I don't remember'. She chuckles and continues: 'In any case, I have turned 50. You could perhaps write 50 and a few months', the guide and the star to be, Erna Andersen, says - in a catching laughter.