By Marie Bjerre
Tonight's match against Norway will be difficult for the Hungarians. The defending European champions are worn out. One of Hungary's most important players, Helga Németh, had to leave the court yesterday. After having been hit in the face by the ball she fell down and banged her head against the floor. She spent the day in her hotel bed as she suffered from a headache and double vision. This means that Hungary has to play tonight's match without one of the players who has scored almost as many goals as the excellent player, Agnes Farkas.
Agnes Farkas who is solid as a rock is not playing tonight either. During practice this morning, Farkas watched from the sideline as an old ankle injury was bothering her. She had an ankle operation 4 years ago but many matches within few days have made the old injury come back. Therefore the young Hungarian players face great responsibility tonight. These players include, among others, Anita Görbicz and the 21-year-old Hortenzia Szrnka who played excellently in the second half of the match against Germany yesterday. Coach Lajos Mocsai has doubts about the match.
'We did OK against Germany yesterday but the Norwegian team is of a different kind and I'm not sure that we can keep up'.
The Hungarian team consists of many new players and the new Hungarian "family members" need experience in working as a team.
'Many of the new players are very good players but they need experience in strategic team work,' Agnes Farkas explains, and she continues honestly 'I don't know who can replace me on the court'.
She is not being arrogant - just realistic. The team needs their strong players, Farkas and Németh, their team work has secured many goals for Hungary.

Soon a legend resigns

Having played handball for 10 years the handball legend Agnes Farkas will soon be ready to end her carrier.
'I need more than handball in my life. I need to start a new life,' says Farkas who is 29 years old. She reckons that the she will be playing for Hungary for another 2 or 3 years before she resigns. Then Hungary will have to say goodbye to a player who has made the eyes of the international handball world turn towards Hungary because of her excellent play. But practice and matches have tired out the large Hungarian player.
'I still like playing handball. But I'm sick and tired of the injuries and the pain' she says while moving her hand round and round as a wheel that never stops'.
'Our coach urges us to practice hard all the time. It's the right thing for the young players but not for me,' she says.
Agnes Farkas reckons that the Olympics in Athens will be the end of her carrier.