During the pre-match warm-up Güneş Viter is running and throwing the ball with the whole team. She is not a player, on that way. Viter is the Head coach of the team representing Özyeğin University, which is situated in Istanbul, Turkey. She controls everything while keeping a wide smile on her face. She keeps being emotional when the match starts and gestures actively being happy for the boys or trying to cheer them up if anything goes wrong.

There are only amateur athletes in the Özyeğin University team, however, Viter who played handball professionally for more than 17 years, loves to train with them. She is passionate about the game, and there is a truly close emotional bond between her and all the athletes. Before each match, the team has a small ritual. All players put their hands up connecting them all together and shout ''Ozu'' – the short name of the University.

The Turkish team is definitely creating a friendly atmosphere all around. They are always smiling and shaking hands with players of an opposing squad after each tackle or a scored goal. The main thing they expect from the competition is to have fun and share the good-hearted environment. Plans for the future? – To have fun again, surely!

The team is happy to be here in Zagreb, despite the weather conditions – it is usually a bit cooler in Istanbul. Athletes haven't had an opportunity to go to the city centre so far, so the sightseeing experience is yet to come.

Yulia Kovalenko