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ÖHB coach Ales Pajovic spoke of a “tough defeat” after the game against Switzerland. The chances of the Austrians being promoted to the main round are therefore slim. In the two standout Group E matches, a small miracle was needed, which was clearly evident in France’s 28:24 win in the coup against Norway. “Looking for points is not realistic,” said Pajovic seriously.
Despite the desperate situation, the team boss continues to demand a dignified attitude from his players. “It is important that we remain a unit, show character and keep fighting until the end of the World Cup,” said the Slovenian. “Many are here for the first time, now they are gaining international experience and also the opportunity against the best players in the world,” promised captain Gerald Zeiner: “We will do everything we can to make what is possible.”
Initial defeat against Switzerland
Austrian handball players suffered a bitter opening defeat at the World Cup in Egypt. ÖHB’s men lost to Switzerland with 25:28.
If the sensation does not materialize, Austria will have to fight their way to the unpopular President’s Cup one year after their historic eighth place in the home championships. There is also the possibility of further development, but the opponents in the fight for places 25 to 32 would be much weaker. Then they are waiting for teams like Angola, Cape Verde, Democratic Republic (DR) of Congo, Chile and South Korea.
Switzerland from the airport to the countryside
Therefore, the anger after the defeat against Switzerland was equally great. Even the prehistory of the duel with the Confederates was very unfortunate. Instead of starting the game against cheeky outsider USA, almost fixing promotion and filling with self-confidence, ÖHB’s selection put the Swiss as opponents. Because Americans were incapacitated by the corona virus. “That bothers us when you lose a game against a team that has gotten off the plane,” veteran Robert Weber said.
“Switzerland has its best players at the beginning. And we knew even before the European Championship that we had no players with Bilyk, Posch or Bozovic to take us to the European Championship at home. We cannot deny that, ”said ÖHB sporting director Patrick Fölser. But he did not mean that high expectations have now been disappointed: “You have to put things in perspective. There were high expectations that we would win the opening game against the United States. “
No pressure against France
The duel with the record world champion France, who surprised on Thursday with a 28:24 victory against the big favorite Norway thanks to goalkeeper Wesley Pardin (45 percent catch rate), is not only a sporting challenge but also a mental one. “It will be very, very difficult. They are incredibly strong in all positions, many play in the Champions League, ”said Pajovic.
Weber hopes to be able to play freely: “The pressure is high, now we can only accelerate and enjoy the World Cup.” Fölser appealed to the squad: “The tournament is not over. It is very important that we take this into account. Because every game is very important for the development of this team. “
Handball World Cup in Egypt
Final score:
Austria – Switzerland 25:28 (13:13)
October 6 City
