They defeated Lithuania in the semifinals before the end of the game by a clear 21:14. This means that the first ÖBV medal at a major event is already certain. In the final (7.30 p.m., live ORF Sport +), Nico Kaltenbrunner, Enis Murati, Toni Blazan and Fabio Söhnel will face top favorite Serbia, who defeated Switzerland 21:10.
The semi-final against Lithuania was only evenly matched in the early stages until the score was 7:7. After that, the Austrians pulled away with a lot of wit and a high hit rate and were unassailable. “Unbelievable, unimaginable. The Olympic qualification didn’t work out, the disappointment was huge. Now it’s the European Championships at home and we’re in the final, that’s an incredible feeling, incredible fans – I can’t imagine anything better,” said Söhnel in an ORF interview. Blazan also pointed out the important support from the stands. “The audience gives us so much energy.” Kaltenbrunner is looking for an extra: “We’re not finished yet, we want gold.”
Austrians out in the quarterfinals
The women’s final (7:05 p.m.) will be contested by Spain and France. The Austrians were eliminated in the quarter-finals against France on Saturday. The red-white-red men’s wheelchair team will face Poland in the final (4:55 p.m.).
Article updated on 25.8.2024 at 14:33