2024-01-22 20:52:46
With four goals in a row to take the lead at the break
However, the French stayed cool, soon equalized to 7:7 (12th) and took the lead for the first time following a quarter of an hour (9:8). But Austria didn’t allow itself to be discouraged by a temporary three-goal deficit (12:15), fought back with four goals in a row and even went into the break with a sensational 16:15 lead.
IMAGE: SN/GEPA PICTURES
Like Hutecek, Mykola Bilyk scored six goals.
Austria fought back bravely
But this didn’t last long. The Austrians found it increasingly difficult to attack and therefore sought salvation in the artificial 7:6 majority game. Soon France was three goals ahead once more. But Austria was able to equalize once more (22:22) – also because this time goalie Ralf Patrick Häusle, who had replaced Möstl in goal early on (following only two saves in 14 throws), showed his class with a 30 percent catch rate. But there was nothing more.
In the end there was no strength
Although France was unable to break away decisively for a long time, the Austrians, as feared, lacked the strength in the final phase, both offensively and defensively, to fully counter them. In the end, the French prevailed 33:28.
IMAGE: SN/APA/AFP/INA FASSBENDER
Dika Mem was barely able to be controlled by Austria’s defense.
Praise from the handball legend
“Great respect for the boys, they fought really well. To keep up for so long is a success,” team boss Aleš Pajovič praised his players. “In the end the strength was a bit gone.” Even French handball legend Nikola Karabatić paid tribute to the performance of the red-white-red team. “Hats off to Austria,” said the three-time world handball player and four-time world champion, who is contesting his last European Championship at the age of 39.
“We had them under control”
Captain Bilyk was pleased with a strong first half. “We did really well and actually had the French under control,” said Austria’s top player, who, like Lukas Hutecek, scored six goals. He also pointed out the increasing fatigue among him and his teammates. “But the French are also an extremely experienced team with an incredible squad.”
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