Handball European Championship: Austria loses at the start against Germany

As soon as the game started, Germany took the lead and didn’t relinquish it until the break. Austria needed five minutes for the first goal, then fought their way back into the game after a 1:4 and thanks to a strong phase they got to 6:6. The strong Sebastian Frimmel scored a dream goal from a counterattack.

Germany acted emotionally, especially the sugar-coated Johannes Golla, who repeatedly sought verbal infighting and liked to provoke. World-class goalkeeper Andreas Wolff had fueled the duel with arrogant and disrespectful statements about the Austrian team and their style of play.

Austria defended well, but repeatedly had long periods without scoring on offense. Losses of the ball enabled the Germans to counterattack, which they took advantage of and moved ahead to 12:8 by the break. Germany was the better team because they were able to take advantage of the higher quality of the individual players.

Strong appearance

Austria’s team boss Romero made noticeable changes, giving some young players minutes, while veteran Mykola Bilyk had some breaks. ÖHB sports director Patrick Fölser analyzed in between: “We have to work a lot for opportunities. We’re having a hard time at the front, but we’re doing outstandingly well at the back.” Goalie Constantin Möstl made a great save, compared to Wolff.

Austria started the second period better, scoring four goals in six minutes, with Jakob Nigg proving to be a good scorer. At first they couldn’t be shaken off, but at least they remained within striking distance. But Germany, a serious contender for a European Championship medal, was always able to step up a gear and take advantage of the Austrians’ mistakes – 18:13.

Germany took the lead, Austria couldn’t be shaken off. Suddenly the fighting spirit paid off, with just two goals left five minutes before the end. Ultimately it shouldn’t be enough. Tobi Wagner: “The defense was incredible, but unfortunately it didn’t work in the end.” Nigg said: “It doesn’t feel good, everyone has left their hearts behind.” Möstl wasn’t happy either: “We weren’t the better team, it wasn’t what we had imagined.”