2023-12-29 17:28:44
Austria’s men’s national handball team narrowly lost the first preparation game for the European Championship finals starting in January against Slovenia. Team boss Ales Pajovic’s team lost 33:34 (15:16) in Slovenj Gradec on Friday evening. After the final siren, Robert Weber missed the possible equalizer from seven meters. Pajovic was on the line for the Austrians in his home country for the 50th time.
“Overall, I’m happy with today’s performance. Slovenia were favorites in this game. They have a high individual class and a wide bench. If we continue like this after the New Year, I can be optimistic for the EURO,” said Pajovic after the end of the game. Captain Mykola Bilyk and Co. fell behind by three goals early on, but temporarily took the lead. Even after the break, the game remained balanced for a long time. After mistakes by the Austrians, Slovenia was ahead 30:25. But Bilyk managed to equalize and Eric Damböck made it 33:32 on the counterattack before the Slovenians were able to turn the game around. The Austrians’ best throwers were Tobias Wagner with seven and Bilyk with six goals.
“We tried a lot, tried a lot, and made a few mistakes, but we showed that we can keep up with such nations and win,” said Bilyk. Pajovic and his team had been quartered in Rogla since December 26th. After days off until January 2nd, preparation continues with two games against Iceland on January 6th (Schwechat) and 8th (Linz). On January 10th, the national team moves to Mannheim, where Romania (January 12th), Croatia (January 14th) and Spain (January 16th) are waiting in Group B at the European Championships. To advance to the main round, first or second place is required.
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