07.06.2014, 10:47
Danish victory against Austria postpones decision in Qualification Group 1

REVIEW: Austria fail to convert their first 'match ball' to book the ticket to the Women's EHF EURO 2014, losing 29:33 to Denmark on Saturday night

Danish victory against Austria postpones decision in Qualification Group 1

Saturday’s Women's EHF EURO 2014 qualifier in Group 1 between Denmark and Austria was a tightly-contested one, with both teams having much to fight for – Denmark wished to continue their positive form and reassert their dominance as a national team, whilst Austria hoped to clinch their berth in the Women’s EHF EURO 2014 by claiming at least one point.

It was Denmark whose goals were achieved, with the strong side recording a 33:29 victory.

Provided that Ukraine beat Lithuania on Wednesday, the second team to qualify for the final tournament will be decided in the direct encounter between Ukraine and Austria on Sunday.

Denmark, the World Championship 2013 bronze medallists, began the game with a bang, scoring four goals in quick succession to gain a 4:0 lead by the fifth minute.

Austrian coach Herbert Muller responded by calling a team timeout, which seemed to be all his players needed to remember what was at stake; from that point the game was a hotly-contested one. Austria levelled the score by the 25th minute (11:11), losing their momentum a little by half-time to trail by two (14:16).

Denmark held on to their lead for the rest of the match, though goals were scored one for one for the majority of the second period and it was only in the last ten minutes that the Scandinavian side firmly pulled ahead.

In the end, it was the Danes experience and calm under pressure that won them the match, with a final score of 29:33 in favour of the visitors.

Though Denmark have already booked their spot at the EHF EURO 2014 to be held in Hungary and Croatia in December, the team is by no means slowing down.

After a solid victory against the Ukraine last Wednesday and Saturday’s win against Austria, Denmark are now looking forward to December with anticipation and determination.

With the top spot for Group 1 decided, it is left to Austria and very likely to Ukraine to battle it out for the remaining place.

Russian, Montenegro, France and Norway are the other countries to have already qualified along with Denmark. Hungary and Croatia automatically qualify as hosts.

TEXT: Courtney Gahan / ts