05.06.2015, 02:24
Underdogs Austria believe in last chance

PREVIEW: Austria have a tough task ahead when they meet 2013 world champions Spain in the EHF EURO 2016 Qualification next week

Underdogs Austria believe in last chance

The task seems Herculean, but Austria's men's national team is far away from giving up its hopes five days before they meet Spain in the Men's EHF EURO 2016 Qualification.

Austria are currently ranked third in Group 7 with four points on their account, but with only the first two teams definitely secure of a spot at the final tournament (the best third ranked team overall also qualifies) in Poland next January, they are in need of not only obtaining points against Spain on Wednesday but also against Germany on Sunday, 14 June.

Germany and Spain have six points each and have both won their first encounter against Austria in clear fashion: Spain won 27:16 at home, Germany beat Austria 28:24 in Vienna.

To make things worse, Austrian head coach Patrekur Johanesson has to replace Viktor Szilagyi, Nikola Marinovic and Max Herrmann, who all suffer from injuries, for the upcoming two matches.

"Of course this makes it difficult, but it is a chance for young players to step," says Johannesson. "We will not complain. I believe to 100 per cent in my players."

The coach adds: "We know that we need the points and that it won't be easy against the 2013 world champions. We will give it all we have and believe in our strengths. We are able to play good handball, and if we play like one team for the entire 60 minutes and have the support of our fans, we can make the impossible possible."

"We have to play better than we did in the first leg against Spain. Of course, it doesn't help that we three injured players, but the opponent is still the same and we know the Spanish players," says goalkeeper Thomas Bauer.

On the other, they might not know us that well (because of the new players Austria will be forced to bring in), which can work in our favour. Either way we are fully motivated for both matches."

TEXT: ÖHB / EHF / ts