22:43 in Norway

Debacle for handball women: “That was not enough!”

(Bild: GEPA)

Austria's national women's handball team has started a new era with a debacle. In the first match under team manager Monique Tijsterman, they lost 22:43 to Norway in Halden on Wednesday, with the reigning European champions and runners-up in the World Championship proving far too strong for the ÖHB team. Nevertheless, Tijsterman was keen to emphasize the positive aspects, and the Dutchwoman is also hoping for a learning effect in the "return match" against Norway on Sunday.

"In the first 15 minutes and also after the last time-out in the second half, we were able to force Norway into making technical mistakes and put good pressure on their backcourt players," emphasized the Dutch coach, but also admitted: "Overall, that wasn't enough when you're playing against a team like Norway. You have to do that over 60 minutes."

"We have to learn from this game"
Now she wants to "see more of what worked well" against the Norwegians in Innsbruck on Sunday, said Tijsterman. The 54-year-old explained that preparations for this match will begin on Thursday. "We have to learn from this game, focus on the good things and take the next step every time we come together and play," said Tijsterman.

The Dutchwoman took over from Herbert Müller, who had been in charge for almost 20 years, at the beginning of February and is expected to coach the ÖHB women to a successful home European Championship (November 28 to December 15). The EHF EURO Cup, which includes the games against Norway, serves as preparation for the tournament, with the Austrians holding the same number of defeats after three games.