30:36 against Hungary

ÖHB women also lose last Euro Cup match

The Austrian handball team also lost their last match in the Euro Cup.

(Bild: GEPA pictures)

The Austrian women's handball team also lost their last game in the Euro Cup. On Saturday, Red-White-Red lost 30:36 (13:17) to the clear favorites Hungary in Györ and finished the competition of the teams qualified for the home European Championship in fourth place behind Norway (12 points), Hungary (8) and Switzerland (4).

"There were far too many gaps in defense. In attack, we missed too many free throws and made too many technical mistakes," said backcourt player Patricia Kovacs. However, the Euro Cup "definitely helped us learn things and show us where our problems lie. We still have a long way to go."

In the fourth game under new team boss Monique Tijsterman, Katarina Pandza and Co. showed fighting spirit after a poor start to each half, but were beaten for the fourth time after the two defeats against defending European Championship champions Norway and Switzerland. After trailing 2:7 and 3:9 early on (10th), Austria got into better shape as the game wore on and were at least back in the game at 13:15 (26th) towards the end of the first half.

Hungary get off to a flying start after the break
However, Hungary extended their lead to four goals by the break and got off to a brilliant start after the restart with a 6:1 run to make it 23:14 (35'). They worked their way back again, reduced the deficit to 24:27 in the 47th minute and kept it there for a long time. In the end, the home side went one better and celebrated its 47th victory in the 60th encounter with two draws.

The Tijstermann squad will take the next step on the road to the home European Championship just seven months before the tournament begins on May 9-12. They will then test themselves against Georgia, a clearly weaker opponent in terms of form.