Handball thriller

13 years later, Schwaz aims for second title

Michael Miskovezl (l.) wants to prevail against the "Red Devils".(Bild: GEPA pictures)

The Schwaz handball team are going for the big time at the Cup final tournament in their own Osthalle and want to celebrate another title after 2011. In the semi-finals on Friday (17:30, KroneTV), however, a very tough opponent awaits in Hard - the defending champions and basic round winners in the HLA.

When they face the "Red Devils" from Hard in the semi-final on Friday evening, the sold-out Osthalle will turn into a cauldron. 1000 spectators will get to see the duel between the two best HLA teams. That promises pure excitement.

"The fans are great for us, we're really looking forward to it. Hopefully the atmosphere will carry us into the final," explained coach Christoph Jauernik.

Radiates calm: Schwaz coach Christoph Jauernik(Bild: GEPA pictures)

Expectations exceeded
The German came, saw and turned Schwaz back into a successful team that is still playing for two titles. The first beckons this weekend. "The season has gone very well so far. We've exceeded expectations and set the bar high. Hard is a big hurdle, we have to play at our performance limit," said the 40-year-old.

HANDBALL Cup Final 4

• HALF FINAL: Friday: Schwaz - Hard (17.30, live on KroneTV), Westwien - Graz (20.20, live on fan.at.).
• FINAL: Saturday: Women: Hypo NÖ - Stockerau (14), men (16.20). Live on ORF Sport+. The game will be played in the Schwazer Osthalle.

The Ländle team are the defending champions in the Cup, having overtaken the tied Tyroleans at the top of the league in the last basic round.

Meticulous worker
"It will be super-difficult against this top opponent, we've only lost to them at home so far this season," said Jauernik. He is regarded as a meticulous worker who always has a clear plan and, with his rather introverted nature, radiates calm even when he is behind. As is well known, this is where strength lies.

13 years after their only Cup victory to date, the team from the Silver City want to celebrate another title. The possible opponent in the final will be determined between Westwien (2nd division) and Graz.