Semifinal against Linz

Fivers already looking ahead after opening defeat

Fivers top scorer Fabio Schuh.(Bild: Nigg)

"Now it's 1:0 for Linz. But we have the chance to equalize again on Tuesday." Fivers coach Peter Eckl is already looking ahead after the 30:35 home defeat to start the league semi-final. However, his team must improve if it is not to fail prematurely in the best-of-3 series.

That was not enough! The Fivers lost 30:35 at home to Linz in the semi-final opener on Saturday. Top scorer Schuh (6) and Co. were always behind against the runners-up - apart from at 9:8 and 10:9.

It was already 13:16 at the break and then even 22:28 at one point. "If you're not good enough in defense and with your goalkeepers and you miss attacks and seven-meter penalties up front, then it becomes difficult. Several penalties didn't really help us either," said Fivers coach Peter Eckl, who was missing captain Kolar due to knee problems - before Brenneis was also sent off with a red card (third 2-minute penalty) in minute 51.

Leander Brenneis and Co. have to step up their game.(Bild: Nigg)

But what can Linz say? The visitors, led by the brilliant ÖHB keeper Kaiper (on seven-metre penalties) - last year's West Vienna champions' coach Draca and team manager Pajovic were also in the packed arena with 1,000 fans - had to concede Hamzic (28) and Wiesinger (32) early on due to their third 2-minute penalty. "A heated game, Linz deserved to win," said Eckl, "we want to do better away from home on Tuesday. To do that, we have to take every chance we get, only then will we have a chance."

The Fivers do not want to say goodbye to their home crowd in the series.(Bild: Nigg)

Hard defeated Krems 32:26 at home in the parallel duel. After trailing at the start, the club from Vorarlberg cut the deficit to 17:12 by the break. The visitors fought back in phases in the second half, but Hard ran out commanding winners in the end.