Will Austria qualify for the European Volleyball Championships in summer 2023? That will be decided in a group of three with Finland and Latvia. Most recently, the Austrians took part in the final round in 2019.
The first goes straight to the World Cup, four or five runners-up from the seven groups also qualify. That depends on whether the Russians who qualified will be disqualified or not. Today’s opening game (8:20 p.m.) in the qualifier in the Raffeisen Volleydome in Ried against Latvia will point the way for the Austrians. Those responsible for the volleyball association are very satisfied with the conditions in Ried. “The hall has everything you need for a professional operation. In ten to 15 years, such a venue should be possible for many clubs,” said sports director Gottfried Rath.
“We expect a win”
Coach Radovan Gacic is confident ahead of today’s opening match: “The preparation was good, we’re expecting a win.” Captain Peter Wohlfahrtstätter assumes “equal qualification”. “A lot depends on the day’s form and tactics,” said the national team captain.
Ried’s striker Niklas Etlinger, who is celebrating his 23rd birthday today, will probably be in the starting line-up.
There are still tickets
Tickets for the game are still available at the box office. “We hope that it will be full. The team needs loud support from the ranks,” says Wolfgang Puttinger from UVC Ried.
Source: Nachrichten
