Handball: ÖHB women suffered a 28:45 defeat at the World Cup against Norway

The ÖHB selection had to admit defeat to title favorite Norway 28:45 (12:21) in Stavanger on Friday. Nevertheless, coach Herbert Müller’s team is on track thanks to the 30:29 at the start on Wednesday against South Korea, and promotion to the main round can be secured again on Sunday in Stavanger against Greenland.

The ÖHB women go into the duel with Greenland as favorites, but they were clearly inferior to Norway. The currently best women’s national team in the world started relatively slowly and allowed the Austrians to keep up until 8:7. But of the ten goals that followed, nine were scored by the Scandinavians; Austria had nothing left to counter the Norwegians.

The hosts also showed great enthusiasm in the finish and ultimately inflicted one of the heaviest World Cup defeats on the ÖHB team. Austria’s record against Norway is eight wins, two draws and 21 defeats.

Müller had to admit his opponent’s great superiority. “It was an avalanche that overwhelmed us. They came over us with all their might and at an incredible speed and punished our technical mistakes mercilessly. That was quite a demonstration of force,” said the team boss in the ORF interview.

He would have liked to break the Norwegian rhythm more often. “Nevertheless, there were a few scenes in it that I really liked.” Now we turn our attention to the Sunday match. “We have to be prepared for the unexpected against Greenland. They have nothing to lose and will try everything,” warned Müller.

Ines Ivancok was nevertheless optimistic. “This is the most important game for us, we have to be able to handle the pressure. I’m sure we’ll play a good game,” emphasized the 25-year-old ÖHB international, who was Austria’s top scorer against Norway with six goals.