This time Katarina Pandza is affected. The previous top scorer of the ÖHB selection will be out at least for the final group game on Monday evening against hosts Spain. “We are speechless,” said captain Patricia Kovacs after the seventh Covid finding in the ÖHB delegation within a few days. Despite the persistent lack of personnel, they also want to compete against Spain. “It helps us mentally, even if it’s incredibly hard. What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger,” says Kovacs.
Apparently it was not possible to break the chain of infection within the team. ÖHB President Markus Plazer affirmed that the players’ health was the top priority. “Not only our team, but also those of the other teams,” said Plazer, but at the same time referred to a wide range of interests. “There is also the sporting interest, the interest of the organizer and also the interest of Austria. We were and still are in an exchange with the IHF and our team doctor on all topics,” explained the head of the association, adding that his players were unanimous in competing against Spain had been advocated.
Due to the subsequent nomination of Sarah Draguljic, which took place before the Pandza findings, there are again twelve players available for the match against the vice world champion, which is meaningless with regard to the main round. Before the opening game against China, the four top performers Petra Blazek, Sonja Frey, Stefanie Kaiser and Nina Neidhart as well as team boss Herbert Müller were canceled due to positive corona findings. Josefine Huber then also dropped out for the ultimately lost duel with Argentina.
In the main round starting on Thursday, there could be more than a dozen again – assuming no further new infections. Because you have the concession from the organizer and the world association that you can free yourself from quarantine in the coming days, according to the ÖHB.
Source: Nachrichten
