Austria ready for Round 5 and 6 of the EHF EURO qualifications.
Useful preparation game against South Korea
Austria welcomed South Korea for a series of test matches, the first took place last night in Hypo NÖ´s Südstadt Arena.
Both team coaches shuffled their cards for the first encounter, giving playing time to several new players in their squad.
Despite missing several key players (Katrin Engel, Katharina Doppler and Beate Scheffknecht) Austria remained in touch throughout the first half thanks to a magnificent Laura Magelinskas.
In the second half the away side's defense stood better and with speedy counter attacks the South Koreans increased their lead to 25:14 after 41 minutes. Then it was clear that nothing could endanger their victory.
South Korea tried several new players and formations to decide the best selection for the Olympic Games.
Austrian head coach Herbert Müller analyzed: "Despite the defeat I´m pleased with the final result. South Korea have a different playing style. They play just a little unusual, and it´s tough to play against them. Their initiative to start effective fastbreaks was the key for their victory."
Müller added: "Our youngsters need time to adapt and throughout the match they showed that we have plenty to look forward to once they mould as a team."
The two teams will face each other again on Thursday at 7.30 pm in the Südstadt Arena in Maria Enzersdorf. Entrance will be free!
Austria - South Korea 25:33 (12:16)
Goals for Austria: Laura Magelinskas (8), Martina Goricanec (5), Nina Stumvoll (3), Sabrina Stumvoll (3), Simona Spiridon (2), Sonja Frey (1), Karla Ivancok (1), Viktoria Mauler (1), Gorica Acimovic (1)
Further Information
Find more information on the Women's EHF EURO 2012 Qualification HERE.
View more detailed information on the event on the Official EHF EURO 2012 Website.
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TEXT:
Márk Hegedüs