Austria hand favourites’ role to Hungary ahead of play-offs

Austria and Hungary are off to an early start in the Women’s World Championship Play-offs, with their match already being played on Friday (20:25 hrs local time), while the remaining eight games take place on Saturday and Sunday.

Despite playing the first leg at home, Austria head coach Herbert Müller sees his injury-handicapped team in the underdogs’ role.

After finishing sixth at the Women’s EHF EURO 2014 on home courts, Hungary are determined to finish the season on a high note, meaning with the successful qualification to the World Championship which will take place in Denmark this December.

Hungary head coach Andras Nemeth has to replace his arguably greatest star, Anita Görbicz, who became pregnant earlier this season, but that handicap is nothing compared to the problems Herbert Müller faces.

No less than seven players are missing in the Austrian squad for various reasons, and it is no surprise that Müller is worried ahead of the first leg in Stockerau on Friday night.

“Hungary are a world-class team. We would run into troubles against them with any outfit, but of course, these handicaps weaken us even further,” says the Austrian coach.

“Their back court line is extremely strong. Furthermore, they play very fast, and they have fast wingers who exploit technical mistakes immediately.

“We can only afford very few technical mistakes, and we will have to find ways to make the best possible use of our minimal chance,” adds Herbert Müller.

The second leg takes place in Györ on 13 June at 13:30 hrs.