Austria went through some turbulent days while preparing for their first match at the World Championship after a 12-year hiatus, but it did not prevent them from opening their campaign with a victory. 

GROUP D
Austria vs PR of China 38:27 (22:13)

After head coach Herbert Müller was tested positive for COVID-19 and was replaced by his brother Helfried, four Austrian players were sidelined for the same reason just a few hours before the match. Team leaders Petra Blazek and Sonja Frey had to go into quarantine, as well as Stefanie Keiser and Nina Neidhart. Therefore, the European side could rely on just 12 players.

“We are a young team, and now we have become even younger without these players. But we played for them, we made a gift for those who had to miss the game. I hope they’ll soon be back. We showed good attitude,” Helfried Müller said after the game. 

Austria’s problems seemed to give hope to PR of China, who would have normally be seen as underdogs. However, the Asian side managed to fight hard only in the opening minutes, as the score was 6:6 in minute 8 before Austria took the game under their control.

In the first half, the European team boasted a high efficiency, converting 21 of 26 their attempts. In the absence of several key players, the Ivancok sisters stepped up, as 20-year-old Lena made a few important saves, while 23-year-old Ines netted five times before the break.

China looked disorganised, they got many two-minute suspensions and conceded a lot of 7m shots, so the gap between the sides started to grow. While Austria led by four goals in minute 19 (13:9), they went on to accelerate and enjoy a nine-goal advantage at the break, 22:13.

“We have a lot of young players who lack experience at this level. Now we will focus on our next game,” Chinese coach Kim Gap Soo said. 

After the restart, her team improved their game both in defence and attack, which helped them close the gap to 18:25 in minute 38. Yet, it did not take the Austrians long to restore a nine-goal advantage at 30:21.

19-year-old left back Katarina Pandza, who had been at the risk of missing the match after a suspicious COVID-19 test a few days before, finished the game as top scorer with nine goals. Left wing Mirela Dedic, one of the most experienced players in this squad, added eight more, as Austria cruised to a comfortable 11-goal win. 

hummel Player of the Match: Katarina Pandza, Austria

Photo: RFEBM / J. L. Recio