After four straight defeats, Austria managed to finish the World Championship on a positive note, taking a win against Croatia. This result lifted the Austrians to the fifth place in the group ahead of Argentina, while the Croats stayed in fourth. 

MAIN ROUND GROUP IV
Austria vs Croatia 27:23 (15:10)

Both European teams were hit hard by COVID-19, but for the first time at the tournament, Austria could rely on a 16-player squad, as Katarina Pandza and Nina Neidhart recovered and were able to participate in their team's last match at Spain 2021. 

Neidhart, who made her debut at this level, looked particularly hungry to score in the opening phase, as her three goals combined with good defensive work and a few saves by Lena Ivancok propelled Austria to a 9:3 lead by minute 15. 

While Croatia made a lot of mistakes and lacked accuracy, their rivals looked more focused and determined, so no wonder they enjoyed a five-goal advantage at the break.

On Friday, Austria also led at half-time against Japan but in the end lost by just two goals. This time, however, history did not repeat itself. As both sides were missing a lot of shots after the break, the Austrians still had the upper hand 10 minutes from full time, 23:17.

The closing minutes were difficult for them, as the team looked tired and often stopped their opponents with fouls. That resulted in Neidhart's red card and a number of 7m shots, but Lena Ivancok saved a couple of them, and her sister Ines, hummel Player of the Match, finished the game with five goals as their team clinched a win. 

"Our third place at the EURO 2020 was a miracle. We can achieve it only when all players are in 100% shape and fight like lions. It was not the case now," Croatia's coach Nenad Sostaric said. 

Before that game, Sostaric said that he would like to win and finish Spain 2021 with a 50/50 balance of three wins and as many defeats. However, it was not to happen, as both the Balkan team and Austria have ended the tournament with two victories. 

hummel Player of the Match: Ines Ivancok, Austria

Photo: RFEBM / J. L. Recio