Kuzmanovski's buzzer-beater goal secures draw against Austria

21 Jan. 2025

Kuzmanovski's buzzer-beater goal secures draw against Austria

In a game filled with twists and turns, Austria and North Macedonia shared the spoils in the Group II's opener in Varaždin, 29:29, as Filip Kuzmanovski, the top goal scorer of the competition so far, scored with a buzzer-beater shot.

MAIN ROUND GROUP II
Austria vs North Macedonia 29:29 (14:13)

North Macedonia's solid 6-0 defence made life difficult for Austria right from the opening whistle, cutting off their usual attacking flow. Kiril Lazarov's team took control of the game early on, holding the lead for most of the first half and building their biggest advantage at three goals, 7:4 and 10:7.

Austria had their moments, with goalkeeper Constantin Möstl not only saving shots, but stepping up to level the score at 7:7 in the 18th minute. But that brief comeback did not last long as North Macedonia's defence held strong, forcing rushed and inaccurate shots from the Austrians, while capitalising on their mistakes to stay ahead.

However, the game took a turn in the final moment of the first half. Austria adjusted their tactics, closing down on North Macedonia's line players and forcing them into long-range attempts which were not as efficient. With this shift, Austria clawed their way back, levelling again at 11:11 and showed they were ready to shift the momentum when line player Tobias Wagner netted for Austria's first lead in the game at 12:11 and with the same gap they went to the halftime break.

Austria maintained the same pace in the opening minutes of the second half, stretching their lead to 16:14, but when Marko Kizikj took over the spot from Nikola Mitrevski between North Macedonia's posts, it was a whole new game. The Alkaloid goalkeeper became his side's hero, stopping six out of nine of Austria's attempts in 12 minutes, allowing his side to catch up as teams were once again in a deadlock (17:17)., courtesy of the competition's top scorer Filip Kuzmanovski.

It was a real nip-and-tuck game, as teams were trading leads from the 40th minute all the way through to the final buzzer. Austria continued to push with their seven-against-six game, something they relied on a lot in the last two games, but took a calculated risk in having the goal empty time and time again. Two turnovers saw North Macedonia score easily, taking over in the 52nd minute at 24:23, but Austria came back once again.

Boosted by the crucial Florian Kaiper's save two minutes before the end, Austria came to the position of being the winner of the game, 29:28, but Filip Kuzmanovski became his team hero by netting with the buzzer, securing a draw. North Macedonia had only four seconds for the attack, after Austria took the lead with six to go, as coach Kiril Lazarov took a team time-out.

With no time to spare, the plan was clear and Kuzmanovski had to shoot. Taking a few steps, the left back found a gap and delivered a strong shot, only for Kaiper to manage to slowly push the ball into the goal just as the buzzer went off.

The hummel Player of the Match Lukas Hutacek netted six times and four assists, Nemanja Beloš scored five, while Marko Mitev produced the most goals for North Macedonia, six.

After two wins and a defeat, this is the first draw for Austria at the World Championship, as they are now on three points. Kiril Lazarov's team celebrated their second draw in Varaždin, Croatia, staying in fifth place now with two points.

hummel Player of the Match: Lukas Hutecek (Austria)