In one of the last matches of this Men’s 20 European Championship the host team could finally demonstrate their qualities in front of the home-grown spectators. Austria met Czech Republic in order to play for places 13 and 14. Both teams could register two victories against Estonia and Latvia and were valued as equal by some handball experts.

During the first period both of them met on the same level and provided a thrilling duel. At half-time the team from Czech Republic was up with one goal, but the host team could gain the draw right away after the break. The Austrian seemed to be very concentrated and furthermore had the support of their strong goalie – Thomas Bauer. In the second half Austria’s play was characterized by fast counterblasts, which were successfully implemented by the wing players Sebastian Tonko and Richard Wöss. Austria won and achieved the 13th place.

Austria could book one more partial success in this Championship: Richard Wöss gained the award of the Top Scorer of this Men’s 20 European Championship with a total of 63 goals.

Richard Wöss (AUT, Top Scorer): “I’m pleased to be the top scorer of all European top players. But this wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my team. However, we can’t draw a positive balance of this European Championship. We’ve conducted to win today’s match and due to our concentrated performance we achieved at least a conciliatory finish.

Placement Match Places 13/14

Czech Republic – Austria 22:30 (15:14)

Referees: Pavicevic Predrag, Vujisic Nebojsa (beide SCG)

Team Czech Republic:
Malina Milan (GK), Petrzala Tomas (GK), Petrovsky Vojtech (3), Horak Radek (3), Pavlicek Tomas (3), Rachac Miroslav (3), Hracha Karel (2), Bajgar Radek (2), Skvaril Jakub (2), Havel Ivo (1), Miko Dominik (1), Lehocky Martin (1), Miksik Jakub (1), Vit Karel

Team Austria:
Bauer Thomas (GK), Kalischnig Martin (GK), Wöss Richard (10), Tonko Sebastian (9), Weber Thomas (3), Walter Christoph (2), Muhm Ronald (2), Mattersdorfer Florian (1), Sahin Oray (1), Klein Gregor (1), Bokesch Gregor (1), Mayr Peter, Himmler Christian, Gangel Johann

Best Players:
Miko Dominik (CZE), Weber Thomas (AUT)