AUT, Women EHF Euro Cup 2024, Österreich vs Norwegen

Ready for the big time: the European Handball Championship comes to Innsbruck

11 March 2024

Post originally written in: Deutsch

Innsbruck is very familiar with major sporting events. in 2024, however, there will be a departure from the tried-and-tested winter spectacle formula, as the 16. Women's EHF EURO handball will be the center of attention this time. With 24 participating nations, the tournament is the largest to date and will take place between November 28 and December 15 this year. In addition to Debrecen in Hungary and Basel in Switzerland, the women will also compete at two Austrian venues, in Vienna and - of course - Innsbruck. In the shadow of the Nordkette mountain range, two preliminary round groups will be played goal for goal to progress to the next stage of the competition.

Between snow and jackdaws

The Austrian women's national team was able to experience what it means to play handball in the middle of the Tyrolean mountains during a photo session on the Seegrube on a Saturday in early March. Innsbruck was at its best on this occasion: jackdaws sailed in the wind that whistled over the snow-covered slopes of the Nordkette. Curious tourists gathered around the specially erected gate, a live band played the finest funk music on a stage, and in the background, daredevils let off steam on the table football in the fun park. Right in the middle of the hustle and bustle were the athletes and their coach Monique Tijsterman, who had to play a match against Norway in Innsbruck the following day. Tijsterman took over the team in February 2024 from Herbert Müller, who had previously led it for a proud 20 years. The former player, who is regarded as a pioneer in handball in her native Netherlands, took the time to talk to us on the sidelines of the event.

Ms. Tijsterman, what is it that makes handball so special for you?
Monique Tijsterman: "Handball is fast, attractive, it means contact, it's different every game and it never gets boring."

Are you nervous ahead of a game like the one against Norway or is the anticipation outweighing the excitement?
"I'm looking forward to the game! We want to improve, I'm looking forward to it."

How do you prepare for it?
"In my case, it's a bit different than usual because I've just taken over the team. We're still getting to know each other, I see it as a training week."

What is your goal?
"We did okay in the first match (against Norway, note). I'll be happy if we can extend the strong phases of the game, the girls are doing their best. I want them to get something back for their efforts."

Do you think expectations are higher because it's a home EURO?
"The expectations are definitely higher! Everyone wants to show what they can do."

What makes Innsbruck different as a venue?
"Innsbruck is definitely different, being surrounded by mountains makes a difference. And the European Championships as the home EURO is of course also special."

New perspective

For many players, it is the first time they have seen Innsbruck from this perspective - the train ride up to the Seegrube is an experience in itself. Local hero Josefine Hanfland, a native of Schwaz, on the other hand, can enjoy a familiar sight. "It's a real highlight. And you get a breath of fresh air before the game tomorrow," she laughs. Looking at the backdrop, she adds: "The mountains are something special, especially for the girls, who mainly come from the east of Austria."

Test of endurance

On Sunday, things got serious in the Innsbruck Olympic Hall against the reigning European champions from Norway. The Scandinavians are known for their rapid transition play and made life difficult for the Austrians, who were initially unable to find any gaps in their opponents' cover. After the first half ended 19:8 in favor of the Norwegians, the Austrians tried a more offensive style of covering in the second half and gave their best against the enormously strong Norwegians. At the end of the game, they won 39:22. Team manager Tijsterman sees some room for improvement in the national team's play, but emphasizes the positive aspects: "The group wants to learn, and that's great. We want to take the next step in April and I hope the players take the positive moments back to their clubs. That should give them strength for the coming weeks."