Austria's first match against Türkiye was not an easy task, as the opponents brought some uncertainty, but Austria got the job done with a 31:28 victory. Facing a team with a less predictable style always presents a challenge, but Pajovic's team cleared the obstacle and are ready to face Switzerland. Meanwhile, the Swiss had much tougher clash against Germany, losing 26:35, and they will have only a short time to learn from their mistakes.
“There wasn't much material to analyse, and we didn't know much; they had a new coach, a Spaniard Daniel Gordo who came in January. So, we were focused on our game, it wasn't perfect but we performed well. Everyone got a chance to play, which was the most important thing, we didn't exhaust ourselves too much before the game against Switzerland.”
“The Swiss had a tough match in Germany, the Germans don't suit them well. I don’t think that game against Germany showed the real Switzerland. The Germans were very physical and dominant, especially with their goalkeepers and defence. Things just didn’t work for Switzerland in that match,” adds Pajovic.
Austria's next test comes on Sunday, 10 November, with a short journey to Schaffhausen, just 118 kilometres away across Lake Constance where they will face hosts Switzerland in the Highlight Match of round 2, with commentary in English available on EHFTV.
The team led by the legendary Andy Schmid, who took over in the summer, will put Austria to the test. Schmid's influence has brought noticeable changes to Switzerland's style of play and Pajovic is well aware the game is going to be far from easy.
“They have a good team, and Schmid is one of the best players and a capable coach. I’ve seen many new tactical elements since his arrival, so we have to prepare well. Manuel Zehnder is in great form and very dangerous one-on-one, Lenny Rubin, who also plays better in the national team than at the club level, and there's goalkeeper Nikola Portner from Magdeburg. And the rest of the team is playing on a good level. We always had tight matches against them so I think the chances are 50:50,” explains Pajovic.