Austria
Austria made it to the Final Round of EuroVolley for the first time through qualification and for the seventh time overall. Their best result in the competition was an eighth place when they hosted the event in 1999. They were co-hosts (with the Czech Republic) of the European Championship in 2011, but only finished 16th after losing all of their matches.
Peter Wohlfahrtstätter“For me coming back to Belgium is very special. I was under contract with Topvolley ANTWERP for two seasons some years ago. We are going to face extraordinary opponents. Serbia are the strongest team in Pool B. I think for us, it is possible to progress from the group stage and to claim a spot in the Round of 16.”
Captain of Austria
Austria’s national team is a regular participant of the European League, with their best result in the competition a third place in 2016. The following year they participated in the 2017 FIVB World League Group 3 and were able to surprise with victories over Germany and Mexico. It was Austria’s first exposure to world Volleyball since their last participation in the FIVB World Championship in 1962.
Head coach Michael Warm’s team finished their 2019 European Silver League campaign in third place with a 5-1 win-loss record, missing the final by just one set. Austria’s stars Alexander Berger - who has just become a father for a second time - and Paul Buchegger made their comebacks to the national team after long breaks due to injury.
Michael Warm“My team had to overcome some hurdles in the past few years to chase a spot at the EuroVolley for the first time through the qualifiers. In Belgium, we have to prove ourselves against very tough opponents. It is about trying everything to reach the knockout stage. We are looking forward to celebrating the next milestone in Austria’s Volleyball history.”
Head Coach of Austria
