Gačič: “Our mission is clear: Beat Sweden and Hungary”

Austria`s men`s national volleyball team is preparing to host a significant tournament in Amstetten from June 27-29. These matches mark the final stages of the CEV European Silver League 2025 pool phase. The Austrian squad will face formidable opponents: Sweden, who currently remain undefeated, and Hungary. The Johann-Pölz-Halle stadium will be the critical battleground as teams compete for a desired ticket to the CEV Golden League 2026 promotion playoffs.

Head coach Radovan Gačič expressed strong determination regarding the upcoming home games. He stated, “We are scheduled to play against the two strongest teams we have encountered in the league so far, and our objective is straightforward: we intend to defeat them both. I hope that we can overcome any health concerns within the team before Friday`s initial match, ensuring we are fully prepared. Saturday provides an opportunity for rest and strategic planning for Sunday`s encounter. When considering performance levels, Austria, Hungary, and Sweden are quite closely matched. We are dedicated to providing our players with the best possible preparation. Our aim is to secure victories in both matches, and we will then see what the outcome means for our position in the final standings.”

Currently, the Austrian team is in a promising position, having won three out of their four matches. Their immediate goal is to achieve two victories playing at home in front of their supporters. The team is strengthened by the return of Mathäus Jurkovics and Tobias Willimek, who are available and ready to contribute to the effort.

The tournament schedule begins with Austria playing against Sweden on Friday, June 27, at 17:35 CEST. On Saturday, Sweden will compete against Hungary. The final match features Austria against Hungary on Sunday, June 29, also starting at 17:35 CEST. Both of Austria`s matches are scheduled for live television broadcast on ORF Sport+. The top two teams finishing the League Round will secure qualification for the promotion playoffs, where a place in the 2026 edition of the Golden League is the ultimate prize.