Host Nation Through To Quarterfinals

Austria, playing in the last 16 of the Handball World Championships for the first time, led Qatar 13-14 at the interval but fell away in the second half. Zarko Markovic goals sealed a 29-27 win for the buoyant hosts.



Hosts Qatar edged unfancied Austria while Slovenia also won narrowly as both sides progressed to the quarterfinals of the Handball World Championships on Sunday.



A partisan crowd of 11,500 roared the home team on to victory with former HSV Hamburg player Markovic throwing eight goals for the hosts. Robert Weber of SC Magdeburg netted seven times in reply for Austria.



This is now unchartered territory for the Asian champion, which has never before reached the last eight of handball's global showpiece.



In the other knockout game played on Sunday afternoon, Slovenia also won by two goals, winning through 30-28 against Macedonia.



Qatar will face the winner of Monday's match between Germany and Egypt.



After three wins from four, Germany will approach the tie in confident mood as it looks to take home the World Championships for the first time since 2007.



Pwh (dpa, SID)