Two successes in the big test run: With a 28:27 (17:12) in the second duel against Olympic fourth-placed Egypt, Germany’s handball players boosted their self-confidence before the upcoming home European Championships, as did the DHB women, who met around three weeks before the World Cup against Hungary with 29:25 (14:9).
In front of 10,911 spectators in the sold-out Munich Olympic Hall, national coach Alfred Gislason’s team put on a successful performance over long periods on Sunday and in many situations indicated their potential for the European Championship finals from January 10th to 28th. The best German throwers were right winger Timo Kastening with eight goals and director Juri Knorr (7).
“In the first half we had an outstanding defense and strong wings. After the change I was a little disappointed with our defensive work. We also dropped a few balls up front,” Gislason summed up after the emotional rollercoaster.
Goalkeeper Späth from the start
Captain Johannes Golla was happy about the happy ending, for whom the success was the right gift for his 26th birthday. “I am particularly happy with the first half. The victory is important for us and gives us courage,” said the cyclist. Kastining also drew a positive conclusion: “We are happy to have played this game successfully.” However, the top German thrower warned: “We still have a lot to do and have to keep working on ourselves so that we are in top shape in January.”
Goalkeeper David Späth became the match winner in the dramatic final phase. “Coming on in crunch time makes me proud. I wanted to repay this trust with performance. I’m glad that I managed to do it quite well,” said the U-21 world champion.
After his successful international debut last Friday at 31:31 in the first duel with the African champions, he was allowed between the posts of the German goal from the start. However, the 21-year-old was initially not a factor because the German team’s defense had little access at the beginning and the Egyptians took advantage of the gaps that presented themselves. At least things went better in attack. The DHB team always came to a successful conclusion, especially on the outside.
Errors creep in
In the middle of the first half, the DHB selection managed to break away by three goals for the first time. Captain Johannes Goll, who celebrated his 26th birthday on Sunday, scored 11:8. Now the defense was also better – and behind it, Späth provided additional security and emotions with a few saves. So we went into the half-time break with a five-goal cushion. “The team is performing great. We are satisfied,” summed up DHB CEO Mark Schober.
After the change, the German team, with oldie Silvio Heinevetter now in goal, remained focused and aggressive. Director Knorr carefully pulled the strings and skillfully showcased his fellow actors again and again. The 23-year-old also distinguished himself as an enforcer for German cup winners Rhein-Necker Löwen. This meant that a secure lead could initially be maintained.
The defense is in place: Jannik Kohlbacher (left) and Julian Köster (right) stop the Egyptian Ahmed Khairy. : Image: dpa
But then errors began to creep in. A good six minutes before the end, Egypt equalized to 25:25. In the final phase, Späth came back and, with some brilliant feats, became the celebrated match winner.
Previously, the DHB women were able to celebrate their seventh win in a row in the third-to-last World Cup test and gain self-confidence for the tournament in Scandinavia. “It’s great that we were able to continue our winning streak. This helps us to develop a natural ability to win games. It was a good performance by the team,” praised national coach Markus Gaugisch.
Frank Heike Published/Updated: , Recommendations: 2 Itay Goder Published/Updated: Recommendations: 5 Frank Heike, Hamburg Published/Updated: , Recommendations: 3
Backcourt player Emily Bölk was the best thrower of the German team with six goals, which will face Japan at the start of the World Cup on November 30th. Other group opponents in the finals in Denmark, Norway and Sweden are Iran and Poland. The DHB selection will play the last two test games against Sweden on November 24th and 26th.
