Alfred Gislason has often proved that he is a very relaxed coach. Which probably also has to do with the nature of the Icelander. On Tuesday at the European Handball Championships in Bratislava, however, he surprised everyone when he didn’t send the expected experienced formation onto the field in the 34:29 win against Austria, but instead once again placed his trust in the youngsters and debutants. It was clear that the corona infected Julius Kühn would be replaced by Sebastian Heymann. But not that the veterans, who had impressed in the 33:29 opening win against Belarus, received such long breaks.
As in the opening win against Belarus, the selection of national coach Alfred Gislason did not come into play well, but improved again in the second half and finally celebrated a secure victory. Because Belarus lost against Poland a little later, the German team qualified early for the main round. On Tuesday it is against Poland to win the group in the preliminary round.
Above all, Till Klimpke was not necessarily to be expected in goal. The tournament newcomer got off to a bad start against Belarus and had to give way to veteran Andreas Wolff after just ten minutes. This time, however, the 23-year-old was immediately on the post, made a number of first-class saves and was “a bit overwhelmed” after the triumph. Nevertheless, the German selection found it difficult to get going again, which was again due to the shaky defense in the first half. “It has to change that we start so badly in every game because of a holey defense,” said national coach Gislason. Above all, the Austrians repeatedly came to free throws and successful conclusions.
In addition, the opponent presented themselves significantly improved compared to the defeat against Poland. Austria’s Slovenian coach Ales Pajovic had complained about a weak defense, with visible success: the defenders attacked Germany with much more commitment. In addition, goalkeeper Golub Doknic, who at the ripe old age of 39 played only his fifth game for the Austrian team, was in top form. Everything was already at stake for the Austrians, only the first two teams of each preliminary round group will move into the main draw.
Again, the German selection shows a significant increase in performance in the second half
In attack, Austria had already convinced in the first comparison, now the returnee Nikola Bylik in particular acted in strong form. The powerful backcourt player, who is under contract with THW Kiel and was given the title “world class” by national coach Gislason, was getting close to his best form and was the expected strong support with seven goals. Sebstian Frimmel, who plays for Hungarian Champions League club Szeged, was even more successful with nine goals.
The Austrians try with all means, here Nikola Bilyk (right) bravely reaches into Johannes Golla’s jersey.
(Photo: Marijan Murat / dpa)
As in the first game, the DHB selection went into the break with a deficit, Austria led 16:15. And like against Belarus, the team knew how to improve. It was particularly remarkable that Gislason did not rely on the experienced forces. The Icelander made lively changes and gave almost all players playing time. They knew how to thank him: Heymann not only replaced Kühn in an impressive manner thanks to his five goals, Lukas Mertens was given preference on the left wing over Marcel Schiller, who had been so strong recently, and scored six times. Luca Witzke (three goals) was a convincing playmaker, Christoph Steinert played flawlessly in front and behind and contributed five goals. Julian Köster, Simon Ernst and Djibril M’Bengue worked effectively on the defensive, right winger Lukas Zerbe scored his first European Championship goal.
The most successful thrower, however, was one of the well-established forces in the German team: Timo Kastening, who was also voted man of the match, had to spend most of his time on the bench against Belarus, but against Austria he was able to let off steam with nine goals.
Again it was the breadth of the German squad that ultimately made the difference, towards the end the Austrians ran out of strength. The opponent has a strong top six, but the rest of the squad is mainly made up of second-class players, many players are engaged in the second Bundesliga. Ultimately, the 34:29 win was more or less befitting, now it’s up to the Poles on Tuesday to win the group.
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