Andreas Wolff did not want to hide his great desire for the tense group final of the German handball players behind his mouth and nose protection. In summer temperatures, the goalkeeper swore the selection of the German Handball Federation (DHB) in front of the pyramids of Giza with the usual pithy words for the trend-setting World Cup preliminary round against Hungary this Tuesday. “In my eyes, this is the most important game of the entire tournament because it forms the basis for a possible quarter-final,” said the 29-year-old on Monday in the garden of the German team hotel in Egypt. »Of course there is great hunger and motivation. Now the tournament really starts. “
Final game for group victory
After the corona-related cancellation of the second World Cup game against group opponents Cape Verde, who completely withdrew from the tournament on Monday, the German team is full of energy in the duel with the European ninth, which is the first yardstick in the tournament. “It is the final of the group victory that is about extremely important points,” said national coach Alfred Gislason.
For backcourt player Paul Drux it is “felt like the first main round game”, as the DHB selection takes the result into the second tournament phase. Who she meets there is still completely open. All four teams from Group B – European champions Spain, Brazil, Poland and Tunisia – still have a chance of progressing. “It seems to be a slightly different World Cup,” said Gislason about the course of the finals so far. “But I will certainly not say after just one game that we are among the title favorites.” The 61-year-old Icelander did not want to look too far into the distance anyway. The full focus is on the Hungary game. “They are a very good team that have hardly any weaknesses,” warned Gislason. “We have to improve on that.”
In addition to a disciplined and focused defensive performance, the goalkeepers will also be crucial. While Johannes Bitter had one half of match practice in the opening game against Uruguay (43:14), it is Wolff’s first appearance at this World Cup. “Of course I’m very excited to finally intervene in the tournament,” said the goalkeeper from the Polish top club Vive Kielce. After the number one paused in the loose gallop and the second preliminary round game against Cape Verde was canceled after several corona cases by the opponent, Wolff is burning for the game. “I hope that we can come together even better as a unit on the field. The best way to forge a team is to be successful, “he said and added confidently:” I think we have a very strong team that will and can give the Hungarians a very, very strong fight. And I hope that the better end is on our side. “
Improved conditions
The German players are not afraid of a possible corona infection, although the Hungarians had direct contact with two infected African players last Friday in the game against Cape Verde (34:27). “The team approached the game relatively relaxed and with a good feeling,” assured Drux. Especially since the risk for the German handball players is, according to the hygiene expert Florian Kainzinger, within limits. “In general, I would say that there is a lower risk of infection when exercising,” he said. Bob Hanning also sees no reason to worry or even to abandon the tournament. “It doesn’t look like we’re having a break in the World Cup bubble at the moment. We feel absolutely safe and in good hands here, “said the DHB vice-president.
This is also due to the fact that the local conditions have improved significantly. “Everything here is very professional, there is nothing to complain about,” said Wolff. »We don’t talk about Corona and we don’t even think about it. The focus is on the sporting aspects. “The initial grievances in the team hotels were corrected” very quickly, “reported Gislason. “There is no queuing at the buffet. Each team now also has its own room for dining. «He therefore hopes that the corona discussions will end. “I just want to focus on handball here. That was not possible so far, ”said the national coach.dpa / nd
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