The German handball players will take part in the Olympic Games in Paris this summer for the first time in 16 years. Markus Gaugisch’s team beat Montenegro 28:24 (11:7) on Saturday (April 13, 2024). Goalkeeper Katharina Filter made an outstanding save and was named “Player of the Game” at the end of the game with a rate of 57 percent of shots saved.
In the game, which started cautiously, the nervousness of the German team was clearly noticeable. Playing errors on both sides prevented goals, and after eight minutes Germany was leading 2-1.
To the live ticker: Germany – Montenegro Arrow right 2nd group match day Arrow right
With the inclusion of Alina Grijseels, who had recently injured her foot, pressure and a goal threat came into the game. As expected, Montenegro put up a defensive battle and caused a number of seven-meter penalties. Julia Maidhof gratefully accepted the chances and used the penalty throws in a row, in the end she had nine goals.
The German defense worked with concentration and repeatedly forced the Montenegrin seven to make mistakes. And what got through to goalkeeper Katharina Filter was destroyed with great saves.
Loss of concentration in the second section
In the second half of the game, the German women, who were now in an excellent position, pulled ahead to 20:10. A lot came together at the front for the DHB team, but at the back the German selection only allowed a few loopholes for the Montenegrins.
In the final quarter, Montenegro came up again and reduced the score to 23:27 with three minutes to go. With the second team timeout, Gaugisch concentrated once again, and in the end the score was 28:24.
“An incredibly beautiful feeling”
“It’s not final yet, but the team has made a huge step,” beamed the national coach at the ARD microphone, because theoretically Paraguay had no chance of overtaking the DHB team. “It’s an incredibly nice feeling. I’m just happy about the achievements that we have now built up step by step.”
The mood was probably even better when the Paraguayans were clearly defeated by Slovenia (14:32) a few hours later – and the Olympic ticket for Germany was secured. Germany started with a win over Slovenia and leads the tournament with four points. On Sunday, the Gaugisch team will face Paraguay (1:30 p.m.).
