The German women’s national handball team won its opening game at the home World Cup. National coach Markus Gaugisch’s team started the tournament with a clear 32:25 (18:14) against outsiders Iceland and headed straight for the main round. In front of 5,527 spectators in the sold-out Porsche Arena in Stuttgart, Alina Grijseels (7 goals), Nieke Kühne and Jenny Behrend (5 each) were the best throwers in the DHB team.
The DHB selection struggled for long periods of the game. The fast Icelanders repeatedly posed problems for the German defense. With a 5-0 run to make it 10-6 (11th minute), the German team gained a small cushion early on. But this was followed by various ball losses due to technical errors or missed throws.
Despite all the problems, the lead held until halftime. After the break, the German team quickly extended their lead to six goals. However, Iceland proved to be the stubborn opponent expected and could not be shaken off decisively.
German handball players meet Uruguay and Serbia
Coach Gaugisch was satisfied despite the bumpy start. “Great mood, good atmosphere, relaxed team. It’s not easy to play an opening game,” he said on Sporteurope.TV: “We’re happy because it also put us in a good mood.”
The German team’s other opponents in preliminary group C are Uruguay on Friday and Serbia on Sunday. The first three teams in each group advance to the next phase of the tournament. The association’s goal is the first medal since the 2007 World Cup bronze.
