Germany’s handball players have fulfilled their semi-final dream with the next defensive gala and are aiming for a medal at the World Cup. National coach Markus Gaugisch’s team easily defeated Pan American champions Brazil in the quarter-finals in Dortmund with 30:23 (17:11) and reached the semi-finals of a major tournament for the first time in 17 years.
10,522 spectators in the sold-out Westfalenhalle celebrated the German team exuberantly. Even when Brazil came within three goals eight minutes before the end thanks to a 7:2 run (25:22), the DHB women remained cool. Captain Antje Döll with six and Emily Vogel with five goals became the best German throwers. Katharina Filter impressed in goal with a very strong second half.
“It’s like redemption,” said Döll on ZDF. Gaugisch was “extremely happy for the team. Many of these players have been through difficult times, but haven’t stopped believing in it. It’s just great that we did it.”
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Dual success story: Antje Döll is a police officer in Ludwigsburg, property crimes department. The 37-year-old plays a different role at the Handball World Cup – as captain, driver and so far the best goalscorer in the DBB selection.
The overall convincing performance against Brazil should provide a lot of tailwind for Rotterdam: In the Dutch port city, the DHB selection can now crown their Christmas fairy tale with their first World Cup medal since bronze in 2007. “They play very well and are getting better from game to game,” said men’s national coach Alfred Gislason on ZDF: “I even believe that they have the chance to go even further.”
After seven clear victories in seven tournament games, Germany will face defending champions France or World Cup third-placed Denmark in the semi-finals on Friday. The medals will then be awarded on Sunday. Both of the German team’s games will be broadcast live by ARD.
The game hadn’t even started yet and the mood in the Westfalenhalle cauldron was already at a boiling point. “This game is an opportunity for us,” said Gaugisch on ZDF: “It’s an honor, we’re enjoying it.”
This enjoyment was evident to the DHB women right from the start. Spurred on by the special atmosphere and well prepared for the opponent led by playmaker Bruna de Paula, they got off to a lightning start. Above all, Emily Vogel, who made it 3-1 (3rd) with two quick goals.
As a result, the German team continued to pull away. At the back, the defense led by defense chief Aimée von Pereira immediately showed the agility and toughness for which they are already feared at this tournament. At the front, Vogel and Co. continued to act callously in the end. When Viola Leuchter increased the score to 8:3 (12th) with her third goal, Brazil was forced to take its first timeout.
“Don’t let up a bit,” captain Antje Döll called out to her teammates. And he set the best example himself. Even the Brazilian sprint to 9:7 (16th minute) didn’t unsettle the German team and, thanks to four Döll goals, they pulled away to 14:9 (26th minute) before the half-time break. “I’m fascinated and amazed by this team. It’s just fun,” enthused DHB team manager Anja Althaus on ZDF: “We have to carry on in the same way now.”
And they did. Katharina Filter in particular was now in top form. Because the goalkeeper temporarily nailed down her goal, Germany was even able to afford some lapses in concentration in the finish and still pulled ahead to 23:15 (43rd). Even a phase of weakness did not dissuade the DHB team. The party in the stands began.
