Handball World Cup
DHB women reach for gold: doubts are not part of it
The German handball players are missing a victory to become an absolute World Cup sensation. Before the final against the seemingly overwhelming Olympic champions Norway, two leading players address their critics.
With the self-confidence of a serial winner who has already secured his first World Cup medal in 18 years, the German handball players firmly believe in the golden miracle of Rotterdam. “What sets us apart this year is that doubts are not part of it at all. Why not win gold,” said Emily Vogel before the World Cup final in the evening (5.30 p.m./ARD/Sporteurope.TV) against the high-flyers from Norway.
It is the most important game in German women’s handball since the World Cup title in 1993. The Scandinavians are the best team in the world, winning Olympic gold and the European Championship title last year. “But we are now bursting with self-confidence. The team spirit is indescribable. We are an exceptionally great team. That is a feeling that is transferred to the whole team,” reported Antje Döll, who as captain plays a key role in the often-quoted “we feeling”.
Gaugisch: “I want a gold one”
It could be a historic evening, especially for Vogel. Mom Andrea was part of the team that won the World Cup in 1993 and regularly supports them in the stands. “Of course it’s a dream that I grew up with. Mom’s medal was a plaything for me,” said Vogel.
After dominating world champions France for over 60 minutes in the semi-finals, anything seems possible in the fight for gold. National coach Markus Gaugisch couldn’t yet say where he wanted to hang his medal. “I don’t have that many silver medals. I don’t want them either. I want a gold one. We’ll find a place there,” assured the 51-year-old and declared confidently: “There’s still something possible.”
Vogel’s message to the critics: I like the aftertaste
As in the semi-finals, the German team has nothing to lose. The lightness runs through the entire tournament. For the players, reaching the final is not only a satisfaction, but also a clear message to the critics.
“That’s an aftertaste that I really, really, really like. Because there were definitely a lot of journalists sitting outside rubbing their hands and preparing a lot of negative comments. We showed it to everyone and ourselves too,” said Vogel, beaming with joy into the camera.
Leading player Xenia Smits added: “We often talked about a medal with the national team. Then many people said we were crazy. Now to just show that it is possible and that it is absolutely not too big is something very special for me personally.”
dpa
