Handball World Cup: Vogel’s Golden Family Legacy?

The tearful drama happened almost exactly two years ago to the day. Emily Vogel, who was still called Bölk at the time, stood in the interview zone in Herning and cried almost uncontrollably. The then co-captain had tears running down her face for minutes after the German handball slap in the World Cup quarter-finals against Sweden. On Tuesday evening, the 27-year-old stood in front of the journalists again and cried. This time with joy.

Vogel had to fight hard with her emotions in the last few minutes before the cathartic semi-finals. “I did the math and thought, we can’t lose this anymore, no matter what we do. Then Alina (Grijseels) looked at me and said: Emy, just a little longer, because she saw that I was fighting,” reported Vogel, alternating between laughing and crying.

With five goals, the backcourt player played a major role in ensuring that the DHB team was able to break the quarter-final curse and reach the World Cup semi-finals for the first time since 2007. After missing opportunities in previous years, the selection celebrated their success extensively in the most important home game since 1997 with over 10,000 fans. “Because we waited a damn long time for this moment and wanted to use this stage,” said Vogel, explaining the dance performances on the dance floor.

“We’ve never been this close before”

Proud, self-confident and with an “abnormal” belief in a medal, Vogel wanted to get on the bus to Rotterdam today. In the semi-finals on Friday against Denmark or France they will have to make do without the support of the home fans for the first time in this tournament. But the craving for a sparkling Christmas present is getting bigger and bigger.

“We’ve never been so close. We’ve never performed so confidently. Why do you go there? Not to come fourth. Anything is possible,” announced Vogel, confident of victory. Reaching the semi-finals already feels like gold. “But why not go to the end?” said Vogel. Will the 27-year-old help the women of the German Handball Association win their second World Cup title?

Mom’s magical night from Oslo

Vogel knows all the details of the magical golden night in Oslo and almost no one from the current squad knows it. Mama Andrea was finally on the floor during the final drama against Denmark in 1993. “I’m really happy for Emy. She’s been chasing a good placement for years,” the 57-year-old told dpa immediately after Germany’s victory over Brazil.

At home we sporadically talk about past successes and new dreams. “My medal is already hanging visibly in our study. Emy would really like it too. A precious metal in her hand would be special,” said Mama Bölk and said: “Now everything is an encore. The burden and the pressure have been lifted. When you are in the last four, anything is possible.”

Vogel comes from a handball dynasty: mom, dad, grandma

Vogel comes from a real handball dynasty. Grandma Inge once played in the GDR team, but was not there for the World Cup titles in 1971, 1975 and 1978. In 1993, mother Andrea was in the squad for the only German women’s World Cup title after reunification, father Matthias was active in the Bundesliga for VfL Fredenbeck. Only grandpa broke out of the family tradition and played football.

So sport is in the genes. “When my mother was training, I played around with the balls and didn’t want to leave the hall. My father had to catch me with his jacket,” Vogel once reported.

Horror start to the year: no longer captain, not in the squad

Vogel has been the face of the national team for years, even though it has often failed to meet external and personal expectations. The biggest setback came this year: national coach Markus Gaugisch removed her from the position of co-captain and temporarily did not nominate her for the international matches.

“If you don’t allow yourself to be crushed, it makes you stronger,” said Vogel, looking back, and reported that the deportation had spurred her on. So much so that she is one of the best in the DHB team at this tournament. “I bring experience and can be the source of calm and intelligence on the field,” said Vogel, describing her role.

It’s not just mom Andrea who is extremely proud of her daughter. Gaugisch also likes the development of his protégé. “She showed courage right from the start,” said the 51-year-old and praised Vogel’s play in coverage, build-up play and finishing. It was phenomenal how Vogel handled the personnel decision in the spring. One thing is clear: Vogel must not let up a bit if he is to win the World Cup medal.