The German men’s national handball team has secured a place in the main round of the European Championship. In the final preliminary round game, national coach Alfred Gíslason’s team won against Spain with 34:32 (17:15). This meant the team avoided an early exit from the European Championships. The Germans’ best thrower was Renārs Uščins in front of 9,526 spectators in Herning with eight goals.
After a minute’s silence for those affected by the serious train accident in Spain, the German team started the game at high speed. The Spanish team initially narrowly lost to the DHB team. After 20 minutes, Germany was ahead by three goals for the first time at 12:9. Goalkeeper Andreas Wolff saved a few shots. The German team also acted much more efficiently in attack than in the previous games against Austria (30:27) and Serbia (27:30).
Even after the change, the DHB selection played with a lot of speed in attack, but remained on equal terms with the former European champions in the duel. On the German side, David Späth replaced Wolff in goal after 40 minutes. Ten minutes before the end, Germany was still three goals ahead at 28:25, but reduced the lead to two goals by the end.
The second phase of the tournament starts for Germany with a game against Denmark or Portugal
The second phase of the tournament continues on Thursday against either world champion and Olympic champion Denmark or fourth-placed Portugal. With 4:2 points, Germany is ahead of the Spaniards with the same points in Group A due to the direct comparison won and is therefore first in the group.
The starting position for the group final against Spain was already clear in advance. Because Serbia lost the game against Austria 25:26, a draw would have been enough for the DHB selection to advance. If Serbia had won, the German team would have had to win by three goals.
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