Handball-EM
After defeat: Handball players have to worry about the main round
Germany’s European Championship handball players are far from medal form and made a number of mistakes against Serbia. An even better opponent awaits on Monday.
Germany’s handball players lost a competitive game against Serbia for the first time and have to worry about getting into the main round of the European Championship. Two days after the opening win against Austria, national coach Alfred Gislason’s selection had to admit defeat 27:30 (17:13) in Herning, Denmark. Six goals each from Germany’s best throwers Miro Schluroff and Renars Uscins were not enough to avert defeat.
“We did a good first half – especially in defense. We didn’t do so well in the second half,” said Gislason on ARD. In addition, they made too many mistakes at the front. “That’s why we couldn’t win the game.”
At the end of the preliminary round, Germany will meet Spain again in Herning on Monday (8.30 p.m./ZDF/Dyn). The two-time European champions have not lost a point and had previously beaten Austria 30:25. DHB fans will still have fond memories of the dramatic duel in the 2024 Olympic semi-finals, which Germany won 25:24.
In the possible main round, the opponents are likely to become much tougher. In addition to Olympic champions Denmark and defending champions France, fourth-placed World Cup winners Portugal and Norway are also waiting there.
Serbia has only won three European Championships since silver in 2012
The role of favorite was clearly on the German side. A DHB selection had never lost a competitive game against Serbia. The team from the Balkan Peninsula had also not lived up to its reputation as unpleasant opponents for years. The fact that Serbia has only won three European Championships since becoming runners-up in 2012 speaks volumes.
Wolff sees strong Späth in goal
Somewhat surprisingly, Andreas Wolff was on the bench after his strong performance against Austria. He was replaced by David Späth in goal, who repaid his nomination with impressive saves. The most noticeable player in the DHB team was Juri Knorr. The playmaker made early missed throws, but was directly involved in four of the first six goals and impressed with his speed and dynamism in fast-paced counterattacks.
Germany played incredibly courageously, but often acted hastily in their shots. “We sometimes get a little ahead of ourselves,” said team manager Benjamin Chatton. After a quarter of an hour everything was open at 8:8. Only the substitution of Schluroff took the attack to a new level. The Gummersbach player impressed with high-speed goals from the backcourt.
Füchse keeper Milosavljev is causing problems for Germany
As in all games of the last few weeks, Germany struggled immediately after the break and the lead shrank to one goal at 19:18. Also because Serbia’s goalkeeper Dejan Milosavljev from Füchse Berlin played a strong game. The outsider equalized 19 minutes before the end.
After a time-out, Gislason sent Wolff into the goal, who the German fans celebrated with loud chants after a seven-meter save. Twelve minutes before the end of the game, the Olympic silver medalist fell behind. The momentum had completely changed and the German defense fell further and further apart.
With a timeout at the worst possible time, Gislason prevented a goal three minutes before the end of the game. The ball was in the goal, but the national coach had previously pressed the buzzer. “Of course it’s my responsibility,” said the Icelander. It should take revenge.
dpa
