EM semifinals still possible: DHB women stumble against the Netherlands

EM semifinals still possible
DHB women stumble against the Netherlands

The European Championship semi-finals at the European Women's Handball Championship are still possible for the German national team. Even the painful defeat against world champions Netherlands doesn't change that. Against Croatia there is now a showdown.

Setback, but not yet a knockout: The German handball players have strayed a bit on the way to the EM semi-finals. The team of national coach Henk Groener gave up the possible victory at 27:28 (15:14) against world champions Netherlands, but can still jump on their own in the main round showdown against Croatia on Tuesday (6.15 p.m. / sportdeutschland.TV) Make it into the four best teams in Europe.

"We are now disappointed. It wasn't enough today. We are happy with our development, but not with the result," said Xenia Smits. A victory of the German team against the Croatians with two goals difference is certainly enough to reach the semi-finals. If the Netherlands do not win against Romania on the same day, the DHB women would make it into the top four teams with every win against Croatia.

Circle runner Julia Behnke and captain Kim Naidzinavicius were in Kolding, Denmark, with four hits each, the best throwers in the selection of the German Handball Federation (DHB), which had beaten Hungary at the start of the hot tournament phase on Saturday (32:25). Like the Netherlands, the DHB women now have 4: 4 points, Croatia (6: 2) has the best starting position. The still unbeaten European Championship record champion Norway (8: 0) is already safely qualified for the semi-finals as the winner in the German main round group II.

Surprised by the second wave

In the third duel with Groener's compatriots this year, things went back and forth. The DHB women were convincing offensively with remarkable moves, but defensively they made reckless mistakes and inadequacies. Groener clearly criticized this when he took the first time-out at the first two-goal deficit: "The defense is not enough. We have to be back faster, we will be surprised by the second wave," said the 60-year-old. The words had an effect, just a few minutes later after a 6-0 run by the German team it was 11: 7 (16 th).

The Dutch women, who have to compete in Denmark without their injured star player Estavana Polman, repeatedly took risky throws from the back area, which was rarely crowned with success. In addition: Germany's goalkeeper Eckerle had a very strong day, as it did last against Hungary. But the Netherlands stayed within reach because Germany once again allowed too many frivolous mistakes offensively. So even after the break it was tight.

The German team had to accept the equalizer at 16:16 (35th) for the first time since the 11th minute. Germany usually submitted the following, the Netherlands provided the answer. A gripping final phase developed, with a better ending for the neighbor.

. (tagsToTranslate) Sport (t) Handball national team (t) DHB