Filter aims for EM medal
The extraordinary number one of handball women
11/01/2022 5:37 p.m
Katharina Filter is number one in goal for the German handball team. In the test against Hungary, she shows an outstanding performance. She is hoping for her second medal this year at the European Championships. She is one of the most extraordinary players in the country.
For once, Katharina Filter had nothing to complain about after her gala performance in the convincing 31:20 victory of the German handball women in the European Championship test against Hungary. “It was a lot of fun. The defense was very aggressive and I had a very good day,” said the outstanding goalkeeper of the DHB selection.
That was a gross understatement. Filter fended off 19 throws on Monday evening in Tatabánya, which corresponded to a rate of 51 percent. “The interaction between the defense and the goalkeeper worked well. With our defensive work, we gave Kathi balls from the back area that she could read and therefore hold. And in crucial moments she returned it and saved a few free throws,” praised national coach Markus Gaugic.
Co-captain Emily Bölk agreed with the assessment – albeit much shorter: “Kathi was outstanding.” Filter herself was almost even happier about her second international goal, which she scored in the first half with a throw across the field into the orphaned goal of the Hungarians. “I don’t have many chances to score goals so it was cool,” she said. You rarely hear a consistently positive self-assessment from the 23-year-old after a game. “I’m often my own biggest critic. It takes a lot for me to be happy with myself,” reveals Filter.
Gold on clay, medal in the hall?
With her world-class performance, Filter, like her teammates, gained a lot of self-confidence for the upcoming European Championship, where long-time goalkeeper Dinah Eckerle is missing because of her pregnancy. In their second major tournament after the World Cup last year, Filter is number one in the German goal. “I am aware that I have a different role now. It came faster than I thought. I want to show that I can do it justice,” she said.
Next Saturday, the DHB team will start the final round against Poland, in which Spain and co-hosts Montenegro are the other preliminary round opponents. “The anticipation is huge. I’m really looking forward to the European Championships. I want to show what I can do,” said Filter, adding: “Of course I dream of a medal. Otherwise I wouldn’t have a goal.”
For the native of Hamburg, who has been playing for the Danish first division club København Håndbold in Copenhagen since this season, it would be the second medal this year. Because Filter is also the goalkeeper of the German beach handball team, with whom she won World Cup gold for the first time in the summer. “Both are great fun for me,” said Filter about her double role in the sand and on the parquet.
Before the start of the European Championship, however, there is still the last endurance test against Romania on Wednesday (6 p.m./Sport1) again in Tatabánya. Filter and Co. want to build on the strong performance against Hungary in order to be able to go into the finals with a good feeling. Filter is already looking forward to the European Championships: “We are a good team that harmonizes and wants to go far together.”