Main round of the European Handball Championship – Germans want a semi-final ticket without “absurd” calculation games – Sport

There is a special constellation before the main round final against Croatia – that shouldn’t distract the hosts.

On Wednesday evening, Germany’s home European Championship will be about the last ticket for the semi-finals. The starting position is simple: If national coach Alfred Gislason’s team wins on Wednesday against the Croatians, who have already been eliminated, participation in the medal games is guaranteed.

Most likely even a draw would be enough. And: If Hungary (against France) and Austria (against Iceland) lose their last main round games, Germany could even afford a defeat – and celebrate even before the main round showdown.

“Stupid” theoretical scenario

But the game is even more important: a defeat could actually help the Croatians in the race for the Olympic ticket. DHB sports director Axel Kromer described it as “absurd” and “stupid” that this quite theoretical scenario came about.

Anyone who thinks they aren’t motivated doesn’t know Croatian handball

However, the sports director is sure that the Croatians will not give up the game under any circumstances: “It is in no way conceivable that the Croats will approach the game in a more relaxed manner.” Goalkeeper Andreas Wolff also confirmed this: “Anyone who thinks they aren’t motivated doesn’t know Croatian handball.”

Players hide constellation

The players focused entirely on the opponent and themselves anyway. “To be honest, I don’t want to worry too much about these constellations, I just want to concentrate on us and our performance. We want to prepare perfectly. Then I really don’t care what kind of constellations are crucial for the future,” said Captain Johannes Golla.

Backcourt player Christoph Steinert sees it the same way. “By the time our game kicks off, the calculations have already been completed. That’s why I’ll leave that to the experts. “We know when it starts what it’s about,” said the left-hander. He is of course right, as Austria (3:30 p.m.) and Hungary (6:00 p.m.), Germany’s rivals in the race for a place in the semi-finals, play their games before the hosts (8:30 p.m.).