Semifinal dream is alive
Germany’s handball players inspire with a European Championship gala against Hungary
January 22, 2024, 10:05 p.m
The dream of a winter fairy tale at the home European Championship is alive: Germany’s criticized handball players react to the sobering draw against Austria with a strong performance against Hungary and move into the best position in the fight for the semi-finals behind group winners France.
The fortress of Cologne boiled over, goal machine Julian Köster danced through the raging hall in his home country – but the German handball players only briefly enjoyed their victory in the nerve-wracking game against Hungary. While still on the blue parquet, national coach Alfred Gíslason swore his team would have the “match point” against Croatia: Another win and the hosts would be in the semi-finals of their European Championship as dreamed of. “That was a phenomenal defense, that was outstanding from the boys,” Gislason praised in the ZDF interview after the 35:28 (18:17) against the eighth-placed team in the World Cup, “we also played very well going forward and were outstanding Attack. That’s why,” he emphasized with a wink, “I can be quite satisfied this time.”
That was also due to Köster, who scored eight goals in just nine attempts and was named player of the game with the Cologne Cathedral made of plush. “Certain things have become easier for us again,” he said, but also warned: “The Croats are incredibly strong. This will be another big fight.” If he succeeds, something can happen with the new winter fairy tale in our own country.
Thanks to the confident and passionately fought success and French support, a victory at “match point” against the already failed Croatians on Wednesday (8.30 p.m.) is enough for the German team to move into the round of the last four. The medal games are within reach. The team did need a certain warm-up phase against Hungary. But in the second round, Germany impressed with an extremely strong defense and pulled the 19,750 spectators out of their seats with high-speed handball. The fact that the previously outstanding Andreas Wolff only made his first save in the 39th minute was irrelevant.
Köster shines everywhere
This time the best German player was Köster. The Cologne native was not only the best DHB thrower with eight goals, but also shone as a passer and on defense together with captain Johannes Golla. Thanks to the success, Germany jumped past Hungary (4:4) into second place with 5:3 points in the main round group I. Under certain circumstances, a draw on Wednesday could be enough to qualify for the semi-finals.
An hour before the game, the French team’s 33:28 win against Austria (4:4 points) provided a shot of extra motivation, meaning they could suddenly reach the semi-finals again on their own. But Gislason remained completely with his team on the ZDF microphone: “We have to deal with our chances much better,” demanded the Icelander two days after the weak performance against Austria (22:22).
This initially only worked to a limited extent; the initial phase belonged to the Hungarians. On the one hand, this was due to the fact that Germany missed four clear throws in the first eight minutes. Above all, Wolff couldn’t get hold of the ball this time. When the keeper made way for the young David Späth after twelve minutes, he had not prevented a goal but had already conceded eight.
DHB team plays more calmly and grippily
The defense initially remained the German team’s Achilles heel. But in attack, Knorr and his teammates now acted much more calmly and with more grip. And when Späth scratched the first ball off the line after exactly 20 minutes, the German team took the lead for the first time since the first minute (13:12) thanks to Sebastian Heymann, who was now turning up the heat. A 2-0 shorthanded score shortly before half-time made the arena shake. “The goalkeepers will come at some point,” Gislason called out to his charges during a timeout. “If we continue to attack like this, then things will look really good,” said DHB sports director Axel Kromer during the half-time break and predicted “one or two more saves” from the goalkeepers.
That’s exactly how it happened. The German defense hardly allowed anything to happen at the back, and Knorr also stepped up a gear at the front – the reward: the first three-goal lead at 20:17. “We’re completely destroying them now. They can’t keep up with the pace,” Gislason called out to his charges during a timeout. And captain Johannes Golla shouted: “Come on, keep defending, just as aggressively.” And Germany continued. Wolff, who returned between the posts, saved his first balls, Köster increased the score to 23:19 (40th). When Christoph Steinert scored 30:24 (54′), the game was decided.