Kickoff into the 'death group': DHB team eager for revenge - Germany seeks revenge against Portugal in high-stakes handball rematch
Germany’s handball team will face Portugal in the main round opener on Tuesday. The match presents an immediate opportunity to avenge last year’s World Championship quarterfinal loss. Both teams enter the clash with high stakes and fresh momentum.
Portugal caused an upset in the 2023 World Championship, ending Germany’s unbeaten streak in Herning—a run that had lasted since 2014. That defeat still lingers, and now the two teams meet again in what coach Alfred Gislason describes as a must-win scenario. He has framed every game from this point forward as a final for his squad.
Germany arrives with renewed confidence after a strong finish to the preliminary round. A hard-fought victory over Spain has boosted morale, though the road ahead remains challenging. Their main round group includes not just Portugal but also Norway, Denmark, and France—all formidable opponents. The Portuguese camp, meanwhile, carries self-belief after a surprise win over Denmark in their last outing. Germany respects their resilience but insists they are ready for the challenge.
The rematch will test Germany’s ability to bounce back from past setbacks. A win would strengthen their position in a demanding group. For Portugal, another upset could further disrupt the tournament’s balance.
