"An inkling of redemption" Handballers' thrilling finish salvages group victory
"Poor handball players miraculously clinch game in furious fashion"
Twitter Instagram LinkedIn E-Mail Print Copy link A nail-biting final spurt propels Germany's handballers to a precious draw against Switzerland, securing the group win in the EM qualifiers. Towering performer Juri Knorr once again seals the deal with a dramatic last-minute equalizer.
After a nerve-racking nail-biter, Germany’s handballers, despite heading into the game with a mix of trepidation and complacency, emerged victorious in the European Championship qualifiers. The final scoreboard read 32:32 (11:14), and head coach Alfred Gislason’s face mirrored the same sentiment - a measure of relief but also a sense of being warned of the steep challenge ahead.
"We should be proud of this hard-earned point. Qualification’s in the bag, but we've been given fair warning," remarked DHB's Ingo Meckes. Gislason voiced his displeasure with the team's overconfident approach, calling out players that were "far too lax" before the game. "The first half was patchy at best, both defensively and offensively. The reaction was better in the second half."
Dramatic last-second equalizer
Sitting four goals behind with less than ten minutes remaining, Germany displayed a remarkable resurgence to secure the draw. The pressure-cooker atmosphere within the Hallenstadion in Zurich was palpable as Germany's comeback story unfolded, culminating in Knorr's penalty in the final second, tying the game. Besides Knorr (6 goals), Luca Witzke (5) and newcomer, Mathis Häseler (4) also shone in Germany's stunning turnaround, witnessed by 8,354 spectators in Zurich.
Germany now leads the group with 8:2 points, unreachable by Switzerland and Austria (both 6:4). The EM qualification winds up on Sunday against Turkey in Stuttgart (6 PM, Sportschau.de and Dyn). The German squad already sealed their EM ticket before the Switzerland contest. However, first place carries significant implications for the draw for the final round, taking place on May 15 in Herning, Denmark.
A hair-raising rollercoaster
"Every win counts -- that's our objective. We cannot afford any slip-ups on our quest to grab first place," Gislason declared before the bout, but was forced to watch the team's underwhelming start. Sloppy handling, nerve-wracking errors, and missed opportunities dominated the first half. Goalkeeper Andreas Wolff made some crucial saves, but Germany trailed behind, their offense stuttering. Marko Grgic and Tim Freihofer squandered two seven-meter penalties in the early stages, meaning Switzerland took a substantial 5:1 lead after ten minutes. Gislason called an early timeout, made wholesale changes to the backcourt - but the struggles continued. Despite a rally from Miro Schluroff, Knorr, and Julian Köster, which brought Germany within a hair’s breadth (4:5, 15.), the Swiss goalkeeper Nikola Portner thwarted further progress and the hosts pulled away again. When Germany conceded two goals in a power play, the game teetered on the brink of disaster (26.).
Even in the second half, the high-profile roster of Johannes Golla and Co. fought valiantly, but the expected comeback didn't materialize. The Swiss team, coached by Andy Schmid, thrived with their 7:6 attack. Young players like Felix Aellen [5] shone for the Swiss team, which faced Germany in a crucial week of European Championship qualifiers. The outcome was significant for both teams' qualification chances.
HandballNational Men's Handball TeamMen's European Handball Championship
- Despite initial apprehension and overconfidence, Germany's handball national team secured a valuable draw against Switzerland, salvaging a group victory in the EM qualifiers, thanks to Juri Knorr's late equalizer.
- In the nail-biting final moments of the game, Knorr scored a dramatic penalty in the last second, tying the match for Germany.
- Germany's handball team, already qualified for the European Championship, now leads the group with 8 points, a position that carries significant implications for the draw for the final round.
- Knorr, along with Luca Witzke and Mathis Häseler, shone in Germany's stunning turnaround, ensuring a strong offensive performance despite some early errors and sloppy handling.
