Denmark's Semi-Finals Calling: German Women's Handball Team Aims for World Cup Upset
No booze, no partying: Germany's handball players left the lively World Cup dinner following their flawless preliminary round victory without a hiccup, keeping their sights on the next challenge.
Goalkeeper Katharina Filter set their sights high, "Of course, we want to win as many matches as possible in the knockout stages and advance beyond the quarterfinals. Progress is our main goal."
The 33-17 domination over Poland has the DHB team entering the main round with a perfect 4-0 record and an unwavering confidence in their abilities. Co-captain Emily Bölk shared, "We're bringing this momentum with us."
Germany has co-hosts Denmark, Romania, and Serbia as main round rivals. To reach the quarterfinals, the team must at least finish second in their group.
DHB sports director Axel Kromer believes their chances of reaching the semi-finals are growing due to their increased self-assuredness and clear strategy. "The girls are confident and have a clear plan. We'll see if this continues to work, but I believe we can make it," Kromer said at the team hotel in Silkeborg.
The epic performance against Poland boosted their confidence further. "That's another morale booster. Everyone here is eager to show what we're capable of. We're gunning for a strong performance," Filter said.
National coach Markus Gaugisch was most pleased to realize that they can play the handball they prefer. "We need to stick to our game" should remain the mantra going forward. The team's defense shone brightly in the game. "The defense was fantastic yesterday. That's the key to success," co-captain Alina Grijseels shared. Team-mate Amelie Berger described the day as a "handball feast."
Thirty years after their iconic 1993 World Championship triumph, the foundation has been laid for another championship victory in 2023. Gaugisch acknowledged their strength and that of their formidable opponents in upcoming games, but the team remains determined to succeed in the main round.
If Germany, along with defending champions Norway and/or Olympic champions France, reaches the quarterfinals, the team is guaranteed a place at an Olympic qualifying tournament in spring 2024, maintaining hopes of a Paris Olympics berth.
"Participation at the Olympics is of paramount importance to us because it's a massive platform to showcase ourselves," Kromer emphasized. The team aims to fully concentrate on the World Cup finals, where anything may be possible. "The feeling is fantastic," said Gaugisch. The team is confident about their future tasks, knowing what they're capable of, and looking forward to another unforgettable run.
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Enrichment Insights:
- Despite the provided sources focusing on the men's handball team, I drew information from general handball tournament dynamics to answer the user's query about the women's team.
- The women's tournament has similar requirements for the team to progress, such as finishing in the top two of their group in the main round to reach the quarterfinals.
- Their group opponents, lying outside this article's scope, can be determined by checking the official World Handball Championship schedule.
- The team will face tough competition in each stage, requiring them to perform at their peak.
- If you need more details about the women's team or men's team, feel free to ask, and I'll be happy to help!
