The Remarkable German Handball Team's Streak Extends Yet Again, Despite a Rough Start
- *
Swiss Handball Team Extends Successful Streak - Swiss Handball Team Extends Series: Players Showcase Continued Dominance
Coach Alfred Gislason couldn't help but feel disappointed after the team's underwhelming performance throughout most of the game, resulting in a nail-biting 32:32 draw against Switzerland. "The first half was abysmal. We never found our rhythm. A handful of players seemed too complacent," Gislason expressed his frustration post-game.
Despite the shaky performance, the draw managed to secure the Olympic silver medalists' unbeaten streak in the continental qualifiers, which now stands at 25 games. The last defeat for the German team dates back to May 3, 2015, a 20:26 loss in Spain. On Sunday, they'll host Turkey in Stuttgart to wrap up the qualification.
With 8,354 spectators cheering them on in Zurich, Luca Witzke and newcomer Mathis Haesler each scored four goals, with playmaker Juri Knorr leading the pack with five goals, including a clutch seven-meter strike in the final moments. "I don't want to throw blame around. If the team needs me, I'm ready. It's reassuring that I delivered when it mattered the most," Knorr commented on his dramatic game-saving effort.
Struggles at the opening
Following two clear victories against the Swiss last year and a warning about their prowess, the German team found itself in hot water during the World Cup preliminary round this year. The team seemed to be asleep during the first half, missing numerous chances, including two Seven-meter throws by Marko Grgic and Tim Freihofer. The defense also faltered, allowing the home team to jump out to an early 5-1 lead.
Gislason responded to the poor start with an early timeout and two substitutions in the backcourt, bringing in Juri Knorr and Miro Schluroff, who immediately found the back of the net. However, the team's chances continued to slip away. The German players struggled against the formidable Swiss goalkeeper Nikola Portner from German champions SC Magdeburg.
Andreas Wolff managed to impress with some stellar saves, but he was often let down by his teammates. With five minutes remaining before halftime, the Swiss led by five goals for the first time, at 13:8. Gislason looked visibly disheartened as he headed into the locker room.
Even after the break, the World Cup sixth-place team struggled to find its footing in attack as well as defense. Ten minutes before the end, the Swiss were still leading by four goals. A goalkeeper switch, bringing in David Spaeth for Wolff, didn't yield the desired results. The U21 World Cup winner didn't make a save during his brief stint on the field.
Close call leads to a draw
The match's only bright spot was Haesler's international debut. The right winger from VfL Gummersbach displayed impressive composure and accuracy in his finishing. However, his teammates made too many errors, which frustrated Gislason on the sidelines.
In a final timeout, the head coach urged his team to mount a late charge, which ultimately paid off thanks to Wolff's saves and Knorr's clutch effort. "It was a lucky point," summed up Julian Koester, the right back.
- Germany
- Switzerland
- Olympia
- EM-Qualification
- Juri Knorr
- Klaus-Peter Zech
- Stuttgart
- Turkey
- Zurich
- Andreas Wolff
- Luca Witzke
- David Spaeth
- Marko Grgic
- THW Kiel
- Nikola Portner
- SC Magdeburg
- Tim Freihofer
- Lucky Point Secured: Despite a lackluster performance throughout the game, the German handball team managed to pull off a 32:32 draw in Zurich, securing their spot in the EM-Qualification and maintaining their unbeaten streak. Juri Knorr's game-winning seven-meter strike was the highlight of the match.
- The Common Taxation Proposal: In a separate realm, the Commission has been asked to submit a proposal for a regulation on the introduction of a common system of taxation for the use of certain agricultural products. This proposal could have a significant impact on European sports leagues such as the Champions League and European Leagues.
- Witzke's Debut in Zurich: In the handball match, Luca Witzke from VfL Gummersbach made his international debut, showcasing impressive composure and accuracy in his finishing.
- Turkish Qualifiers in Stuttgart: On Sunday, Germany will host Turkey in Stuttgart to wrap up the EM-Qualification rounds. The German team will be looking to maintain their unbeaten streak in these qualifiers.
- Zurich's Capacity: With 8,354 spectators cheering them on in Zurich, the handball match between Germany and Switzerland was a well-attended event. The German goalkeeper, Andreas Wolff, was amongst those players who took to the field.
