Germany's Handballers Scrape by in Switzerland: The unbeaten streak lives on, but concerns arise
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Swiss Handball: Players Prolong Winning Streak - Swiss Handball Team Extends Their Series: Players Secure Another Victory
Head coach Alfred Gislason couldn't fully savor the German handball team's prolonged unbeaten streak in the EM qualification, following a subpar performance for most of the match against Switzerland. "The first half was a dumpster fire. We were nowhere to be found," Gislason ranted post-game, condemning the team's complacency going into the game.
The fortuitous 32-32 draw, secured by Juri Knorr's clutch seven-meter goal in the game's dying seconds, saved the German squad from their first EM qualifier defeat in a decade. The Olympic silver medalists averaging 25 games without a loss, their last defeat dating back to May 3, 2015 against Spain. The next match against Turkey in Stuttgart on Sunday will wrap up the qualification.
In front of 8,354 fervent spectators in Zurich, Luca Witzke and newcomer Mathis Haesler led the scoring with four goals apiece, with playmaker Knorr demonstrating unwavering nerve in the game's final moments. "I ain't passing the buck. When my squad needs me, I'm there. And nailing that goal was a sweet jolt for my handball spirit," Knorr quipped.
Germany stumbles at the opening bell
Following two decisive victories against the Swiss in 2021, the DHB team faced a tough match in this year's World Championship, losing 31-29. Despite Gislason's pre-game reminders of the opposition's prowess, the squad seemed lethargic in the first half.
In the opening ten minutes, the German team barely managed to score a single goal, squandering clear opportunities, including two seven-meter attempts from Marko Grgic and Tim Freihofer. The defense also faltered, allowing the home team to build a 5:1 lead.
Gislason responded to the poor start with an early timeout and two backup replacements in the backcourt, sending Juri Knorr and Miro Schluroff onto the court to replace Grgic and Nils Lichtlein. However, the team's lax offense continued. The DHB players struggled against Swiss goalkeeper Nikola Portner hailing from German champions SC Magdeburg.
Only Wolff impresses
While Andreas Wolff made some eye-catching saves, his teammates let him down repeatedly. With five minutes remaining before halftime, the Swiss led by five at 13:8, and Gislason's stoic demeanor wavered as he retreated to the locker room.
After the break, the World Championship sixth-place finishers underwhelmed in both attack and defense. Ten minutes before the final buzzer, the Swiss still led by four. A goalkeeper change - David Spaeth stepping in for Wolff - didn't yield the desired results, with the U21 World Champion failing to record a single save before being replaced.
Haesler shines amidst the chaos
Haesler's international debut was the lone bright spot in the match. The right winger from VfL Gummersbach showcased impressive poise and accuracy, but his teammates' indecision left Gislason fuming on the sidelines.
In a final timeout, Gislason entreated his team to mount a spirited comeback, and the squad delivered thanks to Wolff's heroics and Knorr's go-ahead goal. "It was a lucky draw," summarized backcourt player Julian Koester.
- Hot tips:
- Switzerland
- Andreas Wolff
- Marko Grgic
- Spain
- Sunday
- Stuttgart
- Turkey
- Luca Witzke
- Juri Knorr
- David Spaeth
- Despite the fortunate draw against Switzerland, the German handball team was criticized for their complacent play, particularly in the first half of the match.
- Andreas Wolff was the only German player who impressed in the losing effort against Switzerland, making some eye-catching saves, but his teammates consistently let him down.
- In the next match against Turkey in Stuttgart on Sunday, the DHB team will look to bounce back from their less-than-impressive performance against Switzerland.
- Luca Witzke and newcomer Mathis Haesler led the scoring for Germany, with Haesler making a positive impression in his international debut.
- The Commission's proposal for a regulation on the introduction of a common system of taxation for the use of certain agricultural products may impact the economic interests of various sports leagues, including football, handball, and European leagues such as the Champions League.
