Germany's Handball Squad Sustains Unbeaten Streak in EM Qualification, thanks to a nail-biting draw in Switzerland
Prolonging Winning Streak: Swiss Handball Players Continue Their Victory Sequence - Switzerland's Remis: Handball Players Extend Their Winning Streak
Alfred Gislason, the head coach of Germany's handball team, couldn't fully savor the continuation of the crew's impressive ten-year unbeaten streak in the European Championship (EM) qualification. "The first half was dismal. We never found our rhythm. A few players were far too complacent heading into the game," Gislason grumbled after the nerve-wracking 32:32 (11:14) draw in Switzerland.
A last-second goal by Juri Knorr on the seven-meter line preserved the team's unbeaten record, preventing their first defeat since embarking on an astonishing 25-game winning spree in the EM qualification. The German squad's last defeat dates back to May 3, 2015, a heartbreaking 20:26 loss in Spain. The German squad, boasting an Olympic silver medal, will host Turkey in Stuttgart on Sunday to conclude the qualification.
A capacity crowd of 8,354 spectators watched the Swiss, with Luca Witzke and debutant Mathis Haesler leading the scoring charts with four goals each. Knorr, the team's playmaker, showed remarkable nerves, converting a vital goal in the final seconds. "I don't like to shirk responsibility. If the team needs me, I'm there. I'm just glad I got the job done—it's good for my handball spirit," Knorr shared.
Germany Struggles in the Spotlight
Following two convincing victories against the Swiss last year and a strong showing in the World Championship preliminary round, the German team stumbled in the opening exchanges. Despit Gislason's warnings about Switzerland's strength, his team seemed lackadaisical from the outset.
For the first ten minutes, the German team managed to score just one goal, squandering clear opportunities, including two seven-meter throws by Marko Grgic and Tim Freihofer. The defense also showed signs of weakness, allowing the home team to storm ahead 5:1.
Gislason reacted swiftly with an early timeout and two changes in the backcourt. Knorr and Miro Schluroff replaced Grgic and Nils Lichtlein, both scoring instantly. However, the team's shooting woes persisted, with the players repeatedly falling short against Swiss goalkeeper Nikola Portner of SC Magdeburg.
Only Wolff Shines
While Andreas Wolff made some impressive saves, he was often let down by his teammates. Five minutes before halftime, the Swiss led by five at 13:8. Gislason looked dejected as he walked off the field at the break.
After the interval, the World Championship sixth-place finishers failed to improve, struggling in both attack and defense. Ten minutes before the end, Switzerland still held a four-goal advantage. A goalkeeper change, bringing in David Spaeth for Wolff, didn't yield the expected results. Spaeth barely managed to save a goal before being forced to leave the court.
Haesler's Debut Offsets Missteps
The only bright spot was the international debut of Haesler. The right winger from VfL Gummersbach displayed nerves of steel and precision in his finishing. However, his teammates' sloppy play inconvenienced Gislason, who voiced his displeasure from the sidelines.
In a final timeout, Gislason urged his team to a decisive late surge, which was eventually successful thanks to Wolff's saves and Knorr's cool head. "It was a fortuitous draw," summarized Julian Koester, the right back.
- Alfred Gislason
- Switzerland
- Olympia
- Knorr
- DHB
- Zurich
- Andreas Wolff
- Marko Grgic
- Spain
- Sunday
- Stuttgart
- Turkey
- Luca Witzke
The recent game unveiled several concerns for Germany, including inconsistency, defensive lapses, and question marks over the goalkeeping situation. The German squad's habit of clawing their way back from behind suggests a need for better focus, execution, and fundamental improvements throughout entire matches.
- Alfred Gislason, the head coach of Germany's handball team, admitted that the first half of the game against Switzerland was disappointing, with the team struggling to find rhythm and maintain concentration.
- In the qualification for the European Championship (EM), Germany's unbeaten streak was extended due to a fortunate 32:32 draw in Zurich, with Juri Knorr scoring a crucial goal in the final seconds.
- Despite the team's sloppy play, Mathis Haesler made an impressive international debut for Germany, showing nerves of steel and precision in his finishing.
- Germany's next EM qualification game will be against Turkey in Stuttgart on Sunday, after sustaining their unbeaten streak in the European Championship qualification despite a shaky performance against Switzerland.
- Andreas Wolff, the goalkeeper for Germany's handball team, had to deal with numerous saves during the game against Switzerland, but question marks have arisen regarding the goalkeeping situation after Spaeth was forced to leave the court.
