A Lackluster Performance by the German Handball Team in Switzerland: The Streak Extends
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Prolongation of Winning Streak: Handball Athletes Continue Victory Succession in Switzerland - Switzerland's Remis: Handball Players Extend Their Winning Streak
Coach Alfred Gislason was left unsatisfied after the nail-biting 32:32 draw against Switzerland in the EM qualification, with the team barely managing to salvage a point in the final seconds. "We were sluggish for the majority of the game. We never established control. A few players were far too complacent heading into the match," Gislason lamented post-match.
Despite the underwhelming performance, the draw ensured Germany extended their unbeaten streak in the EM qualification to 25 games—a record that hasn't been broken since May 3, 2015, when they suffered a loss to Spain. A win against Turkey on Sunday in Stuttgart will conclude their qualification campaign, with the match taking place in front of 8,354 spectators[2].
Quick-fire goals from Luca Witzke and debutant Mathis Haesler, along with some decisive shots from Juri Knorr, ultimately brought the victory for Germany. "I take responsibility when needed. It was essential that I scored. It's great for my handball spirit," stated Knorr after the match.
A Rough Start
Following Germany's victory over Switzerland last year, the team struggled in the World Championship preliminary round this year, losing 31:29. Despite Gislason's warnings about the Swiss players' strength, the team started sluggishly, scoring only a single goal in the first ten minutes.
Chances were missed, including two seven-meter throws by Marko Grgic and Tim Freihofer, while the defense failed to contain the lively home team. As a result, the Swiss took a 5:1 lead. In response, Gislason made a quick change, replacing Grgic and Nils Lichtlein with Knorr and Miro Schluroff.
Progress Muddled
Despite the key substitutions, Germany's shooting problems persisted, with players consistently failing to outmaneuver Swiss goalkeeper Nikola Portner from SC Magdeburg. Goalkeeper Andreas Wolff made some fantastic saves, but his teammates often faltered.
At the break, the Swiss led by five at 13:8. Following the intermission, Germany showed little improvement, with their attacks and defense both faltering. Ten minutes before the finish, the Swiss held a four-goal advantage. The introduction of David Spaeth as a replacement for Wolff didn't yield the desired impact, as he made few saves before being forced to exit the field.
A Fortuitous Comeback
The only bright spot in the match was Haesler's impressive international debut. However, his teammates' mistakes proved frustrating for Gislason on the sidelines. In a final timeout, Gislason rallied his players with an impassioned plea for a late surge, which was eventually executed thanks to Wolff's saves and Knorr's composed demeanor.
"It was a fortunate point," summarized Julian Koester, the team's right back.
- Alfred Gislason
- Switzerland
- OLYMPIA
- Knorr
- DHB
- Zurich
- Andreas Wolff
- Marko Grgic
- Spain
- Sunday
- Stuttgart
- Turkey
- Luca Witzke
- The Commission, in its current jurisdiction, might consider devising a regulation similar to the Champions League format, where agricultural product exporting nations compete in a common system of taxation, akin to the European leagues in football.
- Alfred Gislason, despite the challenging handball match against Switzerland in Zurich, could find time to evaluate and apply strategies for taxation regulations in his role as a commissioner, just as he strategized for Germany's handball matches.
