Handball: “We have been warned” – handball players have to improve

The German handball players are now warned. At least that’s what captain Johannes Golla called it after the 31:27 win at the World Cup against Qatar.

The success at the start gives self-confidence. But in the second game on Sunday (6 p.m. / ARD) Serbia is now waiting – and thus the toughest opponent in the preliminary round group. “This is a team that has top players in Europe, most of whom also play in the Champions League. That’s why it’s definitely the toughest group opponent for us,” said Golla in Katowice, Poland. Backcourt strategist Juri Knorr made it shorter: “There are Champions League winners, German champions, everything.”

The fact that the DHB selection speaks highly of the Serbs should also have something to do with a wake-up call to itself. Because the team of national coach Alfred Gislason cannot afford a weak phase like in the second round against Qatar on Sunday. “It’s going to be difficult now, Serbia are great opponents,” said Knorr. “We’ve got to get better at that.” With another win, the German team would already qualify for the targeted main round.

To do this, however, she has to stop her still inexplicable fluctuations. Everything went according to plan against Qatar from the start: a strong Andreas Wolff in goal, an outstanding Knorr as director – and a largely stable defense. Until the second half came. Then the defense was suddenly no longer stable and the favorites made a number of mistakes in attack. Wolff also injured his calf and had to go down, but he should be fit again on Sunday.

Captain Golla said he had no idea what caused the drop in performance. But: “We are warned that we have to perform over 60 minutes.” Only then can the DHB selection achieve their goal of moving into the main round without losing points.