For the German handball players it is the end of the main round against Norway. After that, either France or Spain are waiting in the quarter-finals. The national coach has no preferences.
After reaching the World Cup quarterfinals prematurely, the German handball players have no preferred opponent for the knockout round. “It doesn’t matter to him whether it’s against Spain or France,” said national coach Alfred Gislason after the 33:26 (15:12) victory against the Netherlands in Katowice.
Before that, there is still the final main round game against another world-class team: On Monday (8.30 p.m. / ARD) the DHB selection will meet the Norwegians, who have also qualified for the quarter-finals.
“Of course we will approach the game against Norway in the same way as we have done every game so far, we want to win it. But we will of course also try to spread the power,” said Gislason. The final placement in the main round group ultimately decides whether it is on Wednesday in Gdansk against Olympic champion France or the European Championship runners-up Spain. The two top teams conclude their group on Sunday with a direct duel.
Hard test in the quarter-finals: France or Spain are waiting
“We played a very good game against Spain back in October. They’re an extremely ripped-off team and incredibly experienced,” said Gislason. “France, on the other hand, has unbelievable power and fire from behind, and is also very strong in width. These are two world-class teams.”
Goalkeeper Andreas Wolff, who stood out from a strong team in the win against the Netherlands, takes a similar view. “You should always avoid the French. Actually, the Spaniards too. But one of the two will do it,” said the 31-year-old.
But first, Norway is on the agenda. Already there the German team will get a taste of what they could expect against France or Spain.
Because the Norwegians are also among the best in the world. The DHB selection has not yet played against such a caliber at this World Cup. “They are definitely the strongest opponents in the tournament so far. We can definitely learn a lot from the game,” said Gislason.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
