In his hometown, Mats Grambusch misses the chance to reach the European Championship final. As a result, both German teams missed the finals in Mönchengladbach.
Consolation came from all sides. Ironically, Mats Grambusch, who was born in Mönchengladbach, captain, leader and head of the German national hockey team, prevented his team from entering the final of the European Championships in his hometown.
“It’s a tragic story that only sport writes,” said national coach Andre Henning after the dramatic end of the semi-final against England, which was lost 4-5 in a shootout. The 30-year-old wanted to take responsibility after a tough 0-0 over 60 minutes, came in as the last shooter – and missed. After the German hockey women, the only thing left for the world champion is the game for third place at the European Championships.
There is probably no other player in the team who would have liked the fans to reach the final and win the European Championship more than the 30-year-old leader. “Me too, personally. Mats is a fantastic captain, such a great person and a world-class hockey player,” said Henning. The teammates comforted him, the spectators celebrated him on the lap through the hockey park – and the unluckiest player in the stadium was also the first to answer the questions.
Against Belgium for third place
“Disaster, shit, guilty – that’s how I feel. It broke my heart to miss a penalty here in my hometown and not bring the team to the final. It hurts a lot,” said Grambusch. The support from the ranks did him good. But he would have loved to give the fans and the city more. In the final on Sunday (3:00 p.m.) are the English and the defending champions, the Netherlands. The DHB selection meets Olympic champion Belgium in the game for third place (12.30 p.m.).
Despite all the disappointment, the team showed itself to be a fair loser and praised the English for their “world-class performance”. You can also take the so-called consolation game or small final with you. “We want to show this fantastic audience, who supported us so much, that we are a great team,” promised the national coach. “As soon as we’ve dealt with the emotional stuff, we’ll think about this game,” said Grambusch.
The hope of at least one final with German participation at the home European Championship has been shattered. “It’s not a disgrace. It’s part of the sport. Of course we would have liked to have played two finals, but the semi-finals of the European Championship are 50-50 games,” said Henning. En route to winning the World Cup in January, his team was even luckier in the knockout round against England – and won in the shootout.
Source: Stern
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