Experienced Häfner speaks of a “complete catastrophe”, Captain Golla of a “huge disappointment”. A construction site must be closed against Hungary.
After the sobering draw against Austria, Germany’s handball players still believe in reaching the European Championship semi-finals, but they need a massive increase in performance to do so.
“We have to do our homework and win the two games. But it will be difficult if we play like that,” said veteran Kai Häfner after the 22:22 in the prestigious duel with the still unbeaten neighboring country.
After two main round match days, the DHB selection is in fourth place. Only the best two teams from the group of six qualify for the semi-finals. The team of national coach Alfred Gislason is dependent on support.
“An unbelievable number of missed throws”
In order to win against Hungary on Monday (8.30 p.m./ZDF and Dyn), the DHB team has to improve significantly, especially in attack. Against Austria, the DHB team missed too many easy chances and often made technical errors.
“It was a crazy and wild game in which we only did bits and pieces. There were an unbelievable number of missed throws,” right winger Timo Kastening criticized himself and said casually: “Sometimes you have the shit in your hand.”
“If we continue to play like this in attack and waste our chances, we will not win against Hungary or Croatia,” predicted Gislason. Häfner added: “The second half was a complete disaster. We all did shit today.”
DHB sports director optimistic
DHB sports director Axel Kromer described the result as a “slap in the face”. Captain Johannes Golla reported a “huge disappointment” in the whole team and admitted: “It takes a little bit of the ground out from under your feet.”
But he is optimistic “that we will keep our heads up. But that’s actually not enough. We also have to play better handball than we did today and also against Iceland,” demanded the pivot. And Kastening gave the route: “Anyone who’s moping now can go straight home. Now you’ll see who can handle pressure. Such situations make a man out of you.”
Source: Stern
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