The German women’s handball team loses its last group match. The quarter-finals are only certain if South Korea loses against Denmark. The world champions are waiting in the possible knockout phase.
After the fourth Olympic defeat in the final fifth preliminary round match, the anxious wait began for the German handball players. The selection of national coach Markus Gaugisch had to admit defeat after a mistake-filled performance against European champions Norway with a clear 18:30 (8:14) and then hope for help from the opposition. The tournament will only continue for the DHB selection in the quarter-finals if South Korea then loses to Denmark.
In this case, Germany would be level on points with Slovenia and the Asians and would be in the knockout round thanks to the better goal difference in the three-way comparison. If South Korea manages an unexpected draw or even a win against the third-placed team in the World Cup, the German team would have to return home. The best DHB throwers against Norway in front of around 5,700 spectators in Paris were Emily Bölk, Antje Döll and Viola Leuchter, each scoring three goals.
Possible quarter-final against the world champion
For the German handball players, this is the first Olympic participation since 2008 in Beijing. Their opponents in the quarter-finals would be world champions and hosts France. The Équipe Tricolore won all five preliminary round matches and are the top favorites for the gold medal. The last time the DHB women beat the French was in 2011.
The matches in the knockout phase will be played at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille. 27,000 spectators want to transform the home stadium of the French football club OSC Lille into a handball cauldron.
Collapse after lightning start
After a 3-0 run at the start, the DHB women collapsed completely against Norway. The passes became increasingly inaccurate, the finishes weaker. And suddenly Germany was 6:13 behind. “Speak more,” demanded backcourt player Xenia Smits loudly. Goalkeeper Katharina Filter prevented an even greater deficit.
The DHB women ruined their good start in the second half with hasty actions. The German team around Julia Maidhof also missed too many shots from the penalty spot. Even if Germany makes it to the quarter-finals, a win against France seems impossible in this condition.
Source: Stern
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