Women’s European Championship: Victory against Iceland: handball players in the main round of the European Championship

When the impending European Championship exit was averted and the ticket for the main round was booked, Germany’s handball players danced exuberantly across the parquet in a cheering circle. The safe 30:19 (14:10) victory in the last preliminary round game against Iceland brought huge relief to national coach Markus Gaugisch’s team.

“The team passed the test of character. We were already under pressure, but we kept calm and performed well. The defense in particular was great,” said Gaugisch after the safe success in front of 2,056 spectators in Innsbruck.

European Championship debutant Nina Engel was the best thrower with seven goals for the DHB selection, which finished second in Group F with 4:2 points behind the Netherlands (6:0). “That was a refreshing performance from her,” praised the national coach of the 21-year-old top thrower. Goalkeeper Katharina Filter also shone with numerous saves.

Germany starts the main round without a point

Since only the result from the direct group duel between the top two is taken, the German team starts the second phase of the tournament with 0:2 points due to the 22:29 defeat against the Orange team.

The start there is on Thursday against Switzerland. Other opponents are Olympic bronze medalist Denmark, Olympic champions Norway and Slovenia. The two best teams reach the semi-finals. “We’re not ready to daydream. We want to do our homework and beat Switzerland and Slovenia,” said Gaugisch.

In the third preliminary round game, the DHB selection also had to do without Viola Leuchter, who was ill. At least Annika Lott, who was also missing against the Netherlands, returned to the squad. The German team initially noticed the pressure in the all-or-nothing game. The starting phase was characterized by nervousness. The result was ball losses and missed throws.

Since the Icelanders had to struggle with the same problems, neither team was able to gain an advantage. It wasn’t until the middle of the first half that the DHB team found its rhythm. The defense with Filter as a strong support now stood securely and did not allow a goal for almost twelve minutes. With a 6:0 run, Germany moved from 4:5 to 10:5.

As a result, the sixth place in the World Cup failed to extend their lead. Once again the clearest opportunities were missed. Unlike the defeat against the Netherlands, this did not have any serious consequences as the Icelanders do not have the class of the Oranje team. So we went into the break with a four-goal cushion.

Defense as the foundation of success

After the change, the German defense remained stable. Only one goal conceded in the first twelve minutes of the second half was evidence of great defensive work. The reward was a comfortable seven-goal lead at 18:11 (41st minute).

The DHB team now had everything under control. Filter was almost impossible to overcome and the attacks were completed in a more concentrated manner. Seven minutes before the end the game was decided early at 26:16. With the final whistle, the tension of the German players was released into a sigh of relief.