National handball team: How much world champion potential does Gislason’s talents have?

The young wild ones have come to stay. High-flyer Renars Uscins is something like the boss of the still inexperienced but promising handball gang in the German national team. David Späth and Justus Fischer are the emotional leaders. Nils Lichtlein the strategist in the backcourt and Marko Grgic the clever cheeky badger.

At the World Cup test on Thursday (6.30 p.m./ZDF live stream) against Brazil, the DHB quintet wants to promote the generational change in the team. Experienced Timo Kastening certainly sees “world champion potential” in the ripped-off team. Not at this tournament yet, but the future seems promising.

Puppy protection has expired

Uscins, Lichtlein, Späth, Fischer and Grgic celebrated their tournament debut among the big players last year. The puppy protection has therefore expired. “Anyone who was quite a newcomer last year is now known to the opponents. That’s additional pressure,” said national coach Alfred Gislason. As with the silver coup in Paris, the Icelander is relying on a comparatively inexperienced team in the hunt for his first World Cup medal since 2007.

For Bob Hanning, World Cup success depends largely on the fresh faces. “For me, it is our youngest who can or even have to make the difference this year if we want to get on the podium,” wrote the former DHB vice president in his column for “Sport Bild”. The 56-year-old senses a self-confidence in the newcomers, “that’s fun, and a euphoria that makes you look forward to what’s to come.”

Renars Uscins – the reliable one

With a remarkable nonchalance, Uscins threw himself into the hearts of German handball fans at the Olympics. Anyone who thinks of the six-second miracle in Lille cannot ignore Uscins. The DHB team was almost on the bus back home when the 22-year-old saved Germany into extra time in the quarter-finals after a bad pass from the French – and scored the celebrated winning goal. Uscin is regularly the top goalscorer – and has long since become an integral part of the national team.

Justus Fischer – the all-rounder

After Jannik Kohlbacher was unavailable, pivot Justus Fischer (21) is suddenly of particular importance for Gislason. After all, the Icelander loves all-rounders who impress with both their accuracy in attack and their strong defense. Exactly the qualities that best characterize Fischer. Only nine Bundesliga professionals scored more goals in the first half of the season than the U21 world champion. And even just one player blocked more shots.

David Späth – the emotional one

He jumps, shouts and cheers on himself, his teammates and the fans: When David Späth (22) is on the field, it gets loud. The impulsive goalkeeper is the emotional giant in the German team. Späth’s presence on the floor is frightening to some opponents. “I sometimes worry that it won’t tip over at some point,” teammate Juri Knorr once said. In Späth and Andi Wolff, the DHB team has one of the best goalkeeper duos in the world.

Marko Grgic – the rascal

The 21-year-old backcourt player is the youngest in the DHB team and had many names last year. High-flyer, greenhorn or jewel. But Andreas Wolff gave him the most appropriate title. “I affectionately named him Cheeky Badger because, despite his youth, he already has a lot of ruthlessness and a lot of wit,” said the DHB goalkeeper. Grgic is incredibly mature for his age. “He watches the game well, doesn’t worry too much or stress,” said Gislason.

Nils Lichtlein – the strategist

Nils Lichtlein (22) is in the queue for the playmaker position. “Of course he has to fight for his place because he has Juri Knorr and Luca Witzke in front of him, both of whom also play in defense, which he can’t do yet,” explained Gislason. The Füchse Berlin top performer mostly only experienced the home European Championships from the role of spectator. He was then not allowed to go to the Olympic Games. Nevertheless, Lichtlein’s versatility in the backcourt could provide moments of surprise. He has advantages, especially in one-on-one situations, due to his size (1.83 meters) and speed.