For Germany’s handball players there is a double final today: a draw against Austria secures the Olympic ticket – and the job of national coach Alfred Gislason.
The German handball players are playing to qualify for the Olympics in Paris. The most important questions and answers about the tournament in Hanover.
What is the starting position before the game against Austria?
The starting position before the last day of the Olympic qualifying tournament in Hanover is clear: a win or a draw against the Alpine handball players secures the ticket for the Summer Games in Paris. If Germany loses, the Austrians will travel to France together with the Croatians, who qualified early.
“It’s a final for both teams,” said DHB playmaker Juri Knorr – and exuded confidence: “The winner is through. It’s a nice situation. We have everything in our own hands.”
Who are the German opponents?
National coach Alfred Gislason’s team won against Algeria 41:29 on Thursday. There was a 30:33 defeat against Croatia. The last opponent is Austria (Sunday, 2:10 p.m.).
Who qualifies for the Olympics?
The two best teams in the four-person tournament will win their ticket to the Olympic Games in Paris (July 25th to August 11th). There are two points for every win and one point for a draw. Croatia has secured qualification after two wins in the first two games.
What happens if there is a tie?
If two or more teams have the same number of points, the following criteria will decide in this order:
– Score from direct comparison
– Goal difference from direct comparison
– Number of goals from direct comparison
– Goal difference from all group games
– Number of goals from all group games
– the lot
What else is it about?
The future of national coach Gislason will also and above all be decided in Hanover. The German Handball Association (DHB) extended the contract with the Icelander after fourth place at the European Championships, Gislason’s best result to date as DHB coach, up to and including the home World Cup in 2027 – but the deal only applies if Germany manages to qualify for the Olympics . Until the ticket is in his pocket, the 64-year-old is working on probation.
Which players does national coach Gislason rely on?
The European Championship squad should sort it out. The 17-man squad is led by captain Johannes Golla, and top performers such as goalkeeper Andreas Wolff, playmaker Juri Knorr and youngster Julian Köster are also there.
It is interesting to look at the 35-man squad from which Gislason nominated his players: Hendrik Pekeler and Steffen Weinhold from Kiel, who have already retired from the national team, also appear there. Both had assured Gislason that they would be available in the event of a personnel emergency.
For Pekeler, a short comeback does not seem to be completely ruled out, as the pivots Johannes Golla and Jannik Kohlbacher were recently injured. European Championship driver Justus Fischer, who like Pekeler plays in the circle, is missing injured. The DHB has so far refrained from making a subsequent nomination.
Why is participating in the Olympics so important for handball?
The Olympic Games have immense appeal in handball. There is no bigger stage. A German team has only become Olympic champion once, in 1980 the GDR men led by goalkeeper Wieland Schmidt triumphed against the Soviet Union in the legendary final in Moscow. The last medal to date was bronze in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro. In 2004 in Athens the DHB men won silver.
Where will the games be broadcast?
ARD will show the decision against Austria live on Erste and in the live stream from 2:03 p.m.