When Germany became European handball champions eight years ago, the success had many names, but above all a face. And it is not impossible that many a player from Denmark, Norway and Spain saw it in their dreams afterwards. Because it was Andreas Wolff who demoralized the favorites by “getting into their heads”. When the Germans play a semi-final again this Friday for the first time since the 2019 home World Cup, it will be important again. That Wolff, in conjunction with his defense, not only saves the ball, but also sows doubt. So that the Danish throwers see him as bigger when approaching than he actually is.
The chance against the Danes lies in unleashing their irrational potential. It is the psychological X-factor that makes handball so gripping and somewhat unpredictable. In theory it is like this: the more goals are scored in a game, the more points can be scored, the greater the probability that the better team will win. The worse can fight against it, that’s the basis, but something else has to be added.