As of: March 16, 2024 7:05 p.m
The German handball players have to worry about their Olympic ticket: The DHB team lost against Croatia on Saturday in Hanover with 30:33 (10:16) and showed a weak performance, especially in the first half. On Sunday, Germany needs a point against Austria in order to go to Paris.
“We only start fighting in the second half,” said left winger Rune Dahmke to Sportschau after the game. “It’s bitter that you end up losing the game in the first ten minutes.”
Further information
2 Min
Handball national coach Alfred Gislason speaks in an ARD interview after the defeat against Croatia about the final for the Olympic ticket against Austria, which will also decide his future. 2 mins
The German team didn’t start the game well at all: Hannover’s local hero Renars Uscins, the best thrower against Algeria with ten goals, failed with his first attempt against Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Kuzmanovic. Lukas Zerbe threw a seven-meter shot onto the post, and Germany also had problems with the Croatians’ offensive coverage. Former national coach Dagur Sigurdsson’s team pulled away with a 4-0 win (6th).
Germany again with problems in the attack
As at the home European Championships in January, Germany took too few of their chances to score, missed many free throws and made technical errors. Kuzmanovic stopped six of the first eleven shots on goal, while Croatia played more efficiently in attack and was ahead 11-5 after 19 minutes.
National coach Alfred Gislason, whose contract will only be extended until 2027 if qualification is successful, was relieved after the end of the game: “We made the game almost impossible with incredibly bad throws and decisions,” said the Icelander.
We went into halftime with a clear 10:16 deficit, a “huge burden” for Dahmke. “It was actually just us who put us behind,” added the 30-year-old. “Alfred put it this way: we were the best players in Croatia – I think he’s right.”
Further information
Germany’s handball players are hoping for a ticket to Paris. The most important questions and answers about the tournament in Hanover. more
More pace in the second half – Uscins wakes up
In the second half, at least things worked better offensively because Germany finally picked up the pace. Uscins in particular used his dynamism, scoring twice and feeding Jannik Kohlbacher at the circle. Sebastian Heymann also scored his first two goals, and with the support of the 10,000 spectators, the German team fought its way to 17:20 (40th). Croatia took the time out.
“We’re here,” the young DHB team shouted at each other in a circle – and they were right: Germany showed better body language and, especially thanks to Uscins, consistently scored goals. For the Croatians, Melsungen’s backcourt player Ivan Martinovic in particular ensured that Germany never got closer than two goals.
“We have a very young, inexperienced team,” said Gislason, pointing out the immense experience in the Croatian squad around Kiel captain Domagoj Duvnjak. “Everyone wanted to give everything for a win, maybe wanted a little too much, we didn’t wait for the chances enough.”
Martinovic cannot be stopped
Croatia, on the other hand, remained ripped off in the final phase and even extended their lead again. With his eighth goal to make it 32:27, Martinovic finally put the lid on it (58th). Uscins also scored eight goals for the German team and the Hanoverian was voted “Man of the Match”.
Further information
1 Min
After the defeat against Croatia, the German national handball team has to worry about the Olympics. But a draw against Austria on Sunday would be enough. 1 min
Germany can still secure its Olympic ticket against Austria on Sunday and even benefited from the fact that Austria “only” won 41:26 against Algeria in the evening. This means that the DHB team (goal difference 71:62) is exactly one goal better than Austria (70:61), both teams have two points. So a draw on Sunday (2:10 p.m., live on ARD and on sportschau.de) would be enough for the Olympics.
Thanks to Austria’s victory, the Croatians have secured their ticket to Paris. They can no longer be pushed out of first place in the table. Algeria was eliminated.
Further information
The DHB selection will face Austria in their last game of the tournament in Hanover. Video live stream
Further information
For the German handball players, the ticket to the Olympics against Austria on Sunday is at stake – and the contract of their coach Alfred Gislason. more
What are the DHB team’s chances and how should the opponents Algeria, Croatia and Austria be assessed? ARD handball expert Dominik Klein gives answers. more
Everyone had imagined the start of the Olympic qualification to be easier. Ultimately, it was enough for the DHB selection to achieve a clear victory against Algeria. more
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sports club | 17.03.2024 | 10:50 p.m