Desolate DHB women stumble into the quarterfinals
Germany's women's handball team reaches the Olympic quarter-finals despite a crushing defeat against European champions Norway. The fourth defeat in the fifth game has no consequences for the team as South Korea also loses to Denmark, the third in the World Championship.
Fifth game, fourth defeat - but the quarter-finals are calling: Germany's women's handball team finished the Olympic preliminary round with a phase-wise disastrous performance, losing 18:30 (8:14) to European champions Norway, but still reaching the knockout round thanks to Danish assistance.
Captain Emily Bölk and her teammates' fingers were crossed. Back in the Olympic Village, they learned of Denmark's necessary win against South Korea (28:20). Thanks to the three-way tie, the DHB women finished fourth in Group A ahead of South Korea and Slovenia (both with two points) and can plan for the quarter-finals in Lille with the German men's team.
Reaching the quarter-finals is a great success for German women's handball. In Paris, the handballers are participating in the Olympics for the first time since 2008, and they have now reached the knockout round for the first time since 1992.
"Cards shuffled again"
The team's next opponent, coached by Bundestrainer Markus Gaugisch, is France, the world champions and Tokyo Olympic champions, on Tuesday. "Now the cards are shuffled again," said center back Xenia Smits. But they will need a completely different German team in front of 27,000 fans in Lille, as they were overwhelmed by the Norwegians. "We can't stand like this," said Smits: "I don't work to come here and be slaughtered."
The German team could not build on their impressive performance against Denmark (27:28) against Norway. Missed shots and lack of concentration in defense cost them a better result. Bölk, Viola Leuchter, and Antje Döll each scored three goals, and goalkeeper Katharina Filter made strong saves to prevent a heavier defeat.
The Gaugisch seven, which could not have qualified for the quarter-finals on their own, looked overwhelmed against one of the tournament favorites and missed several clear scoring opportunities again. In defense, the DHB selection was repeatedly caught off guard by Norway's fast-paced play.
Actually starts well
The game started well for the World Championship sixth-placed team. On the contrary. Germany led 3:0 early on and didn't concede a single goal in the first six minutes. But almost ten minutes without a goal put Bölk and Co. behind 3:7. Gaugisch called a timeout, but Norway kept the pressure on, with better passing accuracy and shooting effectiveness.
The German handballers started promisingly in the second half. Filter saved several free shots, bringing Germany within four goals (40 minutes), but missed shots and simple ball losses stifled the comeback attempt. After three-quarters of the game, the match was practically decided at 15:22.
Despite the fourth defeat in the Olympic preliminary round, Germany's women's handball team remains hopeful for the Olympic Games 2024 in Paris. Their impressive performance at the World Championship and South Korea's loss to Denmark allowed them to secure a spot in the quarter-finals.
Qualifying for the quarter-finals is a significant step for the German team, as they will participate in the Olympics for the first time since 2008 and aim to surpass their last quarter-final appearance in 1992.
