DHB team wants more "handball enjoyment": opponents can come

Women's World Cup - DHB team wants more "handball enjoyment": opponents can come

The German handball players want to build on their outstanding defensive performance against Poland on their way to the World Cup quarter-finals.

"Covering wins games. We need courage in defense. We hope that we can show this handball for a long time and in many phases," said national coach Markus Gaugisch after a brilliant defensive performance by the DHB team. "The most important realization is that we can play handball the way we want to."

Three decades after the historic 1993 World Championship triumph, which today marks the 30th anniversary, the foundations have been laid for a new World Championship triumph. In the surprisingly unchallenged 33:17 win over Poland, the German squad not only secured group victory, but also impressed in the game at the back. "The defense was bombastic today. That's the key to success," said co-captain Alina Grijseels. Team-mate Amelie Berger described the evening as a "handball treat". "We were able to show that we can play great handball. Now the next opponents can come."

In the second phase of the tournament, Germany will face title contenders Denmark, Romania and probably Serbia in a group of six. The first main round duel is scheduled for Thursday. The two best teams will then qualify for the quarter-finals - the German Handball Federation's minimum target. "We have to continue to be so focused and continue to put up such a defense. We need concentration from every player," Grijseels appealed to the team.

"The girls have a clear plan"

DHB sports director Axel Kromer believes the German handball team can advance to the World Cup semi-finals. "The chances are increasing because the girls are self-confident and have a clear plan. It remains to be seen whether that will continue to work. But I believe we can do it," said Kromer.

"We know our strength, but also the quality of our upcoming opponents. Nevertheless, we naturally want to get through the main round successfully," said Kromer.

Goalkeeper Katharina Filter, who delivered a strong performance in the duel with Poland, set the motto for the rest of the tournament. "Of course we want to win as much as possible in the main round and not stop in the quarter-finals either, but progress," said the 24-year-old.

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1. Markus Gaugisch, the national coach, expressed confidence in the German team's defensive abilities, praising their performance against Poland.
2. Alina Grijseels, the co-captain, referred to Germany's defense as "bombastic" after their victory against Poland, which secured their group win at the Women's World Cup.
3. The German Handball Federation (DHB) aims to qualify for the quarter-finals in the second phase of the tournament, facing title contenders Denmark, Romania, and potentially Serbia.
4. Axel Kromer, the DHB sports director, believes that the German handball team has a clear plan and a good chance of advancing to the World Cup semi-finals.
5. Katharina Filter, the goalkeeper, stated that the team's goal is not just to win in the main round, but to progress as far as possible in the tournament.
6. In the midst of the tournament, women's handball teams from around the world, including Germany, Women's Major League (WM) teams, and international powers like Denmark and Poland, are showcasing their skills and strategies.

Source: www.stern.de