Germany's new handball titan Späth is pissing off Spain
Germany's handballers secure early spot in Olympic quarter-finals and can continue to dream of a medal. The team led by Alfreð Gíslason beats Spain 33:31 and celebrates their third win in four group games. Match winner is David Späth.
Dramatic win against Spain, the quarter-finals await: Germany's handballers have already secured their ticket to Lille at the Olympics. The team led by national coach Alfreð Gíslason defeated the World Championship third-placed Spain thanks to a passionate performance and strong nerves, winning 33:31 (20:18) and can now prepare for the knockout round.
Goalkeeper David Späth was man of the match with numerous saves, especially in the dramatic final phase the regular backup for Andreas Wolff made some spectacular saves. Just ten seconds before the end, he prevented the equalizer with a spectacular save. Renars Uščins became the best German scorer with eight goals. Before the quarter-finals in the northern French city of Lille on Tuesday, the German team will face Slovenia on Sunday (2 pm /ARD and Eurosport). Then it's about winning the group.
Fast-paced and thrilling exchange
Hotly contested, heated, high-class: Both teams delivered a fast-paced and extremely exciting exchange on Friday. The DHB selection convinced the 5765 spectators in the Arena Paris Sud, including World Championship winner Lukas Dauser, with a varied offensive game and repeatedly put pressure on the experienced Spaniards with surprising attacking actions and quick shots.
"If we have 19 missed throws, more than half of them unguarded against the goalkeeper, like against Croatia, it's always difficult against such opponents," Gíslason had said before the game and demanded better goal conversion than two days ago against the Croats (26:31). And Johannes Golla and his teammates delivered.
Germany presented itself from the start awake and in good spirits. With the third goal from Uščins to 6:4, Gíslason balled both fists on the sideline. Thanks to the attacking whirlwind, the DHB team could even afford to have goalkeeper Andreas Wolff hardly touch the ball at the back and already change to David Späth at a score of 7:6 after eleven minutes.
The young goalkeeper made a good impression and saved three throws in two minutes. When Rune Dahmke later increased to 10:7 (16.), the arena filled with numerous German fans was thrilled. Just before the half-time whistle, Juri Knorr scored the German goal number 20.
In the second half, the Spaniards started better. Even the now strong Späth could not prevent Spain from taking the lead for the first time since the fourth minute after 40 minutes. But Germany didn't give up and stayed in the game thanks to the lively Uščins and Späth's saves. Seven minutes before the end, Uščins equalized with his eighth goal to 30:30. Then Späth became the guarantor of victory.
The Olympic Games 2024 in Paris is now within reach for Germany's handball team, with their impressive performance in the group stage securing a spot in the quarter-finals. Excitement continues to build as they aim to showcase their skills on the international stage, following their victory against Spain at the Paris Olympic handball venue.
