Sovereign Seats - Handball-Teams gain self-confidence for Olympic games
German handball teams showed bravura during their general rehearsals for the Olympics, gaining even more self-confidence for the tasks in Paris. The women's team started things off against Brazil with a convincing 27:20 (14:8) win, while the men's team backed up their medal ambitions with a 35:25 (22:15) victory against an overwhelmed first-round opponent, Japan. In front of 5,641 spectators in Stuttgart, Justus Fischer and Tim Hornke scored six goals each, and Annika Lott added six more.
The men's team faces Sweden on Saturday in the Olympic tournament. Their opponents for a spot in the quarterfinals include Japan, Croatia, Spain, and Slovenia. The women's team begins on Thursday with a mandatory match against South Korea. Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, as well as Slovenia, await them afterwards.
Fischer is finding his stride
Germany's squad, coached by Alfred Gislason, outclassed Japan in every aspect. In one-on-one battles, the relatively small Asian opponents had no chance against Germany's handball giants Johannes Golla and Julian Köster. After 15 minutes, the German team led by six goals (11:5). Although the host team allowed some easy ball losses and didn't defend perfectly, it went unnoticed in terms of results.
The joy on the Stuttgart benches waned when goalkeeper Andreas Wolff went to the bench and pressed an ice pack on his recently bandaged thigh. Olympic reserve player Justus Fischer scored five goals in seven minutes, catching the attention of the crowd.
After the break, the German play became error-prone. The white-clad national players were too unfocused in their counterattacks. Japan, which never posed a serious threat, couldn't take advantage of Germany's error phase. On the contrary: The lead grew larger, and it was the first time it reached double digits with 15 minutes remaining (29:19).
"Too complicated"
Led by goalkeeper Sarah Wachter, the DHB women's team sent a clear message to their Olympic competition. In the first half alone, Wachter thwarted ten attacks from Brazil, which was defeated in the previous match. The German defense was significantly more aggressive in this encounter.
However, there's still room for improvement, according to Gaugisch, considering their conversion rate. "We need to make those simple goals. We sometimes play too complicated," the 50-year-old remarked. To beat the Scandinavian teams, more effectiveness is required in the final stages.
- The German handball team from Baden-Württemberg, showcasing bravura, gained more self-confidence during their Olympic preparations in Germany.
- In the Olympic tournament, the men's team from Slovenia is one of their potential opponents in the quest for a quarterfinal spot.
- Justus Fischer, finding his stride, scored five crucial goals in seven minutes during the men's match against Japan.
- Spain and Croatia are also in the men's team's group for the Olympic Games, presenting formidable challenges.
- The women's handball team from Spain will face South Korea in their inaugural match in the Olympic tournament.
- Germany's goalkeeper Andreas Wolff sustained an injury during the men's match against Japan and had to leave the game, allowing Justus Fischer to shine.
- The women's team from Brazil, having been defeated earlier, struggled against the self-conscious and self-confident German squad.
- The men's team from Japan was overpowered by the larger and more experienced German handball giants, Johannes Golla and Julian Köster.
- The crowd in Stuttgart was enthralled by the performance of the German handball team, particularly Tim Hornke and Annika Lott, who each scored six goals.
- After the break, Germany's play became sloppy, plagued by errors, but managed to maintain their lead due to Japan's inability to capitalize.
- The Olympic Games in Paris will feature a host of handball teams, including Japan's national team, aiming to bring home the gold.
