Without fear of the fear-keeper - Mona Lisa also cheers: Handball players warn Croatia
Eased into their beds after the title-worthy performance against Japan, Germany's handball players allowed themselves a well-deserved afternoon nap. The medal contenders had earned it after the gala presentation at brunch time. "I think it will be a short one. Then we'll be well-rested again tomorrow", announced young star Renars Uscins after the convincing 37:26 (21:10) victory against overwhelmed Japanese opponents. Nonetheless, the DHB team was in agreement: The early morning sport with a 9.00 AM kick-off was an interesting experience. However, the alarm clock didn't have to ring at 4.50 AM again.
Two days after the surprising opening win against co-favorite Sweden, the squad led by Bundestrainer Alfred Gislason confirmed their medal form and sent a thick exclamation mark to the Olympic competition. "We no longer need to dream that we can finish first, but can set it as a realistic goal", Uscins expressed full optimism, only to quickly qualify his warning: "Of course, only if we bring the same performance from game to game".
With 4:0 points, the DHB team leads its group. The entry into the quarterfinals is near and can be perfected with a win in the next game against anxious rivals Croatia on Wednesday. A success would also be important to secure a good starting position for the knockout phase. In a potential quarterfinal, the DHB team intends to eliminate the gold favorites from France and Denmark.
Knorr surprised by German consistency
So far, the German Olympic squad is not yet satisfied. "We must remain humble", appealed playmaker Juri Knorr to his teammates and focused, just like his coach, on the challenging power test against Croatia. "We have lost the last two games against Croatia. In the home EM in January and in the Olympic qualification. We must at least put in a performance like against Sweden", demanded Gislason, who distributed the load against Japan among many DHB players.
The signs before the duel with the Kroatians trained by former Bundestrainer Dagur Sigurdsson are different this time. The DHB men have been playing well since the test match win against Olympic champion and European champion France two weeks ago. "It's also surprising for me that we've been playing so consistently. Of course, our self-confidence grows from game to game", reported crowd favorite Knorr about hardly recognizable weakness phases in the German game.
Knorr himself contributes significantly to the convincing performances. His goal-less throws from the goalkeeper position led to six successes against Sweden. Uscins was more successful with seven goals. Knorr plays freely, looks self-confident, and seems to handle the external and self-imposed pressure better this time. "I don't want to say too much about it, but it's going well right now", said the German hopeful, who is always in the spotlight at major events.
Fans love him
From the fans, he is loved. At the games in Paris, Knorr receives the loudest applause. The team cannot complain about a lack of support. Hundreds of German fans - some with black-red-gold flags, others dressed in Mona Lisa costumes - create a party atmosphere in Paris. "It feels like a home game, I'd be happy to continue like this", sent Rune Dahmke a thank you to the fans. The German supporters would also sign "happy to continue like this".
- Despite their victory against Japan, the German handball team, including young star Renars Uscins, chose to have a siesta after the gala presentation, as they were set to face Croatia two days later.
- Germany, under the leadership of Bundestrainer Alfred Gislason, had already proven their medal form, having surprised co-favorite Sweden in their opening game.
- With a 4-0 point lead in their group, Germany was well on their way to securing a spot in the quarterfinals, with their next game against Croatia being particularly crucial.
- Knorr, a German playmaker, reassured his teammates about their performance against Croatia, stating that they must put in a strong performance similar to their game against Sweden.
- Known for his goal-less throws from the goalkeeper position, Knorr had played a significant role in Germany's victories, contributing to six successful throws against Sweden.
- Fans in Paris were showing their support for the German team, with some waving black-red-gold flags and others dressing up as Mona Lisa in an effort to create a lively atmosphere.
- Dagur Sigurdsson, a former Bundestrainer, was now training Croatia, making their upcoming match a highly anticipated one for both teams, with Germany aiming to eliminate the gold favorites from France and Denmark.
