Handball - World Championship quarter-finals close: DHB women win against Romania
Germany's women's handball team danced exuberantly around the court after their nail-biting victory over Romania. With the hard-fought 24:22 (9:12) to start the main round, the team of national coach Markus Gaugisch continued its impressive run of success at the World Championships in Scandinavia and took a big step towards the quarter-finals.
"That was a great mental performance. Compliments to the girls," praised Gaugisch after the final whistle and added with a view to the upcoming tasks: "Of course, that gives us further self-confidence and helps us to develop our own belief."
With a win over Serbia on Saturday, the DHB team led by outstanding goalkeeper Katharina Filter can already secure a place in the round of the best eight. "We now have the first match point to achieve our minimum goal," said co-captain Emily Bölk. The main round concludes next Monday against title contenders and co-hosts Denmark. The two best teams in the group qualify for the quarter-finals.
Bölk "mega happy", Gaugisch relieved
In Filter's strong performance, who saved 16 shots from the Romanians, Antje Döll and Annika Lott were the best scorers in the German team on her 24th birthday with four goals each. "I'm mega happy. We showed that we can win even close games," said a delighted Bölk.
The national coach was also relieved after the fourth win in the fourth game, as it did not look like it at first. "We struggled in the first half, but stayed calm. In the second half, we finally played our fast-paced game, positioned ourselves well on the pitch and went all out in tackles, especially in defense," analyzed Gaugisch.
Gaugisch had described the match as a "crunch game". "Normally, if Romania lose this game, they're gone. And if we shake off Romania, we have a good chance of finishing in the top two," said the 49-year-old before kick-off. At the same time, he warned of "the dangerous axis" around the four-time world handball player Cristina Neagu at the back and circle runner Crina Pintea - and rightly so, as it turned out.
Initial phase characterized by carelessness
Around 2,500 spectators in Herning saw the "absolute battle" that Bölk had predicted right from the start. The German team lacked the aplomb of the gala game against Poland (33:17). Carelessness characterized the opening phase, in which the DHB team quickly trailed by three goals.
Romania played anything but outstandingly, but profited from Germany's error-prone play. Xenia Smits and birthday girl Annika Lott missed the chance to equalize. Alina Grijseels missed two seven-meter penalties against Romania's strong goalkeeper in the first half - and coach Gaugisch called in vain for "more movement" in offense on the sideline.
Filter in top form after the break
After the break, world championship debutant Viola Leuchter brought more momentum to the attacking play and caused cheers on the German bench with two early goals. The DHB team again had several chances to equalize - and again made hair-raising mistakes. And yet, in the 42nd minute, they took the lead again for the first time since 1:0 (16:15).
Filter was now on top form between the posts and saved shot after shot. Larger gaps opened up in the Romanian defense for the first time. Ten minutes before the end of the game, the DHB team suddenly led by five goals (22:17). Germany were now more compact at the back and managed to hold on for an important victory.
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Source: www.stern.de
