Despite a courageous performance, Germany’s handball women lost the first of two international matches against Vice European Champion Denmark.
Despite a long -standing idea, the team of national coach Markus Gaugisch was defeated by the top team with 31:33 (13:12) and missed the first victory against the Danes since 2019.
Ten minutes before the final whistle, the German team (27:26) led before the Olympichares passed. Viola Leuchter and Xenia Smits and were the best German throwers with six or five goals.
Strong presentation by Emily Bölk
A strong performance in front of 3525 spectators in Hamburg also offered returnees Emily Bölk. The ex-captain, who returned to the France test game (25:28 and 29:30) after a temporary boot, came from the bank after 20 minutes and scored four goals.
The second comparison with the Olympic 3rd is scheduled for Saturday in Aabenraa, Danish. The top-class international double pack is considered another test run for the World Cup in seven and a half months in its own country (November 26 to December 14).
Glossy performance by goalkeeper filter
“The Danes have been among the absolute top teams in the world for years. We need exactly such games in preparation for the home World Cup”had emphasized Gaugisch before the game – and then saw a highly motivated German team in a highly competitive game. The leadership changed constantly, no team was able to break away until the final phase.
But Denmark then acted clever in the crunchtime. At first without a Bölk but with a lot of commitment, the DHB selection started. It took over four minutes before the hosts met for the first time. But especially on the defensive, Smits and their teammates fully agree. And when balls came towards the gate, there was still keeper filters, who offered a brilliant performance with twelve parades including two seven meters held alone in the first round.
At the beginning of the second round, the DHB women took the lead for the first time with two goals (14:12). Denmark did not let himself shake off and took the lead again (19:18). In the final phase, however, the German team lacked the power.