Frankfurt / Main (dpa) – The handball EM from January 13th to 30th in Hungary and Slovakia will electrify millions of fans again. The German Press Agency answers the most important questions about the tournament.
Where will the finals be played?
There are five venues – three in Hungary and two in Slovakia. The German team will play their preliminary round and, if they progressed, the main round games in Bratislava. The second Slovakian venue is Kosice. The venues in Hungary are Debrecen, Szeged and Budapest – there the medals are also awarded.
How is EM mode?
There are six preliminary round groups with four teams each. The best two from each group qualify for the main round, in which the game continues in two groups with six teams each. The first and second placed in each main round group reach the semi-finals. The two third placed contest the game for fifth place.
Who will the German team meet?
The DHB selection will face Belarus, Austria and Poland in group D. “The group is very balanced, anything can happen. Our goal is of course to reach the main round with as many points as possible,” said national coach Alfred Gislason. If they advance, defending champions Spain, Olympic third Norway and World Cup second Sweden are potential opponents of the German team in the main round.
Who are the EM favorites?
Several teams can hope for the title. The first to be mentioned are Olympic champions France, World champions Denmark and European champions Spain. But Norway, Sweden and Croatia are also traditionally among the medal contenders.
What prospects does the German team have in the tournament?
Alfred Gislason’s protégés see themselves more in the role of outsiders. “We’re not a candidate for a medal, that’s why we’re not talking about it,” said the national coach. The last major successes came in 2016 with the European Championship triumph in Poland and Olympic bronze in Rio. Since then, the DHB selection has remained without precious metal in all major tournaments.
Where can you see the European Championship games?
All German appearances are shown on traditional television on ARD and ZDF as well as on the internet provider “sportdeutschland.tv”. The online sports broadcaster broadcasts all of the final rounds – but for a fee of twelve euros. In addition to the German games, you can watch up to 18 other matches at Eurosport without additional payment.
What about Corona?
The pandemic is keeping the teams in suspense in advance. Many finalists reported positive corona cases in preparation. The German team has so far been spared. All EM participants – players, coaches, officials – must be vaccinated. Despite the increasing number of cases – unlike at the World Cup a year ago in Egypt – spectators are again allowed. The halls in Slovakia can be used to a maximum of 25 percent, in Hungary there are currently no audience restrictions.
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