Germany’s junior handball players are world champions. The U19 selection of coach Erik Wudtke prevailed in a dramatic finale of Cairo against defending champion Spain 5: 4 in seven-meter throwing after twice extension. After the regular season it was 27:27 (14:16). After the first extension 31:31, before the shootout from point 36:36.
In total, both teams were in the field for over 80 minutes. 90 seconds before the end of the second extension, Spain had already looked like the safe winner in a three-goal lead, but Germany saved himself into seven-meter throwing with a brilliant final sprint. There, DHB keeper Finn Knaack became the match winner with three parades.
For the German handball federation, the title is the crowning glory of this tournament summer. The U19 juniors had already won EM gold in July. “A phenomenal title for a team that we promised a lot from,” said national coach Alfred Gislason after the final thriller. “At the end of the second extension, they were almost gone at minus three. This team just has a great character.”
A-national team can add to its own country in 2027
Germany was in a World Cup final after 2019 for the second time with a male U19 national team. At that time, the selection around today’s international players Nils Licht and Julian Köster lost to Egypt.
With their victory against Spain, the juniors now reached what the professionals have been dreaming of for almost 20 years – a World Cup title. The last time the German A national team became world champion in 2007. In 2027 the World Cup takes place again in Germany.
Twice extension
After a false start and many technical mistakes, the German team ran after a five-goal deficit early on. The DHB team fought back and was able to compensate for 20:20 in the 42nd minute. Because goalkeeper Knaack came into play better, Germany took the lead ten minutes before the end of the regular season (24:23).
Six seconds before the final whistle, Füchse-professional Jan Grüner had the chance to win, but failed almost freely on the Spanish keeper. In the first extension of a total of ten minutes, the German team then awarded a two-goal lead. In the second extension, the southern Europeans then played a comfortable lead.