Franz Semper could also help Uščins feel fresh until the end of the tournament. The Leipzig player is supposed to relieve him primarily in defense and thus give Uščins more energy for his offensive tasks. At last year’s World Cup, Semper only played one game due to injury. This year there is likely to be significantly more. And so the DHB team’s hope for a Uščins in Olympic form grows.
Of course, Juri Knorr will once again be in the spotlight at the European Championships. The German playmaker moved from the Bundesliga to top Danish club Aalborg last summer. The transfer allowed the 25-year-old to continue to perform at the top international level and at the same time to at least evade the spotlight of the German public, from which he so often suffered in the past.
And indeed: In Denmark, Knorr has been convincing so far; some observers even spoke of Juri Knorr being the best of all time. He himself didn’t want to go that far, but he also knew how to emphasize the positive sides of his change of club: “It helps when you come into a new environment, into a club like this, where you have to adapt and are surrounded by very good players.” Knorr continues that he feels mentally safer than he did a few years ago. “It’s just a good feeling when you know you can keep up with a team like this and contribute to winning games.”
For national coach Alfred Gíslason and his team, we can only hope that Knorr remains physically fit. At last year’s World Cup he missed several games due to illness and was only able to play to a limited extent in the decisive duels after his return – one of many reasons for the disappointing performance. A confident and fit Knorr could make the difference this year even against top opponents.
The main problem for the German team: They will probably face several of these top opponents at the European Championships. No matter how much hope the improved sporting situation may give the DHB team, the draw brings considerable worry lines to their foreheads.