5:46 p.m
In the German squad, Rune Dahmke and defense specialist Tom Kiesler have to take a seat on the bench today, while the remaining 16 players have to have a great day in order to be able to survive against their neighbors. After the second tournament defeat, Andreas Wolff is expected back in the German goal today. After 22 saves against Norway, it is also up to the German goalkeeper whether they can stand up to the French. Because the French team managed to break offensive records in this tournament: with an average of over 40 goals per game, twice scoring a total of 46 goals in one game – a European Championship record – coach Guillaume Gille’s team has plenty of attacking power. So, similar to Spain two days ago, where the French had to swallow their second defeat of the tournament, it is important to take the superstars out of the game. Dika Mem, Aymeric Minne, Thibaut Briet and Elohim Prandi in particular can get hot at any time, which must be prevented with offensive defensive work and good retreat.
5:38 p.m
The starting position in the main round group I could hardly be more exciting: Denmark is already safely in the semi-finals with six points after defeating Germany. Behind them is the German team, which needs at least a draw to advance. In the event of a possible defeat, the Eagle team would at least be assured of the game for fifth place. The Equipe Tricolore’s starting position is different: After Portugal surprisingly won against Spain at the start of today’s matchday, the Tugas have temporarily moved up to third place with five points. So it will be the ultimate stress test for Les Bleus today: a win will lead to the semi-finals, a draw will lead to the placement game for fifth place in the tournament, and a defeat would mean the end of the main round for the defending champions. It’s a kind of “quarter-final knockout game”, everything is on the line for both teams, which is exactly what can be expected on the floor.
5:30 p.m
Hello and welcome to the main round of the European Handball Championship! On the last match day, the German national team will face France, kick-off will be in the Jyske Bank Boxen in Herning at 6 p.m.!
