Bitter conclusion of the European Championship at home: Germany’s hockey world champions lost their game for third place and missed out on the bronze consolation prize.
In the new edition of this year’s World Cup final, the team of national coach Andre Henning had to admit defeat to the Olympic champion from Belgium with 0:2 (0:2). The day before, the German women had done better against England (3-0) and secured at least third place.
Unlucky in front
In front of a sold-out ranks in the Mönchengladbach Hockey Park, the selection of the German Hockey Association (DHB) was unsuccessful in front of the opposing goal, on the Belgian side Nelson Onana (15th) and Florent van Aubel (29th) were successful.
After the semifinals in a penalty shootout, Henning said that in the game for third place it was again important to “show people what a great team we are”. At the same time he emphasized: “For us it is of no particular importance. The European Championship medal may not be comparable to an Olympic bronze medal, there is no Olympic qualification.”
target clearly missed
The national coach spoke plainly, because the men had missed their two big goals at the home European Championship. The title and the associated direct ticket for Paris 2024 were intended for the world champion, but that failed. “It’s a shame,” said Henning, but “absolutely no shame” in view of the four top nations “on an equal footing” in the semi-finals.
At the end of the at least atmospheric successful home tournament, the DHB men acted offensively committed, but the Belgians were more compelling. For the good-humoured Alexander Stadler, who replaced Jean-Paul Danneberg in the German goal, the crossbar (11th) initially saved, but he was powerless when he conceded.
Missed Olympic ticket for the time being
Despite all the disappointment, those involved see the fact that the German teams did not buy the Paris direct ticket early as an opportunity. In the direction of the Olympics, it could “also be a help,” as Henning emphasized on Friday, “that we have another big event in winter that we’re all working towards.”