8:25 p.m
The referees for the game are from Moldova and are called Alexei Covalciuc and Igor Covalciuc, and the game is officiated by IHF delegate Arijana Vojic from Bosnia and Herzegovina. That almost says it all, the hall is well attended, the teams arrive, then the national anthems are played – kick-off is almost upon us!
8:20 p.m
What a thriller it was in the opening game against Japan: the German selection led safely for a long time and managed their lead. But five goals weren’t enough, with a very disciplined game of seven against six, the Asians got back into the lead and made it a draw. In the end it was Xenia Smits who scored the opening win 31:30 with a last-minute goal. There was significantly less tension against the team from Iran two days ago, Gaugisch’s team won 45:22 quite confidently and deservedly. The Iranians had no chance against Poland either, with a score of 35:15 they are only threatened with taking part in the Presidents Cup. However, their German neighbors also won against Japan on Saturday, with the Poles narrowly prevailing 32:30. This means that entry into the main round is already certain, but the winner would take the points from today’s game and thus increase his chances of reaching the knockout phase. Because only the two best teams in the main round move into the round of the last eight, the Adler team could therefore achieve an optimal starting position today.
8:10 p.m
The German team has had high hopes of winning a World Cup medal since 2007, and winning precious metal would definitely mean a successful result. However, the minimum goal should be seventh place, which is equivalent to achieving Olympic qualification. The Eagles’ troop has recently shown itself to be combative, with one win and one defeat recorded in two test matches against Sweden. But the federal troops could have better personnel than ever before; national coach Markus Gaugisch wants to catch up with the world leaders with his women. A group win in the preliminary round like last year would be quite advantageous. The squad has now been fully deployed, all players have found their way into the tournament and seem to have arrived here after the first two games. The team spirit is right, today the Gaugisch team could take a very important step with a view to the main round, then reaching the knockout round is a very realistic goal.
8:00 p.m
The time has finally come, the 26th edition of the fight for the world handball crown is in full swing. 32 teams will compete for the world championship title up to and including December 17th. The main round ticket must be purchased in eight groups of four teams each. For the first time, the World Cup will be organized by three teams, with Denmark, Norway and Sweden acting as hosts. For the German selection, this means games against Japan, Poland and Iran – the three best teams take the points into the main round. There would then be three teams from Group E, including co-hosts and co-favorites Denmark. The two best teams in each main round group advance to the quarterfinals and continue in the normal tournament tree. As in the last edition, the group of favorites has not changed; Denmark, Sweden, France and the reigning world and European champions from Norway are among the title contenders.
7:50 p.m
Hello and welcome to the 26th Women’s Handball World Cup. In Group F, Germany will face Poland in the third game, kick-off is in Herning at the Jyske Bank Boxen at 8:30 p.m.!