The German national handball team has won its fateful game at the World Cup. Several players were convincing in the win against Italy.
In the fight for the quarter-finals, the German handball players won the decisive main round duel and can continue to hope for their first World Cup medal in 18 years. The ticket for the knockout phase can hardly be taken away from the Olympic runner-up after the 34:27 (15:13) against Italy.
National coach Alfred Gislason was relieved after the game. “We knew that if we lost we would be out. It was a final for second place and therefore extremely important.” However, the lack of taking advantage of opportunities annoyed the Icelander. “We had 19 missed throws again and more than half of them were against the goalkeeper alone. That’s something that will cost us a lot.”
Gislason was pleased with the defensive performance. In fact, the German selection presented a solid defensive performance over long stretches. Goalkeeper Andreas Wolff repeatedly drove the Italians to despair with his saves. An achievement that is also reflected in his t-online rating.
Meanwhile, in front of over 7,000 fans in Herning, Timo Kastening was the best German thrower with six goals. But it wasn’t just the right winger from MT Melsungen who, like goalkeeper Wolff, delivered a strong game. A tournament debutant also made a decisive contribution to the success of the German handball players – although he only came on as a substitute in the second round.
Two other DHB professionals didn’t know how to convince at all in the game of fate. You can find out which players they are and which t-online grades the other German stars received here or in the photo show above.