analysis
The DHB team ended its World Cup preparations with two wins against Switzerland. The tests show light and shadow in the DHB team’s game. How strong is the German team shortly before the start of the tournament?
Now things are getting serious. The home World Cup will begin for the German handball players in a few days. They completed their preparation with their second win against Switzerland. “I think everyone is happy to have that behind them,” said national coach Markus Gaugisch after the final whistle in an interview with DF1, “it was another good serve today.”
He used the two games to try out a lot and test different constellations. “Of course we have to see what was okay, what we need to improve, but I think we are ready for Wednesday,” was the national coach’s conclusion.
Defense solid
In defense, the German team is mostly compact and stable – with a few exceptions when opponents pass to the circle. The defense around defense chief Xenia Smits is the strength of the German game. It will be important to capitalize on this and convert good defensive performances into goals through good transition play.
Last but not least, this requires strong goalkeepers. With Katharina Filter as number one, the German team has a keeper in their ranks who has been in good form recently – both in the league and Champions League for her Danish club Esbjerg, as well as for the national team.
Attack with question marks
When attacking, the German handball players often have problems finding their way into the game. In the past there was sometimes a lack of ideas to overcome the opposing defense. There was a lack of precision in processes and finishing. This could be seen in the last tournaments and international matches, as well as in the first test match against Switzerland.
National coach Markus Gaugisch has introduced an attack variant that is intended to create new tactical options. He plays with 4 backcourt players and does not use a pivot. This attack variant can pose challenges for opponents, but it also poses dangers. “It works well, but only if we keep calm and we still have to work on it a bit,” explained outside player Jenny Behrend at DF1. The fact that the game with the 4 backcourt players was a bit bumpy was often seen in the past games.
Find and increase consistency
The German team no longer has much time to work on the construction sites. The fact that the team finds its way into the World Cup well and then improves over the course of the tournament will be incredibly important for the success of the team, which has been waiting for the long-awaited entry into a semi-final for several years.
The top nations Norway, France and Denmark have dominated the major tournaments for years. This year too they should be one step ahead of the German team. “You don’t get any time to think against the top teams. If you’re not ready right away, then it’s immediately minus three or four and then you’re gone,” Gaugisch underlined the strength of the top nations in the DF1 interview.
How much does the home advantage bring?
Germany is in the extended circle of favorites behind Sweden and co-hosts Netherlands. In order to reach the semi-final goal and even beat one of the big players, the Gaugisch team has to surpass itself in the knockout games, building on good performances in the group phase.
The chances of this succeeding have rarely been so good – not least because of the home advantage that the German players have on their side until the quarter-finals. 7,500 fans fit in the Stuttgart Arena, 12,000 fans in the Dortmund Westfalenhalle. “We’ve been looking forward to it for so long,” said Viola Leuchter happily at the DF1-Mirko, “it can’t get started quickly enough now.”
Preliminary round in Stuttgart, main round in Dortmund
On Wednesday (November 26th, 6 p.m.) the German women start their home tournament against Iceland in Stuttgart. Two days later (Friday, November 28th, 6 p.m.) the team will face Uruguay before playing their final group game against Serbia on Sunday (November 30, 6 p.m.). Three wins in the preliminary round are a must for the German team.
For the main round, the DHB team moves to Dortmund and meets the three best teams in preliminary group D with Montenegro, Spain, Paraguay and the Faroe Islands. If the German team finishes the main round in first or second place, they advance to the quarter-finals. The semi-finals and final will be held at the co-host in Rotterdam.