After the win against Iceland, Germany can still hope for the European Championship semi-finals. Next up is a special enemy. But that doesn’t impress the national coach.
Number one is done, three are still waiting. Germany’s national handball team won the first main round game at the home European Championships. The team around veteran Kai Häfner prevailed against Iceland with 26:24. A dramatic game that was characterized by passion and toughness.
Video | Wolff saves thriller against Iceland – the highlights in the video
“We didn’t play well, but we always fought, especially on defense. That was the key to being successful today,” analyzed Häfner.
This is exactly the passion Germany needs on Saturday when Austria faces its second opponent in the main round. National coach Alfred Gíslason leaves the exciting prestigious duel cold. “It doesn’t worry me that Germany and Austria have sporting problems with each other. That’s none of my business,” said the Icelander and made it clear: “I just want to win games.”
“And the dream of the semi-final would be over”
The 64-year-old expects a similarly competitive game against Germany’s neighbors as against Iceland. Gíslason’s home country was only narrowly defeated by the DHB team 24:26 after 60 minutes of fighting.
“Every game is a final and it starts all over again. The game will be just as difficult,” predicted Gíslason before the game on Saturday (from 8:30 p.m. in the live ticker on t-online).
For Gíslason, the ÖHB selection is one of the surprise teams at this European Championship so far. “They sent Spain home in the preliminary round and they have a strong and experienced team around Mykola Bilyk and Lukas Hutecek,” praised the DHB coach and said: “A defeat against Austria and the dream of the semi-finals would be over.”