On Thursday (November 30th, 2023, from 6 p.m. in the live ticker at the Sportschau), the German handball players will start the Handball World Cup in Norway, Sweden and Denmark against Japan. The right mix in the team of young and experienced, emotional and analytical should lead to success.
Coach Markus Gaugisch’s team goes into the tournament with one win (33:30) and one defeat (23:30) from the two test games against the top team from Sweden.
“The positive feeling prevails, with the realization that we always have to be 100 percent there to be able to win against such opponents.”says playmaker Alina Grijseels. A familiar starting point.
The DHB women have made positive developments in recent years, but they have not yet been able to catch up with the world leaders. There was a lack of consistency in the tournaments.
In the past ten years, the best result of the DHB selection was sixth place at the 2016 European Championships. The minimum goal for the upcoming World Cup is: a place in the Olympic qualifying tournament. To do this she has to finish at least seventh.
National coach Gaugisch relies on Bölk and Grijseels
The DHB women are led by Emily Bölk and Alina Grijseels. “I’m very happy with the duo,” says national coach Markus Gaugisch, “Alina is more of a calmer, analytical type. She thinks about tactical things in a very reflective way and also acts that way on the field. Emily is a very emotional player who brings incredible power to the team.” The two complement each other well, both in terms of personality and play.
The 1.82 meter tall Bölk primarily poses a goal threat from the backcourt. Grijseels impresses more with their gambling game. Both take on a leadership role and bring international experience to the team. Bölk has been playing for the Hungarian club since 2020 Ferencvaros Budapest, with whom she played in the Champions League final last season. The 27-year-old Grijseels has been playing for the French top club Metz Handball since this season.
International experience helps the German team
Four players are currently under contract with foreign clubs, and three more play in the Champions League with German representative Bietigheim. International experience that is good for the team. “We have become stronger across the board. I have the feeling that we have developed enormously and are more variable in attack and defense,” said Bölk. “Accordingly, I hope that this will now also be visible at this tournament.”
Tournament newcomers should also benefit from this development. “As a young player you can learn a lot, in the tactical area or in the human aspect, how you deal with certain things,” says Viola Leuchter, who is considered a great talent in the right back. You, Toni Reinemann and Mareike Thomaier should bring in a breath of fresh air. “A certain carefree attitude that you have as a young player is something that you also enjoy as an older player,” says Grijseels.
World Cup opener against Japan
Young and experienced, emotional and analytical – a team psychologist supported the team in team building and role identification during the World Cup preparation course. “So far I’ve had very good experiences with it and I think it’s doing the team a lot of good.”says Bölk.
They talked about goal setting and prepared how to stay focused when there are headwinds during the tournament. The German handball players hope to get into a “flow” as a team, “who can carry you through a tournament like this”says Bölk. The mix in the team should be the basis for this. The opening game against Japan on Thursday could show how well this works.
The DHB women must not underestimate the Asians. “The Japanese handball style is different from the European one,” warns Grijseels. The Japanese are smaller, but nimble and fast, with a lot of playfulness. But: An opening win is mandatory if the team wants to get closer to the top in the world.