The German handball players have made a successful start to the World Cup year. The team of national coach Markus Gaugisch won against Hungary at the start of a three-country tournament.
After a convincing start to the World Cup year, Germany’s handball players enjoyed the applause that lasted for several minutes from the enthusiastic fans.
The team of national coach Markus Gaugisch won at the start of a three-country tournament against Hungary with 26:20 (11:8) and offered a concentrated performance over long stretches and partly inspiring speed handball.
“It was a great game with an outstanding backdrop and an all-round successful evening,” said Gaugisch after the first home appearance since taking office last year and added: “Of course that puts you in a great mood for the home World Cup in 2025.”
The best throwers for the DHB selection in front of 3312 spectators in the sold-out Ludwigsburg MHP Arena were the two captains Alina Grijseels with six goals and Emily Bölk (5). On Sunday, the EM seventh meets Poland in Heidelberg. The tournament serves to prepare for the World Cup playoffs in April against the blatant outsiders Greece.
DHB defense at its best
In the duel with the Hungarians, the DHB selection clearly dominated after a short start-up phase up to 2:4 (10th minute). A 7:0 run brought security as well as a reassuring 9:4 lead (21st). The defense in particular was in top form, behind them the goalkeepers Katharina Filter in the first half and Sarah Wachter made numerous saves after the break.
“It was an outstanding defensive performance, combined with two strong goalkeepers,” said Gaugisch. “That’s the base we have and that we can always build on. The things we played up front were fine too. We just have to fix the technical mistakes. But that’s nothing to complain about today .”
In the second half, the cushion grew at times to nine goals, although Gaugisch happily made substitutions. Shortly before the end, 18-year-old debutante Viola Leuchter celebrated her first two international goals.