Norway is growing, Germany is again experiencing a goal drought
Norway’s coach Christian Berge then changed a bit and switched both offensively and defensively. That paid off, the fresh players caused problems for the DHB team and the game tipped over. For eight minutes they didn’t score a goal and in this phase they could thank Johannes Bitter, who made several strong appearances between the posts. David Schmidt’s goal in the 23rd minute was “only” the goal to make it 7:8 – it could have been worse.
It was an intense and physical game with both teams working hard for every goal. However, the team that made more minor mistakes before the break was the Germans. At 12:14 the sides were changed.
Opponents too strong and ripped off
In the first minutes of the second half, the Scandinavians managed to pull the German defense far apart with their broad game and their many crossings in the backcourt. After just five minutes it was 14:18, Gislason reacted, brought in Daniel Rebmann for Bitter and set up his guard more offensively.
That was only successful for a short time, the Germans came a little closer with a majority, but in six-a-side the opponent, who was peppered with many Bundesliga players, was simply stronger individually and also more experienced. A quarter of an hour before the end, Johannes Golla and Co. were 17:22 behind. Especially against Erik Thorsteinsen Toft on the Norwegian half-left position, the DHB had no answer that evening. He got seven hits. The most successful German shooter was Golla with four goals.
Gislason: Still proud
In the final phase, the national coach reminded his players again that in a potential three-way comparison, every goal can count in the end. The Norwegians were apparently also aware of this and also went through to the end. “We learned a little bit. I’m still proud of my boys, they gave their all and never gave up,” explained Gislason after the final whistle on ZDF.
Status: 01/21/2022, 10:00 p.m