Of course, if the Poles had lost their second group game against Belarus, the Germans would not have been mathematically safe in the main round. In theory, the game on Tuesday (January 18, 2022) could have even led to the end of the European Championship for the Germans.
Points from the preliminary round are partially carried over
Because if three teams were equal on points, which would have been very likely in the event of a German defeat against Poland, the goal difference from the direct duels of the three nations concerned would have mattered. It is very likely that the DHB selection would have bought the ticket for the main round anyway.
As a reminder: From each of the six preliminary round groups, two nations each move into one of two main round groups. There, each team still plays the games against the four teams it has not yet played against. The points between Germany and Poland are taken into the main round. If the DHB selection wins, it starts with two points in the remaining four games.
The main round opponents are a different caliber
An important pad. And the other way round: A deficit that would be difficult to catch up if it didn’t work out. Because: The Poles have proven their strength against Belarus (29:20) and Austria (36:31), but a look at the other potential main round opponents shows: Do the Germans want to be one of two teams from their main round group in the semifinals , they must win against Poland. Eternal rival Spain is already set as the main round opponent, with Norwegians, Russians and Swedes being the most likely additions. No big surprises, of course.
Six points could be enough in the end
It seems rather unlikely that the inexperienced German team will win three out of four games against the defending champion (Spain), the vice world champion (Sweden), the third place in the European Championship (Norway) and the surprisingly strong Russians (or hosts Slovakia). Two successes from these four encounters seem difficult, but possible.
And even if the semi-finals (this time) is not the absolute goal of Alfred Gislason’s team, one would probably not resist it either. Therefore: If you beat Poland and the Russians/Slovaks first and then get a surprise win over one of the “big ones”, that’s a scenario in which six points can be enough for the semi-finals. At the EM 2020, for example, the Slovenians reached the semifinals with six points.
Important against Poland: Make few mistakes of your own
So what has to happen now so that this first important step can be taken against the Poles? Above all, the German selection cannot afford to make many mistakes. Because the Poles consistently use ball losses and unprepared throws and are able to gain “energy” from ball winnings and successful actions. When Belarus had to risk a lot against them in the final phase to turn the game around, the Polish defense in front of the strong goalkeeper Mateusz Kornecki punished them coldly and turned up the heat – counterattacks and a (too) clear victory were the result in the end.
Parallels to the German team of today – and 2016
Coach Patryk Rombel’s team has already come together as a real unit despite a total of six positive corona tests in the squad, some of which occurred at very short notice. The spirit of the young team is apparently similar to that of the German team from the EM 2016. Rombel does not have the really great individual class in the squad, but a highly motivated and diverse squad. Similar to Alfred Gislason on the other hand.
Kielce block – chance for Wolff?
Apart from the wingers from Arkadiusz Moryto and Przemyslaw Krajewski and keeper Kornecki, Michal Daszek has also appeared offensively in this tournament on the inside right position. With his dynamism, the “only” 182 centimeters tall backcourt player uses the gaps that open up when the opposing defense has to concentrate on the tall Szymon Sicko in the other half position. Playmaker Michal Olejniczak, who is only 20 years old, has also had a strong tournament so far.
By the way, with the exception of Daszek and Krajewski, all the players mentioned play in Kielce – it’s quite possible that Gislason will decide in goal for their teammate Andreas Wolff this time. In a duel at eye level, such small things can be decisive in the end.
Status: 01/17/2022, 08:00