The handball team of Thüringer HC have concluded the group phase of the European League with their first defeat of the season on the European stage. Coach Herbert Müller’s team lost 25:26 (14:14) at Paris 92 on Saturday evening. With four goals each, Johanna Reichert, Vilma Matthijs Holmberg and Annika Lott were the best throwers at THC. However, the defeat was bearable, because the Thuringian women had already been determined as the winners of group D.
THC with false start
The decisive factor for the defeat was a catastrophic start to the second half. The guests only scored two goals in the first 15 minutes after the break. With many technical errors and a devastating conversion of chances, they often got in their own way. On the defensive, the THC did not manage to prevent the allusions to the circle. The Parisian women were 23:16 up to the 46th minute.
Final sprint comes too late
In the final phase, the Thuringians reared up again and developed significantly more effort towards the goal. Substitute goalkeeper Nicole Roth also shone with several strong saves. 15 seconds before the end, Reichert reduced the lead to 25:26, but there was no longer a chance for a draw. In the quarter-finals on March 18th and 25th, the THC meets the runners-up in group C, who will only be determined on Sunday.
