After another brilliant performance, the German handball players won the title at the U21 World Cup. In the final in front of a sold-out hall in Berlin, they defeated Hungary.
Coach Martin Heuberger became world champion for the third time after 2009 and 2011 with the oldest youth selection of the German Handball Association (DHB). Germany won the final on Sunday (07/02/2023) in Berlin with 30:23 (14:11).
Goalkeeper David Späth showed an outstanding performance with more than 40 percent saved shots. The best throwers were Elias Scholtes and Julius Fischer with six goals each.
“I’m speechless what our defense did today. With what effort, what enthusiasm, with how many emotions. And then David Späth in goal. Phenomenal,” said Heuberger,
Späth rejoiced: “It’s unbelievable what we put on the record at this tournament. I’m just super relieved and happy. We’re world champions – and nobody can take that away from us.”
More than 8,000 spectators
In the Max-Schmeling-Halle, which was sold out with more than 8,200 spectators, both teams showed that they rightly made it into the final. Hungary, who beat Iceland in the semifinals 37-30, were undeterred by the glorious atmosphere and kept the game even, even though Germany took the lead by two goals for the first time after about 20 minutes.
It was all the more important for the selection of the DHB that Elias Scholtes scored the final siren of the first half with a shot to 14:11.
Langhoff follows up immediately after the break
Matthes Langhoff scored another goal 30 seconds after the restart, so that one could speak of a reasonably comfortable lead. Two minutes later it was 17:12.
In return, after one of the numerous saves by the outstanding goalkeeper David Späth, the lead was extended to 19:13 in the 38th minute. It looked like it was going to be a comfortable victory, but the Hungarians came close. In the 41st minute, Heuberger called a time-out when the score was 19:16.
She made an impact. Germany got back on track and pulled away to 26:19 with ten minutes to go. The Hungarians now hung their heads a bit and realized that they would not be able to make up for this deficit.