While Wolff saved ten balls in the first half alone, nine different players were on the top scorers list up until the break.
Luca Witzke and Juri Knorr are convincing
The young Witzke scored plus points in the playmaker position. The 23-year-old from Leipzig not only shone as a precise template provider, but he also repeatedly emanated a goal threat himself. Youngster Juri Knorr was also able to set accents after being substituted on and convinced with his enormous duel strength.
Gislason relaxes more and more
Also because the German team now had more access at the back, Gislason’s facial features relaxed noticeably. The Icelander who THW Kiel had won 20 titles in his eleven years on the fjord up to 2019 and celebrated every successful action with clenched fists. This is how he had imagined returning to his long-standing sporting homeland.
In addition to the almost certain World Cup ticket, the clear success has another advantage: Gislason can use the second leg on Saturday in Torshavn as another test match under competitive conditions for his internationally inexperienced team. Because of the homeEM 2024, for which Germany is already qualified as the host, would be the last DHB-Compulsory game before the World Cup in Poland and Sweden in January 2023.
Patrick Wienczek farewell
Long-time national player Patrick Wiencek was given a ceremonial farewell after the game. The DHB paid tribute to his former defense chief with a personal video and thanked him for his 159 international appearances (316 goals). At the beginning of March, Wiencek announced the end of his career in the DHB team after more than twelve years. The line runner will continue to play for THW Kiel.
His greatest successes were Olympic bronze in Rio 2016 and fourth place at the 2019 home World Championships. “I’ve always worn the jersey with pride. I had great years, but unfortunately never won a title. Olympic bronze will always remain in my heart”, said Wiencek. Most recently, the 33-year-old father worked for the German team at the European Championships in Slovakia in January.
Source: red/sid/dpa