The German handball players just missed a surprise against world champion France. After the defeat in the first meeting, the German women offered a big fight to the favorite on Saturday (08.03.2025).
It was not rewarded at 29:30 (14:13) in front of 1,500 spectators in Besançon in the sold -out hall. The best German thrower was again Alina Grijseels with ten goals. However, the game showed that the upheaval with numerous new young players is quite promising. The home World Cup takes place in Germany and the Netherlands from November 27 to December 14th.
The Germans started in the first game in Trier compared to 25:28 when they resolved with eight goals during the break, very concentrated on the defensive, were compact and left only a few gaps. The team of national coach Markus Gaugisch increased courageously and forced the French again and again to slight mistakes. However, a drop of bitterness was the early disqualification of the strong defender Aimée of Pereira, who had to get off the floor after 20 minutes because of her third time penalty.
Strong defense, safe goalkeeper
“We didn’t play as hectically in the start phase as in Trier. We kept great against it, always kept the concentration“, said sports director Ingo Mecker during the half -time break at” DF1 “. This would make the French women with problems.
In the goal, Nicole Roth was again a very safe backing. The keeper of HB Ludwigsburg was able to ward off almost 40 percent of all litters. So the DHB selection could always be presented, made few mistakes themselves and also had good throwing efficiency. So it went into the break with a narrow tour.
The Germans came out of it just as concentrated. The world champion from France stood out and became increasingly game -determining. The DHB selection held against it with a lot of passion. One of the few mistakes when the hosts were able to set two goals for the first time (18:20), finally initiated the narrow defeat. Also because the Germans no longer had patience in attack. In the end there was a defeat with just one goal and many positive knowledge.