The upcoming Olympic qualification for handball players will see a new duel between Germany and Austria. Ex-HBL professional Robert Weber now sent a declaration of war to the DHB team.
At the 2024 European Handball Championships, Germany and Austria already faced each other in the main round. The underdog from the Alpine republic defied the Germans to a draw and even led for long stretches of the game.
“We won’t give up a five-goal lead this time,” announced Robert Weber in an interview with “ZDF”.
The 38-year-old described the encounter between Germany and Austria as “the big brother duel”.
“We didn’t receive such a friendly welcome in Cologne against the Germans,” he recalled of the European Championship game. The Austrians now want to concentrate on themselves and “if possible, beat the Germans in Hanover.”
Herculean task for Austria
Weber imagines that he has realistic chances of qualifying for the Olympics. In addition to Germany and Austria, Croatia and Algeria are also taking part in the tournament in Hanover.
“Of course we want to secure our participation in Paris. It’s a Herculean task against the Germans and the Croatians, but I think we won’t be underestimated after the European Championships,” emphasized the right winger.
It is a “unique opportunity to qualify for an Olympics. That is the big dream of every athlete. Everyone will try to give one or two extra things so that we can maybe beat a big one,” noted Weber.
The former HBL star, who played for SC Magdeburg and Füchse Berlin, among others, warned against the DHB team.
“When Andi Wolff stands in there like a wall, that’s very impressive,” said Weber: “They have top circle runners and generally very good coverage. With Juri Knorr, there is a future top handball player in the middle of the backcourt. Julian Köster is a youngster who is very important at the back and is increasingly making an impact up front.”