Handball: German team starts its mission at home World Cup – Sport with victory

With shining eyes, Germany’s handball players were celebrated by the enthusiastic fans for their furious offensive gala at the start of the home World Cup mission. In the 41:38 (21:18) against African champions Egypt, the DHB selection built on the strong performances at the European Championship over long periods and provided further arguments for a contract extension with national coach Alfred Gislason. “It was a really nice goal festival,” said the strong goalkeeper David Späth. The national coach saw it a little more differently: “It wasn’t a bad game for us, but there are a lot of things we could do better. Our attack was very good, but we conceded too many goals. There were too many coordination errors in defense,” said Gislason.

The decision on the future of the 66-year-old, whose contract expires after the World Cup, will definitely be made before the tournament. “The process is now being set in motion. We are taking our time and not putting ourselves under pressure. But it would be bad if we had no clarity a month before the World Cup. That would be too late,” announced DHB sports director Ingo Meckes. Just a few days ago, the national coach reaffirmed his willingness to extend his contract. “I have never made a secret of the fact that I don’t want to stop playing handball after the World Cup and would like to continue working with this team,” said Gislason.

The Icelander has been in office since the beginning of February 2020 and led the DHB selection to silver at the 2024 Olympic Games and the 2026 European Championships. And in the first game since the medal coup at the European Championships, the DHB team thrilled the 10,732 spectators in the sold-out Dortmund Westfalenhalle with some high-speed handball.
Backcourt ace Juri Knorr was the best thrower for the host with nine goals. “There was also a bit of luck in throwing,” the playmaker admitted with a smile after the final whistle. Nevertheless, the absence of a silver quintet from the tournament in Denmark was hardly noticeable. Goalkeeper titan Andreas Wolff and right winger Lukas Zerbe had a breather, veteran Rune Dahmke did not receive an invitation. In addition, the injured Nils Lichtlein and the ill Marko Grgic had to pass.

Wild exchange of blows from the start

From the start, both teams exchanged blows with the lead constantly changing. “Egypt is an absolute top opponent who is one of the secret favorites at every World Cup,” DHB sports director Ingo Meckes warned, not for nothing, shortly before kick-off. After just under a quarter of an hour, the German team had nevertheless gained a three-goal cushion for the first time at 10:7. This was mainly due to goalkeeper David Späth. The 23-year-old once again demonstrated his class and gave those in front of him the security they needed with a number of brilliant parades.

The African champions didn’t allow themselves to be shaken off until the break. The Egyptians developed a lot of danger, particularly from the backcourt. After the change, Germany turned up the heat and pulled ahead by six goals for the first time at 31:25 (43′). For Späth it was over early after eleven blocked throws. Berlin’s Lasse Ludwig came in for him and introduced himself well with a great save on his international debut. In the end, the DHB team was able to celebrate an unchallenged victory – even if Egypt came a little closer.