The German handball players do not want to be satisfied with their confident entry into the World Cup quarter-finals. “We’re not done yet. We still have room for improvement and want to play for medals,” left winger Antje Döll sent a challenge to the competition.
Thanks to the ultimately confident 31:21 win against Serbia, the DHB selection qualified early for the quarter-finals – and thus secured the longed-for ticket for one of the Olympic qualifying tournaments in the spring. “I’m very proud of the team. We didn’t start the game optimally, but we’ve lost our composure now,” said Döll, analyzing the mature performance.
In the final main round duel with title contender Denmark, it will be decided on Monday (8.30 p.m./sportdeutschland.tv) whether Germany will move into the knockout phase as first or second. “If we want to survive against strong teams like Denmark, we have to make better use of our chances and improve our throwing effectiveness,” demanded Döll and added: “The Danes are not unbeatable either.”
In the quarterfinals, national coach Markus Gaugisch’s team could face Sweden, Hungary or Montenegro. “I would like Hungary based on the last games. We might have a mental advantage there,” said Döll. In the preparatory game at the beginning of November, Germany won 29:25 against Hungary.
