Renars Uscins could hardly save himself from questions. When crowd favorite Juri Knorr and captain Johannes Golla were already in the dressing room, the U21 world champion was still explaining his outstanding performances with the German national handball team on the microphones. The backcourt talent had almost single-handedly thrown the DHB selection into the Olympic Games. Hopes for a medal – however slim they are – now also rest on the young star.
Regardless of whether it was the massive win against Algeria, the defeat against Croatia or the all-important victory over Austria: Uscins was the most successful DHB shooter in all games and received the “Man of the Match” award three times. “I was a bit embarrassed when I was chosen for the third time,” reported the award winner. He didn’t want to celebrate his rapid development. Just visit “the Greek” for dinner.
The showpiece is weakening
The meteoric rise of the Latvian native continues uninterrupted. 2023 was already a year full of highlights for the Bundesliga professional from TSV Hannover-Burgdorf. In April he made his international debut with the senior national team, and in the summer the left-hander led the U21 team onto the field as captain and to the world championship title. The European Championship nomination followed in the winter and now the Olympics also seem impossible without the young star. “I’m not at the end yet,” Uscins sent as a warning to the competition.
The left-hander takes responsibility. He must. Because the actual leading players are weakening. Director Knorr is in a form crisis, his weak Bundesliga form is also reflected in the national jersey. Germany’s real showpiece was also unusually passive: the defense around captain Golla. Even goalkeeper Andreas Wolff kept slipping through balls. Added to this is the lack of taking advantage of opportunities, which remains one of the biggest problems in the German game.
DHB team not a medal candidate
The list of construction sites is long. As a result, coach Alfred Gislason said with a view to the Olympics: “We are still not a big contender for a medal. But we are going there to give everything.” His team is young and eager for the games. Uscins spoke of a childhood dream coming true.
Only five players from the Hanover squad have already taken part in the Olympics. “I am sure that this team will improve from year to year. We have great potential,” said Gislason. The Icelander can also sleep easier again after qualifying, because his contract was extended until after the home World Cup in 2027 by taking part in the Olympics.
Gislason: Relationship with players is good
Contrary to the rumors that had recently been heard from within the national team, Gislason described his relationship with all the players as good. “I really enjoy working with this team. The relationship is good. If that wasn’t the case, I wouldn’t have stayed,” the 64-year-old made clear.
And the DHB professionals also spoke of an “insane” team spirit. “Mood is good, everything is good, job done,” said Uscins after a successful handball week in the end and said: “This week has brought us even further in our development. How far will become clear at the Olympics at the latest.
