Handball national coach Markus Gaugisch warned about the slow play of the opponents before the duel with Serbia.

“They slow down the pace brutally and play out their attacks for a very long time. They hardly counterattack. You always have to stay alert and greedy in your defense, even if the game is so slow,” the 49-year-old appealed to the German handball players.

The Serbians have already lost all their chances of reaching the quarter-finals at this World Cup and can play against Germany in the early evening (6 p.m./sportdeutschland.tv) in a relaxed and pressure-free manner. However, the so far undefeated DHB selection can, with a success, make their early entry into the quarter-finals perfect. “We want to sweep them out of the hall. Then the first big goal will be achieved,” said co-captain Emily Bölk.

Gaugisch expects a “disgusting, physical” game against the tall Serbians. “In any case, it won’t be a handball treat. But winning such dirty games is awesome in the end,” said the coach.