EM spectacle
53,000 fans: handball players without jitters in front of a record setting
The opening game of the European Handball Championship will take place in the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Düsseldorf. photo
© Federico Gambarini/dpa
Lots of viewers, lots of question marks. The DHB selection doesn’t know what to expect at the start of the European Championship in the Düsseldorf football stadium. There have never been 53,000 fans at a handball game.
Germany’s handball players entered the Düsseldorf football arena with wide eyes. National coach Alfred Gislason meticulously inspected every corner of the field, Johannes Golla and Jannik Kohlbacher filmed the empty stands of the European Championship stadium with their cell phones. The scenery was impressive.
“I think it will be overwhelming when we come in here and when the national anthem is played,” said Captain Golla. When the DHB selection opens its medal mission against Switzerland this Wednesday (8.45 p.m./ZDF and Dyn), every place will be filled.
53,000 people want to transform the stadium into a handball temple and carry the German team to victory. “Nobody knows what’s going to happen to us and we have to be prepared for it. It’s going to be crazy,” said playmaker Juri Knorr.
Steinmeier at the opening game
The European handball association EHF speaks of a “milestone” in the history of the sport. The world record crowd with almost 10,000 more spectators than ten years ago at Handball Day in Frankfurt should be an unforgettable event for everyone involved. For the team, the fans and also for Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who doesn’t want to miss the show. 250 loudspeakers, 50 amplifiers, 500 movable lamps and 30 laser systems are intended to ensure a unique experience.
Nobody in the DHB team speaks of jitters, inhibitions or even fear before the spectacular game with an event character. However, the handball players do not deny that the performance is associated with many question marks. “It will be exciting to see how long it takes for the reaction of the spectators to reach us on the field below,” said Golla. The DHB professionals can only imagine what it’s like to throw at a goal that has a lot of free space behind it instead of a concrete wall.
Gislason is calm as usual
All the better that they have a coach in Gislason who puts the circumstances into perspective in his usual calm, Icelandic way. “I always tell my players that it’s a handball game and the handball field will be the same size as in other halls. 40 by 20 meters,” said the 64-year-old and continued: “I don’t think there will be any more atmosphere than that in a full Cologne arena, due to the width.”
The only thing that is certain is that the DHB selection can control the mood in the stands with their performance on the floor. “For the interaction between the team and spectators, the players have to make an advance effort. The spark has to jump from the parquet to the stands,” said Gislason and demanded: “We have to concentrate on our handball and play well. Then the atmosphere will come naturally. “
Köster: We rely on the home factor
A good start to the tournament is not only important in order to confidently go into the further preliminary round games against North Macedonia and France and to achieve an optimal starting position for the main round. A brilliant opening victory can also spark a handball euphoria in the country that inspires the team. “Of course we rely on the home factor,” said backcourt player Julian Köster.
The dream of the next winter fairy tale in your own country is alive. 17 years after World Cup gold in Cologne and eight years after the European Championship title in Poland, Germany’s handball players are eager for the next coup. The favorites are Denmark, Sweden and France. “But with millions of German fans behind us, a lot is possible. The goal is clearly to become European champions,” said goalkeeper Andreas Wolff, who was already there at the triumph in Poland.
A win against Switzerland is mandatory. However, Gislason warned against underestimating the Swiss around 40-year-old Andy Schmid. “This is a difficult opponent. The team is mainly made up of players who play in the Bundesliga. We have to be patient,” said the national coach. And Wolff also knows: “It won’t be a sure-fire success.”