Handball
Olympic final: The DHB team and its construction sites
Germany’s national coach Alfred Gislason (r) and Marian Michalczik stand on the sidelines. photo
© Marcus Brandt/dpa
Germany’s handball players are worried about the Olympics. National coach Gislason is worried about his job. The final against Austria promises to be explosive – and the DHB team should close some construction sites.
Germany or Austria – which team will secure that Handball ticket for the Olympic Games? After the at times desolate performance against Croatia, the DHB team has to tremble longer than hoped. National coach Alfred Gislason’s team is the favorite against Austria this Sunday (2:10 p.m./Dyn and ARD). But the ÖHB team is not underestimated. After all, it was only enough for a draw in the European Championship duel in January. And Germany has some construction sites.
Weak managers: At the home European Championships in January, Juri Knorr, Johannes Golla and Julian Köster were among the top performers. But the self-confidence is gone. At Knorr in particular, the weak Bundesliga form is also reflected in the national team. Against Croatia, the director misplaced balls in attack several times in the first half. Gislason reacted with a change. Who should pull the team along if not the leading players?
Lack of self-confidence: One loss of the ball after another determined the German opening phase against Croatia. “Too hectic and over-motivated,” analyzed Gislason. Golla attributed the lack of concentration to a “lack of self-confidence.” The problem: The DHB team only has a few hours to regain security. The team draws confidence from the second half against Croatia. “We were good there. We have to build on that,” demanded Dahmke.
Lack of exploitation of opportunities: effectiveness is lacking. Yes, Croatia keeper Dominik Kuzmanovic had another great day on Saturday and parried numerous German attacks. Nevertheless, Dahmke, Köster and Co. showed a below-average performance, especially in the first half. Whether from the backcourt, from outside or from the circle: the ball didn’t want to go in. “This is a problem that has been with us for a long time,” complained Captain Golla.
Unclear future: The DHB professionals are trembling about their Olympic dream. National coach Gislason is worried about his job. The Icelander is coaching on probation at the elimination tournament in Hanover. If the DHB team manages to qualify, the 64-year-old’s contract will be extended until 2027. If the German selection fails, Gislason has to leave.