Tournament in India: German men ready for the world champion – “at eye level”

Tournament in India
German men ready for the world champion – “at eye level”

Appeared as a goalscorer in the game against Japan: Christopher Ruhr from Rot-Weiss Köln. photo

© Frank Uijlenbroek/dpa

After the opening win against Japan, the DHB selection is now up against world champion Belgium for direct entry into the quarter-finals.

With the sovereign opening victory at the men’s hockey world championships in India, hopes for a successful tournament have increased.

After ten years without a title, the national coach André Henning, who has been responsible for the DHB men for a year, ensures confidence and also an end to the series. “We want to become a classic German tournament team that improves over the course of the tournament. We want to be at the top level in the knockout games,” said the 39-year-old after the 3-0 win against Japan Saturday.

National coach: “See us on an equal footing with Belgium”

The coach is already looking forward to the first highlight of the tournament. “We take a lot of self-confidence with us. We want to show that we can be there on the spot,” said the national coach before the important game against world champions Belgium on Tuesday (2:30 p.m. / DAZN).

Because only the first in the group reaches the quarter-finals at the World Cup in India directly. The second and third must go into the so-called crossover round. “I see us as equals, it will be an open game,” said Henning, who was satisfied with his team’s performance despite some teething problems.

Goal scorer Christopher Ruhr from Rot-Weiss Cologne provided the sporting highlight of the successful start to the title fights. The 29-year-old scored a dream goal to make it 2-0 after some preparatory work by Hannes Müller, when he flicked the ball into the goal from a tight angle while falling.

“Yes, that was definitely a top ten goal from me,” said Rühr, who actually wanted to turn the goalkeeper around and then spontaneously had to make a different decision. “I know quite well where the goal is,” said the top scorer of the DHB selection with 68 international goals. His trainer was also enthusiastic. “We also want to ensure such moments. That’s also an entertainment factor,” said Henning.

Stir impressed by atmosphere in India

Stir, who has already played in India several times, was also enthusiastic about the backdrop of almost 15,000 spectators. “They are completely crazy about hockey, celebrating goals and good actions, no matter who is playing there. It definitely pushes you,” said the goalscorer. However, it took until the 35th minute before captain Mats Grambusch made the lead 1-0. “Then the knot burst,” said Thies Ole Prinz, who scored the 3-0 and thus scored his first international goal.

The Belgians also made a good debut with a 5-0 win over South Korea, but like the German team they only found the right rhythm after half an hour. That is typical for such opening games, explained the national coach. “Everyone has big plans and wants to show everything right away. We also wanted very early on against Japan,” said Henning.

dpa

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