Germany in the primary spherical of the European Championship: “It’s going to be tough now. There are tough tasks ahead” | EUROtoday

Germany’s handball gamers prevented a historic preliminary spherical exit from the European Championships. Instead of going residence, Alfred Gislason’s workforce will go into the primary spherical after beating Spain 34:32. And as group winners. Thanks to first place within the preliminary spherical, the workforce takes two plus factors into the primary spherical.

The victory, which was fought with lots of ardour, additionally secured the nationwide coach’s job in the intervening time. If Gislason, whose contract is legitimate till after the 2027 World Cup, had failed for the primary time within the preliminary spherical, it could hardly have been doable to maintain him in workplace. The 66-year-old Icelander can now collect arguments for himself because the match progresses.

“I’m relieved and very proud of the boys. They played outstandingly. We had a plan to spread out the playing times more. It would be almost impossible to reach the semi-finals without the two points. Now we’re facing extremely tough opponents,” stated Gislason, who additionally responded to Juri Knorr’s criticism after the defeat towards Serbia: “I had no problem with Juri at all. Everyone in the team should say their opinion.”

“Brutal boards. It’s happening in quick succession”

In the primary spherical, Germany will face the large match favorites Denmark, France, Norway and Portugal or North Macedonia. “We had faith in ourselves. We are through as group winners, after two good games and one bad game. But we still have a lot to do better. Today, a lot of what we prepared worked. It’s going to be tough now. It’s going to be tough tasks,” stated captain Johannes Golla.

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Justus Fischer, who took turns with Golla on the circle, additionally has nice respect for his opponents in the primary spherical: “We’re facing brutal boards now. It’s quick and easy, so we can really use the two points.”