Handball World Championship 2023: Confident youth – testimony of the Germans

The World Handball Championship is over, however the dwelling championship is simply a short while away. The German Handball Federation needs to achieve the semi-finals, stated president Andreas Michelmann. Which gamers of the German nationwide group satisfied, whose position in the European Championship worsened?

Andreas Wolf (purpose): Wolff was one of the finest goalkeepers of the event. Germany’s primary has made greater than 100 saves – the final time Frenchman Thierry Omeyer did it at the 2015 World Cup. Wolff’s catch charge of almost 40 p.c makes the 31-12 months-previous’s recreation much more spectacular. The goalkeeper was additionally extra open and open – one of the winners of the event.

Joel Birlech (purpose): Birlem justified the belief of the nationwide coach. With Wolff injured towards Serbia and not likely moving into the recreation, Birlech pulled the tooth out of the Serbs in the closing levels. If the 25-12 months-previous continues to carry out nicely in the league with Rhein-Neckar Leuven, he might have probability of ending second to Wolff in the 2024 competitors.

Johannes Golla (district): The captain was unquestionable even earlier than the event and cemented his standing as one of the finest gamers and defenders in the world – at simply 25 years previous. Golla grew to become the finest German purpose scorer after Juri Knorr. An absolute prime performer and an necessary pillar for the close to and probably distant future.

Yuri Knorr (again courtroom): 53 targets, 54 assists – Knorr is the finest scorer in the World Cup. That he was in a position to take action at the age of 22 speaks volumes about the immense potential that also lies dormant in Germany’s expertise at the again. Knorr introduced the factor of shock again to the German recreation. An ideal event from an already indispensable playmaker for the group.

Julian Koster (backcourt): Although solely 22 years previous, Köster has acquired rather a lot of confidence from the nationwide coach, particularly in defence. Also, Koster had a number of necessary moments in entrance of him, for instance, in crucial moments towards Egypt. It was clear that he would run out of punches at occasions attributable to the extraordinarily tough marking jobs, however that is comprehensible. The tree-lined backcourt participant ought to play a big position in the coming years.

Luka Witzke (again courtroom): When he was allowed to play, Luka Witzke gave some very compelling performances. His position grew as the event progressed, towards Norway he was the finest German shooter and was additionally excellent defensively in the midfield place. Witzke is a constructive shock and event winner.

Philip Weber (again): Weber’s position diminished as the event progressed. The dynamic courtroom participant initially acquired reward from the nationwide coach, however later lacked confidence. There have been a pair of errors too many and the protection was barely used – most likely misplaced to robust, younger groups like Knorr, Koster and Witzke.

Lukas Stutzke (backcourt): Was invited and welcomed to Norway and did nicely at the again. Most importantly, his defensive potential is appreciated by the nationwide coach.

Kai Hafner (backcourt): Played his position in assault solidly with out a lot glamour. A veteran with a lot of expertise will nonetheless be a problem subsequent 12 months, as there’s additionally no robust attacking competitors at the proper half place.

Christoph Steinert (again): Because Steinert is powerful in protection and can be used on the proper wing when wanted, he’s a really beneficial various for the nationwide coach. Before this World Cup, he didn’t play a big position.

Djibril M’bengue (backcourt): The third backcourt on the group performed his position nicely on protection, however made rather a lot of errors throughout his managed taking part in time.

Simon Ernst (defence): The defensive specialist performed rather a lot at first, however later he was not used in any respect. If Hendrik Pekeler returns to the nationwide group, Ernst, who has been stricken by quite a few accidents, might vacate the place.

Yannick Kolbacher (district): When Golla wanted a break, Kohlbacher was an equal substitute in assault and was an actual weapon, particularly in his relationship with membership-mate Knorr. An excellent second man in the circle.

Tim Zechel (District): He performed just a few minutes in the recreation towards Norway in the World Cup.

Lucas Mertens (left winger): Mertens has turn into a crowd favourite at this World Cup. With a wonderful strikeout charge of 27 in 32 makes an attempt, “Speedy” knew how one can persuade. Crossing it should be tough for all opponents at first.

Rune Damke (left wing): Mertens did job as a backup.

Patrick Grotzky (proper wing): Grotzky had begin to the event, however his strike charge was problematic in key video games of the event, notably lacking a number of essential targets towards France. If Timo Kastenin is wholesome, he ought to surpass the 33-12 months-previous athlete.

Lukas Zerbe (proper wing): Recommended, not performed a lot. In the medium time period, his age is a bonus over Grotzky in the race for the spot behind Castening.

Source: sportschau.de