Germany's handball players have received unexpected help from Brazil at the World Cup in Germany and Denmark. The South Americans conquered in Cologne, the European Championship Fifth Croatia surprisingly 29:26 (17:13). Thus, the DHB selection with a victory in the duel against Croatia on this Monday (20.30 clock, TV: ZDF, live ticker SPIEGEL ONLINE) prematurely make the entry into the semifinals perfect.
In the early stages, the Brazilians sat down quickly with a 4-0 draw within just three minutes to 8: 3 (11th minute). The Croatians ran after this residue for a long time. Only seven minutes before the end of the favorite was approached on a goal. But the turnaround did not succeed. Outstanding thrower in the South Americans was Haniel Langaro with nine goals. Top star Domagoj Duvnjak from THW Kiel (6 goals) scored the most for Croatia.
So far, the two-time Olympic champion Croatia had been unbeaten at this World Cup. Against Brazil, the team allowed many technical errors. The Brazilians used the ball wins again and again to throws into the empty Croatian goal. With 4: 2 points Croatia is against the DHB selection (5: 1) under enormous pressure.
"It's an important game for us and for Germany, it's going to be brutally difficult," Duvnjak said after the meeting: "We played badly and the defeat is a surprise for us as well, even though we knew Brazil was a dangerous team . "
Brazil's best World Cup performance was a 13th place in 2013. In the preliminary round match against the German team, the team had no chance (21:34).
Germany started the main round with a 24:19 victory over Iceland. Here you will find all results and further information about the Handball World Cup.