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Small consolation for Germany's handball players: After missing the quarter-finals, the DHB selection landed their first main round victory at the World Cup with a clear 31:24 (16:12) against Brazil.

Although the premature end of the World Cup was sealed before the kick-off, the team of national coach Alfred Gislason showed a committed performance in Cairo on Saturday evening and moved up to third in Group I with 4: 4 points.

The best German thrower was Johannes Golla with seven goals.

Before going home, the tied team from Poland will be the final opponent on Monday.

Strong in defense and on the opposing circle: Johannes Golla (center)

Source: dpa

"I'm very happy with the guys," praised Gislason.

“It wasn't easy to concentrate on the game.

But they did it well. ”For Captain Uwe Gensheimer, this was a matter of honor:“ We also have the eagle on our chest, that's why we wanted to go out with a victory. ”

Without a chance

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Shortly before the German team went out to warm up, Hungary had destroyed the already faint hopes of a handball miracle with a 30:26 (16:10) against Poland.

"Of course we have all informed ourselves", reported Gensheimer about the emotional low blow.

With 8: 0 points, the Magyars and European champions Spain (7: 1) are definitely in the knockout phase.

The newly formed DHB selection after several cancellations had lost the decisive duels with Hungary (28:29) and Spain (28:32).

Most recently, Germany missed a World Cup quarter-finals in 2017.

At that time, the DHB team failed in the final round in France, which was held with a different mode, in the round of 16 against Qatar.

The last medal win so far in a major event was achieved by the German handball players at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio with bronze.

"The goal we announced has indeed been missed," said DHB Vice President Bob Hanning.

Strong bitter

Nevertheless, last year’s European Championship fifth pulled himself together against Brazil.

Germany determined the game from the start.

After a successful start and a 7-2 lead, some mistakes crept in.

The DHB team never got embarrassed.

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Goalkeeper oldie Johannes Bitter, who was a strong support with numerous parades, played a major role in this.

The 38-year-old parried 39 percent of the throws in the first half and stood out more often after the change.

“That was a very good performance,” praised Gislason. 

Great support: goalkeeper Johannes Bitter (center)

Source: dpa

Regular goalkeeper Andreas Wolff, on the other hand, only sat in the stands after his previously mixed appearances, from where he cheered on his teammates.

He was replaced by Silvio Heinevetter, who was used for a few minutes in the final phase.

Things went a lot better in the attack.

Julius Kühn (5), Philipp Weber (5) and Kai Häfner (4) in particular caused danger from the back area.

Captain Uwe Gensheimer, who was pale in the course of the tournament so far, also knew how to please and put his four attempts in goal without exception.

But the most powerful offensive weapon was Golla.

The 23-year-old from the German runner-up SG Flensburg-Handewitt also had a one hundred percent hit rate.

There were appreciative words from the national coach: "He showed a huge game."