After their convincing performance against South Korea, Germany's handball women danced exuberantly across the floor to the sound of the song “Sweet Caroline” and sang along loudly. The early entry into the World Cup quarter-finals through the sovereign 37:28 (19:16) in the duel with the Asian champions put the DHB selection in a happy mood, at least for a short time, and raised hopes for the first medal in 14 years. "We delivered an excellent performance today," praised national coach Henk Groener. “It was a deserved win for my team, which fought really well. I'm very proud."

With 8: 0 points, the DHB team, which is still unbeaten at the tournament in Spain, has already secured one of the first two places in Group III and can go into the last main round match against Denmark on Sunday in a relaxed manner.

The best throwers for the winner in front of 70 spectators in Granollers were the two captains Emily Bölk and Alina Grijseels, each with eight goals.

Circle runner Meike Schmelzer contributed five goals to her fifth win in the fifth game.

"Finally.

I'm a bit overwhelmed, ”said backcourt player Xenia Smits, relieved after the final whistle.

Unlike in previous years, the German team had their nerves under control in a groundbreaking game and rewarded themselves by making it into the round of the top eight for the first time since 2013. "It's a huge pleasure, we'll enjoy it tonight," said Smits.

Change of goalkeeper

The German team was at operating temperature right from the start and only allowed themselves to be duped briefly in the first minute when South Korea suddenly acted in defense with three early players and used the quick win to take the lead.

A 5-0 run in the DHB selection was the right answer to the Asian champions' tactical coup.

But in this style it went no further. A few technical errors and missed opportunities enabled the nimble South Koreans to equalize to 8: 8 after 13 minutes. Shortly afterwards, Groener reacted with a change in goal at 10:10 - Katharina Filter moved between the posts for Dinah Eckerle. That paid off, because the European Beach Champion got off to a good start with a brilliant parade. Above all, Grijseels and Bölk from the back area set strong accents in the attack.

Nevertheless, the rival could not be shaken off so well. However, the DHB team always remained focused and worked out a well-deserved three-goal lead at break in the final phase of the first half. With the restart, Eckerle returned to the goal, which with a few parades became the hoped-for support. But initially the lead could not be increased to more than four hits. This was achieved for the first time in the 43rd minute, when Grijseels converted a seven meter to 27:22.

Against the aggressive DHB defense, it was now increasingly difficult for the South Koreans to successfully stage themselves.

The German team took advantage of this and scored nine goals within a short time (32: 23/48.).

The final phase was then just a casual show.

"We are overjoyed that we played consistently and that we made it," said Grijseels.