German handball players lose against Croatia and fear for Olympic qualification

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Juri Knorr and the German team found their way into the game too late against Croatia

Photo: Noah Wedel / IMAGO

Germany's handball players have suffered a setback in the fight to qualify for the Olympic Games.

The team of national coach Alfred Gíslason had to admit defeat against Croatia 30:33 (10:16) after a desolate performance at times and lost an optimal starting position before the final group game.

After the 41:29 win at the start against Algeria, the German team now has one win and one defeat.

If the selection of the German Handball Federation (DHB) loses against Austria on Sunday (2:10 p.m., TV: ARD and Dyn), the Summer Olympic Games in Paris will take place without a German men's team.

Only the two best teams in the group of four qualify.

Due to the bankruptcy, the DHB team not only missed revenge for the European Championship defeat in January, but also lost the duel with its former national coach Dagur Sigurdsson.

In front of 10,099 spectators in Hanover, Renārs Uščins was the best thrower for the German selection with eight goals.

Top players Knorr and Köster not in shape

The DHB team started very nervously and, as at the European Championships, they despaired of Croatia's keeper Dominik Kuzmanović.

Missed seven meters and many technical errors led to simple ball losses, which the European Championship eleven quickly took advantage of to take a 5-1 and later 16-9 lead.

Only goalkeeper Andi Wolff showed a good performance.

The German team lacked physicality and commitment.

The defense offered little resistance and the weak Bundesliga form of playmaker Juri Knorr was also reflected in the national team.

The exploitation of chances remained weak until the break.

Fueled by the home crowd, the DHB team appeared significantly more committed after the change.

Playmaker Marian Michalczik and Co. now fought more intensely and the deficit shrank to three goals (17:20).

Substitute Sebastian Heymann and Uščins livened up the offensive game.

Germany was now in the game and suddenly Croatia was wobbling.

Even though every throw from the U21 world champion Uščins ended up in the goal during this phase, Croatia recovered.

Things got more intense in the final phase and Heymann was shown a red card after a foul.

Eight minutes before the end of the game, the guests took the lead again with four goals and maintained their lead until the end.

ast/dpa/sid