In front of the Handball world Cup was: Germany the real types for the big Coup is missing. After early is of a semi-final is clear: The DHB-Team – but maybe not as expected.
Hendrik Pekeler radiates. “We are in the semi-finals,” he says, as he would have to explain it to himself yet. Only a few moments he has left the raging Cologne Arena, and is now in a Tunnel somewhere in the interior of the multi-purpose hall. The sweat dripping him by the short hair, but he is already wearing his warm jacket. Now, just don’t catch a cold just before the big target.
With three matches, the lanky pivot has helped to lead Germany to a world Cup semi-final. Pekeler is in need of a Moment, until he has sorted, he then speaks in a quiet tone of missed opportunities in the Offensive and forces zehrendem rings with the Croats. In a tight, not always glamorous, but bold game of Germany wrestles Croatia with 22:21 (11:11). “It was a tough, combat-centered game, and both Teams have done offensively.” You could say that.
The nervousness was easy to see the German team clearly at the beginning. After a great reception by the of 19,250 spectators in the Cologne arena flat the nerves fluttered. Croatia had the first attacks an easy game, while Germany error playback under run. The concentration had remained in the cabin. Only in the fourth Minute, it was Uwe Gensheimer, who moved irresistibly from the left outside to the Inside and to the 1:2 met. A strong Parade, and shortly thereafter, still holding the seven meters of Keeper Andreas Wolff had a revival experience for the spectators and the Team.
Martin Strobel is out for the Rest of the world Cup
But then the shock: building player Martin Strobel slipped in an offensive action, and had to be carried in the eighth Minute of the wounded from the field: an inside ligament – a tough loss for the DHB-selection. Nevertheless, Fabian Wiede succeed the first lead for Germany after ten minutes (4:3). Croatia captain Domagoj Duvnjak drove in his team-mates to put the German defense. With a nice, straight-line Handball, the Olympic champion from 1996 to 2004, moved back to the world Cup hosts.
And it remained a contested area. Several times the lead changed, marriage, Hendrik Pekeler, one with 2,03 meters of the largest players of this world Cup, was a real Big Point: Far ahead of the Nine-Meter circle, he “stole” an opponent’s Pass and stormed inexorably to the next German leadership (8:7, 20.). Time Out Croatia. The body language of the German Bank: the strong will.
One wanted to it this evening, but maybe too much so: Patrick Groetzki a awarded first, miserably, and completely free before the Croatia Keeper Marin Sego, and was then his second Two-minute time penalty. Germany moved however on two goals, was Keeper Wolff and a clever distance throw by Patrick Wieneck thanks to the – 10:8 (26.). However, the attack failed Groetzki and Uwe Gensheimer, the nerves, while Croatia was always more effective on the mid – term as of 11: 11. “That it is stuck on the front, we know,” said Hendrik Pekeler later. “But as long as we start in the back, less goals, is the relatively no matter.” A simple, applicable analysis of the German game.
The inexplicable weakness of Patrick Groetzki
National Coach Christian Prokop (2.v.l.) watching his Team skeptical
In terms of errors, both Teams remained even in the second half true. And on the German side, rubbed more puzzled eyes, as Patrick Groetzki spurned further opportunities. The otherwise safe right outside the Rhine-Neckar-lions wrestled visibly with. Also Gensheimer remained rather pale. Ironically, the Stars showed weaknesses. But for you others jumped into the breach: Kai Hafner with one of his hits to between the time 15:13 for Germany (41.). Or Jannik Kohlbacher, the playing force from the circle of his, and Fabian Wiede, the increased with a 101-Km/h-beam for the first time on a three-goals lead (18:15, 46.). And, of course, Wolff, again and again Wolff.
The bearded Keeper is with his reflexes and the unbridled joy on held balls already become the darling of the domestic audience. And so it was once again the collective that Germany’s Handball selection at the time of this tournament brought it to the next round.
The accusation of critics before the tournament, the current Team is missing easy to real types, counters this team just with team spirit. In comparison to the world Cup Team of 2007, the outstanding characters may be missing, but the Ensemble is equally strong, especially in the Defensive. And the Fans in the Cologne arena celebrated the Team with a Standing ovation – albeit a little too early: Because of Germany’s Offensive had now countless opportunities lie and bite at Marin Sego formally the teeth. The Croatian Keeper had a brilliant night and kept his team in the game.
At the end of a shaky victory
Almost ten minutes no goal was able to the players of national coach Christian Prokop. Croatia seemed to be the game to have to be ripped, but Germany replied with an energy performance: In the Fall, Andreas Wolff held a Ball in right field and immediately initiated the fast break, turned the Hendrik Pekeler re-guide (21:20, 59.). Another quick goal by Gensheimer brought the decision before Croatia could still shorten on 21:22-end level. Germany was shaking at the end for the victory.
In the last group game on Wednesday against Spain, Germany can even afford a defeat. Seriously, it is then in the semifinals on Friday night in Hamburg, Germany to ums final in the Danish city of Herning plays.