After the brief celebration of the hard-fought European Championship opening victory against Poland, the relieved German handball players immediately turned their attention to the hot group duel with co-hosts Montenegro.
In the heated atmosphere of Podgorica, the DHB selection can win their ticket for the main round this Monday (6 p.m. / sportdeutschland.tv), but they have to stand up to an experienced opponent and, above all, their frenetic fans.
mood as in men
"I saw the beginning of their game against Spain and I have never experienced such an atmosphere and enthusiasm in women's handball, it was like in the men's Bundesliga," said national coach Markus Gaugisch about the extraordinary atmosphere in the 6,000 spectator Moraca Arena.
"Of course there is a risk of being influenced by this incredible atmosphere. We prepare ourselves mentally for this task so that we can use it more as a motivation for our game," said Emily Bölk. Her fellow captain Alina Grijseels predicted: "The hall will be full and the atmosphere will be outstanding."
The backcourt player from Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund expects a tough physical test against the robust Montenegrins. "It's about not only taking it, but also giving it out. We have to show that the will is greater than the expected pain," Grijseels said on Sunday.
Bankruptcy averted in the closing stages
The captain duo played a large part in the 25:23 (11:12) win against Poland on Saturday evening. Grijseels was the top scorer with eight goals, Bölk scored six times. Only in the final phase was the nervous and erroneous DHB selection, which was already four goals behind in the first half and eleven minutes before the end of the game by two goals, able to avert an impending bankruptcy at the start.
"We always stayed cool. It was very, very important that we came back. I think that will help us as the tournament progresses," said Grijseels. And Bölk added: "It was a real fighting game. We had to work hard to win."
The national coach did not want to hide the deficits, but emphasized the positive aspects. "It was a fight victory with comeback qualities. I'm very happy to have won this difficult game. It was a typical first tournament game, we didn't get into the flow but we showed great quality when we were behind." , summed up Gaugisch. "I'm proud of this team."
Gaugisch sees his players armed
Against Montenegro, who surprisingly defeated Spain, fourth in the World Cup, with 30:23 at the start, a significant improvement is now needed. "We have to stop the high number of technical errors and get into the game better at speed," demanded Grijseels. The national coach announced the route: "Montenegro is ahead of us in terms of experience, but we want to put pressure on."
After all, 13 players from the EURO squad of the co-hosts of the final round play with their clubs in the Champions League. Gaugisch drew special attention to Djurdjina Jaukovic. "We have to stop them - definitely," said the 48-year-old about the left backcourt player.
The international record also speaks for the hostesses. In the four duels so far, Germany has only managed one victory - and that was ten years ago. Nevertheless, Gaugisch sees his players prepared for the difficult task: "The team has good character and will do their best."
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