The 2024 Women’s Handball European Championship will take place from November 28 to December 15, co-hosted by Austria, Switzerland, and Hungary. Germany’s team, in Group F alongside the Netherlands, Iceland, and Ukraine, aims to reach the semifinals. Co-captain Emily Bölk expresses optimism about their preparation, while head coach Markus Gaugisch stresses the importance of winning their matches, particularly against the Netherlands. With over 30 years since their last major title, the team seeks to reclaim its former success.
The German Women’s Handball Team Aims for Upset at the 2024 European Championship
The highly anticipated 16th Women’s Handball European Championship is set to commence on November 28 and will conclude with the final match on December 15. This year’s tournament is being co-hosted by Austria, Switzerland, and Hungary, with matches taking place in vibrant cities such as Vienna, Innsbruck, Basel, and Debrecen. The climactic final weekend, featuring the semifinals, third-place match, and final showdown, will unfold at the iconic Wiener Stadthalle.
Group Stage Overview and Venues
Competing in groups at venues in Debrecen, Basel, and Innsbruck, teams will battle for a coveted spot in the main round, which will be held in Debrecen and Vienna. The German national team, placed in Group F, will go head-to-head with formidable opponents including the Netherlands, Iceland, and Ukraine during the preliminary round. Co-captain Emily Bölk expressed optimism after their last test match against Austria, stating, “The atmosphere is very good, a nice mix of fun and focus. Everyone is really excited and looking forward to getting started.”
Debrecen, Fönix Arena
Group A:
Sweden, Hungary, North Macedonia, Turkey
Group B:
Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Czech Republic
Basel, St. Jakobshalle
Group C:
France, Spain, Poland, Portugal
Group D:
Denmark, Switzerland, Croatia, Faroe Islands
Innsbruck, Olympiahalle
Group E:
Norway, Austria, Slovenia, Slovakia
Group F:
Netherlands, Germany, Iceland, Ukraine
On paper, the Netherlands emerges as the strongest contender. Despite their recent lack of medal placements in major tournaments, they claimed the World Championship title in 2019. Bölk identifies this match as pivotal, while national coach Markus Gaugisch believes the contest will be evenly matched.
Germany is expected to handle their opening match against Ukraine with relative ease, having secured two convincing victories against them during qualifiers, with scores of 31:24 and 43:21.
Championship Format and Progression
The tournament format allows the top two teams from each group to advance into the main round, which is split into two groups of six. Should Germany progress, they will face the top two teams from groups D and E between December 5 and 11, with preliminary round results carrying over.
The two top teams from the main round will then compete in the semifinals scheduled for Friday, December 13, 2024, with matches at 5:45 PM and 8:30 PM. The bronze medal match will take place on Sunday at 3:15 PM, followed by the gold medal match at 6 PM.
Key Contenders and Newcomers
Currently, France stands out as the defending world champion, while Norway, the reigning European champion, also boasts Olympic gold from the previous summer. Denmark and Sweden are additional nations to watch closely as potential medal winners.
Excitingly, this tournament marks the first European Championship for two teams: Turkey and the Faroe Islands, both making their debuts on the major tournament stage.
Norway’s Thale Rushfeldt breaks through the German defense
The Aspirations of the DHB Team
With over 30 years since their last major tournament triumph, the German women’s handball team is eager to reclaim its former glory. Notable successes from the early 1990s include a vice-European championship title in 1994 and a world championship win the previous year.
Head coach Markus Gaugisch has made the team’s objectives clear: advancing to the semifinals is a primary goal. To accomplish this, Germany must navigate the preliminary round without any losses, particularly focusing on their crucial match against the Netherlands on December 1, 2024. The main round will pose additional challenges against the likes of European champions Norway and bronze medalists Denmark from the World Championship.
Preparations for the championship began in late October, featuring promising performances. The DHB team notably triumphed over the Netherlands, a team they will face in the preliminary round, winning 27:23 during the Golden League. However, inconsistencies followed, highlighted by a disappointing defeat against Denmark (19:34) in a four-nation tournament. A narrow victory against Austria (28:26) provided some encouragement, yet the team has struggled to build momentum as they chase their medal aspirations.