Germany’s women’s handball team faced a disappointing defeat against the Netherlands, losing 22:29 in their European Championship preliminary round match. Despite a strong start and contributions from top scorers Alina Grijseels and Nina Engel, the team struggled in the second half, unable to maintain their lead. With only 2:2 points, Germany’s chances of advancing are slim, and they must rely on favorable outcomes in their upcoming match against Iceland on December 3, 2024.
Germany’s Handball Women Face Disappointment at European Championship
The German women’s handball team experienced a significant setback in their European Championship preliminary round, suffering a tough defeat in a crucial match. On December 1, 2024, the national squad, coached by Markus Gaugisch, lost to the Netherlands with a score of 22:29 (14:15). This loss puts Germany in a precarious position regarding their chances of advancing to the main round, now sitting at 2:2 points. Gaugisch acknowledged the defeat, stating, “It is a deserved defeat. We had a great start and momentum, but in the second half, the Netherlands showed us why they are currently ranked ahead of us.”
Key Players Shine Amidst Tough Loss
In front of 2,347 spectators at Innsbruck’s Olympiahalle, playmaker Alina Grijseels and left-hander Nina Engel stood out as the top scorers for the German Handball Federation (DHB), netting 5 and 4 goals, respectively. Grijseels expressed her disappointment, saying, “The disappointment is enormous to have lost the game so clearly.”
The absence of key player Annika Lott, alongside the still-injured Viola Leuchter, was felt heavily. Despite a promising six-goal lead in the first half, the German team faltered, particularly in penalty situations. Xenia Smits, a backcourt player, noted, “We lost a bit of our composure, and suddenly it was a different game.” As the Dutch team grew more confident, the Germans struggled to maintain their earlier momentum, ultimately missing out on crucial points.
Germany started strong, with captain Emily Bölk making an impressive impact early on. After a 6:3 lead by co-captain Grijseels, the Netherlands was forced to call their first timeout. Young talent Engel made significant contributions on both ends of the court, showcasing her skills in her tournament debut.
Despite leading 10:4 at one point, the German team encountered a slump as missed penalties allowed the Dutch to regain momentum. Gaugisch attempted to reassure his players during a timeout, but the Dutch equalized at 12:12 just before halftime. Following the break, Germany struggled to regain their initial confidence, with Dutch goalkeeper Yara ten Holte playing a crucial role in her team’s defense.
As the match progressed, the Netherlands pulled ahead, taking a three-goal lead at 18:21. DHB goalkeeper Katharina Filter made key saves to keep Germany’s hopes alive, but in the end, the Netherlands celebrated their victory as the final whistle blew.
The road ahead is challenging, as only the top two teams from each group will advance to the main round. The German women’s handball team will face Iceland in their third and final preliminary round match on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 8:30 PM. The first two teams from each group will carry points into the next phase, which will occur in Vienna, along with the potential for a final round.
The 2024 Women’s Handball European Championship kicked off on November 28, and Germany, as an outsider, must now rely on unexpected outcomes to progress further in the tournament.