On November 29, the German handball team begins its European Championship campaign in Austria, Hungary, and Switzerland, aiming to break past semifinal barriers. National coach Markus Gaugisch seeks improvement to compete with top teams, while players like Antje Döll express frustration over past near-misses. The squad combines experienced and younger talent, with rising star Viola Leuchter eager to showcase their abilities. Consistency remains a challenge, but the team hopes to finally secure a medal.
On November 29, the German handball team is set to kick off their journey in the European Championship hosted by Austria, Hungary, and Switzerland. Historically, the DHB team has struggled to progress beyond the semifinals in past tournaments. National players Antje Döll and Viola Leuchter believe it’s time for a breakthrough.
Aiming for the Next Level
The aspiration to elevate their game has been a constant pursuit for the German handball players in major competitions. This ambition entails breaking into the elite tier of global handball and securing a place in the semifinals. With a fresh approach and a revamped team dynamic, can they achieve this goal this year?
National coach Markus Gaugisch expressed a clear objective: “We aim to improve our performance to challenge one of the top four teams,” referencing Norway, Denmark, France, and Sweden. He cautions, however, that achieving this goal is not guaranteed, even with exceptional performances. The coach is exercising caution as the tournament approaches. In recent years, the DHB team has often found themselves on the verge of semifinal appearances but has faltered due to inconsistency in critical matches.
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Still Chasing a Medal
Antje Döll, a member of the DHB team since 2017, has endured many disappointments. At 36, she is the team’s eldest player. In a recent interview, she expressed her frustration: “We’re tired of underperforming and not showcasing our potential.”
While Döll has celebrated multiple victories in her club career, including winning the German championship and the EHF European League, she has yet to secure a medal with the national squad. Although uncertain about her future in the team, her eyes are set on the home World Cup in 2025. “I truly desire that because I’ve participated in several tournaments where we barely missed out. It’s disheartening to keep facing the same outcome,” she reflected.
Haunting Past Experiences
Memories of near-misses linger for Döll and the team. During the 2019 Handball World Cup in Japan, they fell short of the semifinals by a single goal against Serbia. The following year, a lackluster performance against Croatia dashed their hopes again. In 2021, they lost to host Spain in the quarterfinals despite having the lead. Last year, a disappointing showing against Sweden saw them exit in the quarterfinals once more. Time and again, the DHB team has stumbled at critical junctions.
Döll has learned to cope with these setbacks. “I’ve become more relaxed. I notice the progress, even if others don’t. That’s why I remain hopeful,” she stated. Her hope is that the team can maintain the consistency needed this year to finally break into the top four.
Guiding the Next Generation
Coach Gaugisch emphasizes the importance of retaining experienced players like Döll to ensure stability, while also integrating younger talent who will eventually lead the national team. Four players will experience their first major tournament in Austria, with many others participating in only their second or third. This blend of youth and experience is crucial for the upcoming championship.
“I consider myself young at heart,” Döll joked. “But I strive to mentor the younger players and set a positive example as a seasoned member of the team.” Viola Leuchter, a 20-year-old player learning from Döll both on the national team and at her club HB Ludwigsburg, remarked, “I absorb insights in various aspects, from handball skills to game preparation and focus.”
Leuchter’s year has been eventful, marked by her debut in the national team where she was honored as the “best young player.” After an injury during the last World Cup that sidelined her for months, she has emerged stronger, participating in the Olympic Games and transferring from Leverkusen to Ludwigsburg over the summer.
Feeling the Pressure
Despite her recent debut, Leuchter acknowledges the palpable pressure surrounding the team and the desire to take that next step. “There’s certainly a motivation to showcase our abilities now, but our determination outweighs any pressure,” she explained.
Leuchter views the diverse mix of young and seasoned players as a beneficial dynamic: “The carefree nature of younger players brings a refreshing vibe, while the older players contribute invaluable experience and guidance,” she noted.
Consistency: The Ongoing Challenge
National coach Gaugisch recognizes the advantages of this year’s team composition: “The fresh energy brought by less experienced players is revitalizing,” he said. “Everyone is vying for their spot and playing time. This competition is vital for enhancing our overall quality.”
However, the issue of consistency remains unresolved. “We experience significant fluctuations in performance,” Gaugisch added. “We need to establish solid structures.” If they can achieve this stability, the DHB women might finally take the long-awaited leap forward.