The German national handball team celebrated its second consecutive victory at the 2025 Handball World Championship, overcoming Switzerland with a score of 31:29. With this win, Germany solidifies its position for qualification to the tournament's main round.
Despite the final score indicating success, the match was anything but straightforward for the DHB team. Initially, the German players struggled against their opponents, trailing early on due to uncharacteristic mistakes. Head coach Alfred Gislason had decided to sideline star playmaker Juri Knorr, who had sustained a minor knee injury during the opening match against Poland. His absence was felt, especially as Switzerland capitalized on Germany’s errors to establish a 5:2 lead within the first ten minutes.
While goalkeeper Andreas Wolff made several key saves, the German offense appeared disorganized. The Swiss side took advantage, leading by as much as 7:4. It wasn't until Gislason introduced Knorr to the game, and other key players like Renars Uscins caught fire, did Germany manage to regain its footing and eventually tie it 14-14 before halftime.
Wolff's performance was remarkable, providing the necessary backbone for Germany especially during the first half, as he boasted impressive save statistics. After the break, Switzerland momentarily regained the lead, taking advantage of Germany's continued sluggishness and errors.
Germany's lackluster offensive plays and defensive lapses allowed the Swiss team to lead 19:21 at one point. It wasn’t until late in the game when the momentum shifted. Goals from Julian Köster, who ended the match as Germany's top scorer with seven goals, and Uscins bolstered the effort as they surged back from behind. With the match tied at 26-26, it was Wolff who again stepped up to thwart Switzerland, landing powerful saves during the final minutes.
With the match coming down to the wire, Germany managed to outscore Switzerland and take the lead decisively. A final push with goals from Köster and Lukas Mertens solidified their victory. After the game, Wolff expressed relief at the team’s performance, pointing to the hard-fought nature of the match. "We are relieved. That was a typical opening match with much fighting," said Luca Witzke, reflecting on the challenge of their second game.
The match not only marked another successful step for Germany but also highlighted the enduring rivalry between the two neighboring teams. Swiss coach Andy Schmid, prior to the game, expressed frustration at the consistent difficulty his squad faces against Germany, stating, "I’ve had enough of playing against Germany so often. They just don’t suit us." His team’s battle against logistical and injury woes has created hurdles, leading Switzerland to enter the match as underdogs.
Even after securing qualification for the main round, the road remains challenging for Germany. They will need to continue their strong performances against formidable opponents. Players like Johannes Golla emphasized the need for stricter focus, stating, "We need all to be more alert. It’s important to play concentrated from the start."
Following the win over Switzerland, Germany looks forward to its next match against the Czech Republic, poised to challenge for the top spot as they navigate through the tournament. The stakes also remain high for the Swiss team, who are now faced with the pressure of qualifying for the next rounds.
The match drew significant audience engagement, underscoring the importance of international handball and the enthusiastic support from fans. With more thrilling matches scheduled, the 2025 Handball World Championship continues to capture the excitement of both players and spectators alike.