March 13, 2025, promises to be an exciting day for handball enthusiasts as Germany's national team takes on their Austrian counterparts at the Steffl Arena in Vienna. The match is part of the qualification process for the European Championship 2026 and has significant importance for both teams.
With the game kicking off at 18:00, this encounter not only rekindles the storied rivalry between these neighboring nations but also serves as a litmus test for Germany's ambitions to qualify for the prestigious tournament scheduled to take place across Denmark, Sweden, and Norway next January.
Germany, boasting captain Johannes Golla and led by experienced head coach Alfred Gislason, enters this game with momentum after clinching victories against both Switzerland (35:26) and Turkey (36:29) last November. These wins placed Germany at the top of their qualifying group, setting high expectations for the upcoming fixtures.
During the pre-match press conference, Gislason emphasized the challenge posed by Austria, stating, "Österreich hat uns im vergangenen Jahr zweimal extrem gefordert," which translates to “Austria has challenged us twice last year.” His acknowledgment of Austria's capabilities adds to the competitive atmosphere surrounding this fixture.
Austria also enters the match with promising results, having secured a victory against Turkey (31:28) and managing to draw against Switzerland (29:29). Their competitive spirit suggests they're more than prepared to take on the goals and exposures of this qualification match.
The stakes are high, as the top two teams from the qualifying group will advance to the Euro Championship 2026, which will begin on January 15 and culminate on February 1. This format not only raises the intensity of the matches but also fortifies the significance of today's game.
Fans who wish to enjoy the match can catch it live through ZDF's online platform, with the livestream commencing at 17:50, ten minutes prior to the match start. The expert commentary will be provided by Martin Schneider, enhancing the viewing experience for fans across Germany and Austria.
For those preferring different options, the match will also be available on the subscription-based service Dyn, which will begin its coverage at 17:30. This co-streaming approach is part of the collaborative effort between dominant media outlets to provide fans with flexible viewing options.
Despite the excitement surrounding this qualifying match, the German team faces challenges on the injury front. Key players like Juri Knorr are expected to be sidelined, heightening concerns about team stability. Gislason, reflecting on these setbacks, expressed his views during the press gathering, noting, “Was soll ich dazu sagen? Das ist die fehlende Regeneration bei vielen,” translating to “What should I say about this? It is the lack of recovery for many players.”
This statement highlights the recent strenuous schedule players have endured, particularly following the recent World Championship where Germany faced disappointment after exiting in the quarterfinals against Portugal. With such pressure, the focus on squad depth and team resilience becomes ever more important.
The return match against Austria will occur two days later, on March 15, 2025, at 16:30, hosted at the ZAG Arena in Hannover. This rematch could prove to be just as significant, as the results here could set the tone for reconciliation after today's game.
With the clock ticking down to the match, anticipation is building not just among the players but also the extensive fanbase, eager to see how their teams perform on this regional stage. The excitement surrounding qualification for the EM 2026 is palpable, and this match is the latest chapter in the long-standing narrative between these two nations.
Today’s game is more than just a chance for points; it's also about national pride, bragging rights, and the pursuit of sporting excellence. Get ready for what promises to be another thrilling encounter between Austria and Germany.