Germany is gearing up for the Handball World Championship 2025, which kicks off from January 14 to February 2 across Croatia, Denmark, and Norway. This championship, featuring 32 nations, promises to be one of the year's first sporting highlights. The German handball team, consisting of ambitious athletes, will compete with hopes of securing at least a podium finish.
The team's group matches will take place in Herning, Denmark, where they will face Poland, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic. All matches involving the German team will be available for viewing on free television.
Head coach Alfred Gislason, who has confirmed this championship will be his penultimate tournament before stepping down after the home championship in 2027, expresses confidence in his squad. His roster boasts 14 Olympic silver medalists, indicating high aspirations.
The team captain, Johannes Golla, widely recognized as one of the best line players globally, leads the charge. Goalkeeper Andreas Wolff, with over ten years of international experience, is another key player. Creative threats come from the likes of Juri Knorr and Julian Köster, supported by the fast and accurate abilities of external players Lukas Zerbe and Timo Kastening. The youngest addition to the squad, shooting star Marko Grgic, aged 21, adds youthful energy to the mix.
Two players, Kai Häfner, who has retired from international play, and Tim Hornke, currently recovering from foot surgery, will not participate. The final team lineup was announced on January 13, just two days before their opening match against Poland, with Gislason opting to select only 17 players instead of the permitted 18. Goalkeeper Joel Birlehm and line player Tim Zechel were cut after the final warm-up matches, meaning the team will head to the championship with only two goalkeepers.
Germany's preliminary squad for the Handball World Championship 2025 includes:
- Goalkeepers: Andreas Wolff (THW Kiel) and David Späth (Rhein-Neckar Löwen).
- Left Wings: Lukas Mertens (SC Magdeburg) and Rune Dahmke (THW Kiel).
- Left Backs: Julian Köster (VfL Gummersbach), Sebastian Heymann (Rhein-Neckar Löwen), and Marko Grgic (ThSV Eisenach).
- Center Backs: Juri Knorr (Rhein-Neckar Löwen), Nils Lichtlein (Füchse Berlin), and Luca Witzke (SC DHfK Leipzig).
- Right Backs: Renars Uscins (TSV Hannover-Burgdorf), Franz Semper (SC DHfK Leipzig), and Christoph Steinert (HC Erlangen).
- Right Wings: Timo Kastening (MT Melsungen) and Lukas Zerbe (THW Kiel).
- Circles: Johannes Golla (SG Flensburg-Handewitt), Jannik Kohlbacher (Rhein-Neckar Löwen), and Justus Fischer (TSV Hannover-Burgdorf).
Meanwhile, the team faces unexpected challenges. Playmaker Juri Knorr and left wing Rune Dahmke have been ruled out for the upcoming match against Italy due to illness. This development was confirmed by the German Handball Federation shortly before the match and follows Knorr's complaints of sore throat after their previous encounter with Denmark.
The pressure is on as Germany prepares for what could be decisive matches against Italy and Tunisia. If they lose to Italy, their dreams of securing a medal might be dashed early. With Gislason’s adjustments to the squad, including the late entry of Marian Michalczik from RECKEN, the coach aims to maintain flexibility amid the setbacks. Michalczik will arrive just as the team prepares for their next challenge, though he will not be eligible for the immediate match against Italy.
Germany’s performance will be closely watched as they hope to build momentum and overcome the obstacles presented by injuries. Gislason's blend of experience and youthful talent places them among the teams to watch this championship.
The German fans' hopes are high as they back their team, striving for excellence on the court. Will their mix of seasoned players and new talent cut through the competition and lead them to victory? The Handball World Championship 2025 will certainly be pivotal for Germany's future endeavors.