The German national handball team celebrated a significant victory on Saturday, March 15, 2025, defeating Austria 31:26 at the ZAG Arena in Hannover, which all but secured their qualification for the European Championship scheduled for January 2026 across Denmark, Sweden, and Norway.
Less than 48 hours after struggling to secure only a draw against the same opponent, Coach Alfred Gislason's team exhibited marked improvements, demonstrating resilience and determination to bounce back from the tense 26:26 draw they suffered on Thursday, March 13, 2025, in Vienna. This commendable win sees Germany leading Group 7 with 7:1 points, distancing themselves from Austria, currently at 4:4 points.
With 10,369 spectators cheering enthusiastically from the stands, the team capitalized on past mistakes and displayed superior skill. Goalkeeper David Späth, who was substituted at halftime, proved to be particularly effective, having saved several goals and even scoring himself from the other end of the court, creating sheer excitement among fans.
Nils Lichtlein started Germany's scoreboard momentum, scoring the initial lead for his team with effortless execution, contributing to the home team's confidence early on. His opening goal set the stage for the subsequent score by Julian Köster, which extended the lead to 7:5. Despite initial nerves and turnovers, the team began to gel, showcasing swift ball movement and gaining momentum as the game progressed.
Marko Grgic stood out as the top scorer for the Germans, netting seven goals throughout the match. His performance, along with significant contributions from Köster, who finished with six goals, helped Germany pull away midway through the second half. Coach Gislason commented on the marked improvement from their previous outing: "We had to utilize our home advantage effectively, and today’s performance reflected precisely what we aimed for. For us, this win was necessary and our focus now shifts to the upcoming matches as we prepare to secure our places for the EM 2026."
The first half saw Germany leading by two points as they entered halftime with the score at 16:14. They began the second half strong, significantly outplaying the Austrians and leveraging mistakes made by their opponents. Austria’s multiple turnovers and off-target shots played directly to Germany’s advantage, and they seized the opportunity to extend their lead substantially. Their tactical adjustments paid off, leading to scoring runs and defensive stops which culminated in several quick transitions.
From the standpoint of team cohesion, Gislason remarked on the importance of overcoming the earlier disappointment: "The disappointment after the draw was palpable, but our men's resolve today highlighted their character. We regrouped, learned from our previous mistakes, and came out with the intent to win." During the draw, Germany allowed Austria to equalize even after leading by four goals, leaving fans worried about their prospects going forward. This time, limitations were significantly mitigated as the team remained aggressive throughout.
Germany's strong defense was apparent, shutting down Austria's key players and capitalizing on their flaws, particularly exploiting gaps during offensive plays. For the Austrians, Coach Ales Pajovic observed, "We didn’t capitalize when it mattered. We had chances but failed to execute them decisively. Germany took advantage of our mistakes and transformed them to their success today."
The match saw not just impactful scoring but also highlights of teamwork and strategic plays. Newcomer Miro Schluroff made his mark by scoring from distance, demonstrating the fresh talent integrated within the team dynamic. The German side effectively worked together, combining experienced players who focused on driving power and talent against their Austrian rivals.
Missing from the lineup were key players such as Juri Knorr and Renars Uscins, whose absence due to injury raised questions about the team’s depth. Yet, the remaining squad members filled the void with purpose. Captain Johannes Golla commented, "Even though we had several of our key players missing, the alternative players stepped up effectively, and it showcased our depth. This win is something we can build upon for our future matches."
Germany continues its EM qualification campaign now firmly set to face Switzerland and Turkey over the coming months. With their unbeaten streak since May 2015 still intact, optimism surrounds the squad as they prepare for the concluding qualifying matches.
With their eyes set firmly on the 2026 European Championship, the conviction demonstrated on the court during this victory will serve as motivation for the challenges to come. The thrilling ambiance of the home crowd, coupled with the team's fierce determination, encapsulates what promises to be an exciting road to the tournament next year.