Handball-EM: DHB-Team im Halbfinale – Deutschland schlägt Frankreich!

Fueled by a phenomenal Juri Knorr, Germany’s handball players have stormed into the European Championship semifinals, and can now dream of their first EM medal since the gold triumph ten years ago. Alfred Gislason’s team kept their composure in the main round’s final match against record world champions France, showcasing an offensive power previously unseen in the tournament.

Before 10,850 spectators in Herning, Knorr led the scoring with ten goals, becoming the best player for the DHB selection, which distanced itself from strong competition from France, Spain, Portugal, and Norway with an 8-2 record in the second tournament phase. World champions Denmark and Iceland have already reached the semi-finals.

It’s clear: in this form, the DHB team can continue to hope for their first EM medal since the sensational title win in 2016. This strong performance against France should also silence discussions about the future of Gislason, whose contract runs until the end of the home World Championship in 2027.

The situation before the showdown was clear: a draw would be enough for Germany to reach the semi-finals, while the four-time European champion had to win. Both teams entered the match with corresponding motivation, with the DHB team having to do without defender Tom Kiesler due to illness at short notice.

Unlike previous matches, the German team acted concentrated and effectively in attack from the beginning. The defense initially found no answer. It wasn’t until the 15th minute that goalkeeper Andreas Wolff, who had started as a reserve against Denmark, was able to fend off a shot from the French.

The save seemed to be a signal to his teammates to act even more aggressively. And they did. After 18 minutes, Germany led 11:7, four goals ahead. Knorr had a large share in this, finally radiating the hoped-for goal threat and becoming a defining figure in the first half. Justus Fischer also proved to be a reliable finisher at the circle.

France countered Germany’s offensive strength with the goal threat of Dika Mem. The FC Barcelona star, who will move to German champions Füchse Berlin in the summer of 2027, was difficult to stop. Nevertheless, the DHB selection took a four-goal lead into the break under the cheers of the numerous German fans.

Because Wolff was not a factor in the first half, the national coach sent David Späth between the posts at the start of the second half. And the 23-year-old delivered initially, allowing his teammates to afford a few missed shots.

Twelve minutes before the end, the game was suddenly on the line at 29:28. Wolff returned and immediately defused the first shot. In the dramatic final phase, Germany had the better end for themselves and is now reaching for a medal.

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