Things got exciting in Hanover last Thursday. For the German national handball team, nothing less than a ticket to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris was at stake. The four-team tournament between the German team, Algeria, Croatia and Austria was already eagerly awaited.

After all, only the two best teams receive the coveted ticket for the summer in France.

Although Germany were favourites in the run-up to the tournament, the match results against Austria and Croatia during the European Championship were not necessarily a clear indication of success.

The matches were therefore followed with particular attention, as the extension of national coach Gislason’s contract depended on successful qualification.

The German team kicked things off against Algeria on Thursday at 17:45.

While the match against Algeria was clearly won 41:29, things did not look quite so rosy after the defeat in the second match against Croatia (30:33). A win against Austria was a must – and our DHB team held their nerve to win 31:34.

Despite the recent European Handball Championships in their own country, it was clear that Germany would love to host this crucial qualifier. We have also prepared a suitable setting for the TV broadcasts of this tournament and we are already looking forward to the mega event in Paris.

Photos: IMAGO