Berlin (dpa) – The door to the Olympic Games is wide open, now the German handball players just have to go through. In the final duel of the qualifying tournament in Berlin, the DHB selection against Algeria today wants to take the last step on the way to Tokyo (3:45 p.m. / ZDF).
THE STARTING POINT: After the happy 25:25 at the start against the World Cup second Sweden and the convincing 36:27 against the European Championship fourth Slovenia, the DHB selection has 3: 1 points. A draw against Algeria is enough for the longed-for Olympic ticket, which the first two teams buy. Even in the event of a defeat, the German team would reach Tokyo if Slovenia did not win against Sweden in the last tournament game. “We’re extremely close. Now we have to deliver again, ”said back shooter Julius Kühn.
THE FORM: The performance against Slovenia was the best in a long time and it showed the team’s potential. In this condition, the Gislason troops are the clear favorites against the pointless Algerians who no longer have a chance of participating in the Olympics. “The defense was very strong and really, really good,” said national coach Alfred Gislason. “Behind that, Andreas Wolff held up very well.” Nevertheless, the game should not be taken lightly. “We have to approach the task in a focused manner,” warned Gislason.
THE ADVERSE: Algeria is not part of the cream of international handball. The North Africans had no chance in the first two tournament games against Slovenia and Sweden. Only goalkeeper Khalifa Ghedbane, who earns his money with Ademar Leon in Spain, has an international format. “They play unconventionally and aggressively. We have to keep up the pace to break them down a bit, ”said right winger Timo Kastening.
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