Mimi Kraus: “I Don’t Believe in an Upset — Germany Too Stable for Serbia”

In an interview for Balkan Handball, former Germany playmaker Michael Kraus—2007 World Champion with Germany and EHF Champions League winner with HSV Hamburg in 2012/13—shared his thoughts on the tournament so far, Germany’s chances, and his expectations for the upcoming clash with the “Eagles”.

“A tough match, but a deserved win”

The European Championship started according to plan for Germany. How did you see the win against Austria?

“It was a tough game. The Austrians defended aggressively and pressed us early in the second wave. In the end, the win is deserved, but it’s clear we need to raise our level,” said the former Germany centre back.

“Andi likes to provoke sometimes!”

Andreas Wolff recently said Austria play unattractive ‘anti-handball’. Would you agree with him?

“Andi sometimes likes to provoke! The rivalry between Germany and Austria became very tense in the past, because Austria have improved a lot and they’ve seriously troubled us several times. They rely on fighting spirit, which can sometimes look unattractive, but that’s part of our game. Austria deserve huge credit for their work—they know how to bring emotion into it, and when they manage that, they’re very difficult to play against.”

“Athleticism stands out more—thanks to modern training data”

Your last major tournament was the World Championship in Qatar in 2019. Can we compare the handball of your era with today’s game?

“My last major tournament was the World Championship in Qatar, and before the World Championship in our country in 2019 I suffered a serious arm injury. A year later, because of my family, I ended my career. I don’t see big differences in the game—except that athleticism has become more pronounced. That’s the result of scientific data now being used in strength training, and that’s good for the sport.”

“Serbia can cause problems… but I don’t believe in an upset”

Germany’s next match is against Serbia. How do you see the Balkan team, and can Serbia surprise Germany?

“Serbia played well against Spain, but they also missed a lot. Tactically, I expect their defence will put us in trouble. Their line player and goalkeeper are world class. It won’t be easy—Serbia will give everything—but I don’t believe in an upset. This Germany team is very stable.”

Kraus’ title pick: Denmark

At the end, he looked ahead to the teams he expects to reach the final stages—highlighting one in particular:

“Denmark will win the title. After them I see Sweden, France, Germany and Iceland. Portugal will also be an important factor and can influence how everything plays out,” concluded “Mimi” Kraus.