Share
Tweet
Share
Share
German handball players defeated Portugal 32:30 (11:11) in the first round of the main round in the newly formed Group 1 at the European Championship. After a fierce battle, multiple lead changes and a dramatic finish, Germany claimed a hugely important win in the race for a top-four spot.
The match opened at a slower pace, with both sides relying on compact, disciplined defence. Germany struck first through Johannes Golla for 1:0, but Portugal responded with a 3–0 run and led 3:1 in the 5th minute. Alfred Gislason’s team reacted quickly, scored twice and levelled at 3:3 in the 7th minute.
The remainder of the first half was played goal for goal, with neither team able to build a clear advantage. In the 23rd minute, Renars Uščins put Germany back in front at 9:8, and two minutes later Germany created their first two-goal lead (10:8). Portugal stayed composed and managed to equalise before the break, making it 11:11 at half-time.
The second half followed a very similar pattern. The teams kept exchanging the lead, but Germany gradually began to take control. A key figure in that stretch was goalkeeper Andreas Wolff, who produced several outstanding saves and gave his side a major lift. Thanks to his interventions, Germany were able to convert their attacks and entered the final ten minutes with a 24:22 advantage, signalling they were closer to victory.
Portugal, however, refused to go away. In the 53rd minute, the Iberian side cut the gap to one goal (25:24), and Germany faced an additional setback when one of their most important defensive players, Johannes Golla, received a direct red card. A comeback seemed possible for Paulo Pereira’s men, but Germany stayed focused, protected their lead and ultimately saw the game out for a deserved win.
Germany’s top scorer was Miro Šlurof with seven goals, while Francisco Costa led Portugal with 10. With this victory, Germany took a significant step towards the European Championship semi-finals.
Germany – Portugal 32:30 (11:11)
