A wave of euphoria across Germany, praise from World Champion Manuel Neuer and high-profile cries of good luck: Germany’s handballers are now on everyone’s lips following their surprising run at the European Championships. Ahead of their ‘final to reach the semi-finals’ against Denmark on Wednesday (18:15 CET) the euphoria is not just rising within their own sport, but big names from other sports are now cheering them on too.
“I have watched two of your matches and I was really excited by your tempo and your quality. I was really rooting for you,” said Germany coach Joachim Löw in a message posted on the Facebook page of former Germany handball player Stefan Kretzschmar. “I am crossing my fingers for you in the game against Denmark and I am sure that you’ll do it.” Löw’s words follow other high-profile names, including World Champions Thomas Müller, Per Mertesacker and Lukas Podolski, Liverpool coach Jürgen Klopp and basketball legend Dirk Nowitzki.
Neuer: "Handball traditionally has good goalkeepers like in football"
The world’s best goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is also following the performances of these German endeavourers with interest, and the strong performances from both keepers have caught the eye of Germany’s number one. “I am glad that we have traditionally had good keepers in handball like we have had in football. Andreas Wolff and Carsten Lichtlein have been very good,” said Neuer.
Neuer described high-flyer Wolff as “a different type of guy to someone like Silvio Heinevetter, who wanted to bamboozle the attackers with his off-putting way of playing. Wolff on the other hand stands up longer, anticipates very well and forces the opponent into making the first move.”
Wolff is thrilled with the recognition by the “best goalkeeper in the world”. “It’s music to my ears,” said Wolff. He sees the complimentary words from Neuer as further motivation for the all-important game against Denmark. “It gives us an additional positive feeling. And the more we take from that, the easier it will be.”
Kerber and Fürste show support from Oz and India
“I am crossing all my fingers for the Germany handball team,” said tennis ace Angelique Kerber from the Australian Open in Melbourne. “It is great the way they present themselves. Reaching the semi-final would be a great thing.” Despite the time difference she claims that she is keeping herself up-to-date as much as possible.
Olympic gold-medallist in hockey Moritz Fürste, who is currently in India taking part in the Hockey India League, has been staying up at night and watching the Germany games “with headphones and tape over the mouth to avoid shouting”. “World class guys! Great group of people with great fight” was what Fürste tweeted after the thriller against Russia (30-29).
A wave of euphoria across Germany, praise from World Champion Manuel Neuer and high-profile cries of good luck: Germany’s handballers are now on everyone’s lips following their surprising run at the European Championships. Ahead of their ‘final to reach the semi-finals’ against Denmark on Wednesday (18:15 CET) the euphoria is not just rising within their own sport, but big names from other sports are now cheering them on too.
“I have watched two of your matches and I was really excited by your tempo and your quality. I was really rooting for you,” said Germany coach Joachim Löw in a message posted on the Facebook page of former Germany handball player Stefan Kretzschmar. “I am crossing my fingers for you in the game against Denmark and I am sure that you’ll do it.” Löw’s words follow other high-profile names, including World Champions Thomas Müller, Per Mertesacker and Lukas Podolski, Liverpool coach Jürgen Klopp and basketball legend Dirk Nowitzki.
Neuer: "Handball traditionally has good goalkeepers like in football"
The world’s best goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is also following the performances of these German endeavourers with interest, and the strong performances from both keepers have caught the eye of Germany’s number one. “I am glad that we have traditionally had good keepers in handball like we have had in football. Andreas Wolff and Carsten Lichtlein have been very good,” said Neuer.
Neuer described high-flyer Wolff as “a different type of guy to someone like Silvio Heinevetter, who wanted to bamboozle the attackers with his off-putting way of playing. Wolff on the other hand stands up longer, anticipates very well and forces the opponent into making the first move.”
Wolff is thrilled with the recognition by the “best goalkeeper in the world”. “It’s music to my ears,” said Wolff. He sees the complimentary words from Neuer as further motivation for the all-important game against Denmark. “It gives us an additional positive feeling. And the more we take from that, the easier it will be.”
Kerber and Fürste show support from Oz and India
“I am crossing all my fingers for the Germany handball team,” said tennis ace Angelique Kerber from the Australian Open in Melbourne. “It is great the way they present themselves. Reaching the semi-final would be a great thing.” Despite the time difference she claims that she is keeping herself up-to-date as much as possible.
Olympic gold-medallist in hockey Moritz Fürste, who is currently in India taking part in the Hockey India League, has been staying up at night and watching the Germany games “with headphones and tape over the mouth to avoid shouting”. “World class guys! Great group of people with great fight” was what Fürste tweeted after the thriller against Russia (30-29).
