Kiel win German Cup

As the Champions League semi-finals are coming up, the German teams share a dream: they wish to play a German final as it was the case in 2007. This was expressed at the end of the Lufthansa Final Four in Hamburg as well: “I hope to meet once again not only in the Bundesliga, but also in the Champions League,” said HSV Hamburg’s coach, Martin Schwalb.

This was also an invitation for a return game as the team of the Hansa City lost the game for the first title by 29:32 (18:17) against THW Kiel. The “Zebras” celebrated their fifth cup title after 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2007.

And Kiel won deservedly. They played a relatively easy match against Rhein-Neckar Löwen on Saturday (38:33), while HSV had to fight until the end fort he 34:32 success against HSG Nordhorn. The handball show on Sunday could have had a totally different outcome as well

“In the first half I was not satisfied either with out attack, nor with our goalkeepers,” said THW coach Noka Serdarusic after the game. “Thierry Omeyer was outstanding only after halftime.”

But Kiel came back from the halftime break completely changed. After adjusting their tactics and having improved goalkeeping efficiency, they went 24:21 up by the 41st minute.

In the 44th minute the lead could have changed hands once again. THW’s line player, Marcus Ahlm, got his third two-minute suspension and Noka Serdarusic also got one for contesting the decision. As HSV were playing 6 against 4 field players, Guillaume Gille hit the post and Ivan Ursic dropped the ball on his leg. On the other side, Vid Kavticnik scored from a 7-m shot and on counter attack. It was 27:23 at once and THW could not be stopped any more.

The Kiel players had a modest celebration in a restaurant. “Tomorrow we will start preparations against Barcelona,” said Marcus Ahlm.

HSV also moved on after the game. “We lost a final, but we will not cry about it,” said Martin Schwalb. Maybe there will be a chance to take revenge for this game…