06.05.2013, 09:59
Double victory against Slovenia boosts Germany

Heuberger's squad gains confidence ahead of decisive EHF EURO 2014 qualifiers against Montenegro and Israel

Double victory against Slovenia boosts Germany

31:30 and 27:24 for Germany - these were the results of the test matches between Germany and Slovenia on Saturday and Sunday (4/5 May).

Both teams used the two games to rehearse for their crucial final steps in the EHF EURO 2014 qualification.

Both teams need two victories in their final matches in the middle of June – Germany against Montenegro and Israel, Slovenia against Belarus and Romania.

Therefore both coaches tried to find the perfect tactics and team constellations during the tests, in which Germany's 2007 world champion, Holger Glandorf, returned to the national team after a more than one year absence.

The first match in Magdeburg was on the edge for 60 minutes, though Germany had forged ahead to 22:16 in the 36th minute.

However, the young Slovenians – semi-finalists at the 2013 World Championship – fought until the final whistle, but finally were beaten, when the Germans netted to make it 31:29, after goalkeeper Carsten Lichtlein had saved a penalty of Gasper Marguc.

Despite the defeat Slovenian coach Boris Denic was satisfied: "Our young team has proved that they can play at a top level. But to win matches like this we need to avoid those intermediate black-outs."

German head coach Martin Heuberger praised Glandorf for his comeback: "In general it was another good step for the future.

"This victory hopefully will boost our confidence for the decisive match in Montenegro.

"Especially Holger Glandorf made a good job. One saw that he had been absent for one year, but he compensated it by creativity and intelligence."

Top scorers in the first encounter were Kevin Schmidt, Dominik Klein (Germany) and Jure Dolenec (Slovenia) with six goals each.

Less than 24 hours later the rundown was nearly the same at the second match in Dessau.

Until the 45th minute the German team was dominant, in the final stages Slovenia reduced the gap.

"It was a progress, but only regarding the first 45 minutes," said Heuberger.

At this time his team had been away 21:13, then Slovenia nearly levelled the match at 23:25, but finally lost 24:27 (11:14).

"In the end we lacked the physical means to stop a team like Germany, but those matches were a brilliant experience for my players.

"We know now what to work on until the final EHF EURO qualification matches," said Denic.

Top scorers in the second duel were Patrick Wiencek and Kevin Schmidt, striking six times for the winning team and again Dolenec by four goals for Slovenia.

TEXT: Björn Pazen / ts