The German women’s handball team started the World Cup at home with a 28:15 win against Cameroon. The injury of defence chief Kim Naidzinavicius is a cause for concern.
The German women’s handball team enjoyed the applause of the spectators after the dream opener, national coach Michael Biegler followed the lively activity of his ladies without great emotions at the edge of the field.
With the 28:15 (12:7) win over outsiders from Cameroon, the hosts started into the World Cup in line with their status, but Biegler’s joy was limited: Head of Defense and ace Kim Naidzinavicius had suffered knee injury and was taken to hospital for further examinations.
“A failure would be pretty bitter in view of our big goals,”DHB Vice President Bob Hanning told SID. Goalkeeper Clara Woltering also suffered after the injury shock with her teammate:”It looked really bad.”
Meanwhile, the victory against the third of the African Championship was never in danger. Left-winger Angie Geschke scored the first goal of the tournament after 59 seconds after a counter-attack.
The sixth place in the European Championship always benefited from technical mistakes of the Cameroonian women, who only took part in a World Cup for the second time. The hostesses, who were superior in all respects, quickly settled down to 9:2 (16th).
Biegler followed the action standing on the sidelines, cheered on his players again and again and applauded them after successful actions.
However, some mistakes crept into his team’s game. Geschke missed out on some good opportunities, and the DHB-selection let the opponent’s body-focused game at the end of the first half of the match buy the game.
After a five-goal lead at the break, the DHB selection began to concentrate again after the change of sides. After one of the numerous parades of goalkeeper Clara Woltering, Lone Fischer scored a 17:8.
The resistance of the Cameroonians, who were overwhelmed in many phases, was finally broken. Team captain Loerper scored her 400th per seven meters. International goal for 22:9.
Biegler had refrained from nominating Bölk on Friday morning and appointed only 15 instead of 16 players.
The 19-year-old backroom player from the Buxtehuder SV is still being spared due to a slight foot injury. Like the other six players from the squad of 22 players who have not been considered for the time being, she can be re-nominated at any time.
After Sunday’s match against South Korea, the DHB team will face Serbia, China and runners-up Netherlands in the preliminary round. The first four teams reach the last sixteen.
Germany – Cameroon 28:15 (12:7)
Germany: Woltering, Kramarczyk – Loerper (5/5), Gubernatis (4), Fischer (4), Behnke (3), Huber (3/2), Geschke (2), Karolius (2), Mansson (2)Lauenroth (2), Wohlbold (1), Klein, Naidzinavicius, Smits
Cameroon: Mben Mbediang, Abiabakon Onoukou, Bessong Epah – Djiepmou Medibe (3), Baniomo (2), Atangana Belibi (2), Nleng Kaldjob (2/1), Touba Byolo (2/2), Yotchoum (1), Nchouapouognigni (1), Mahala Fonguieng (1), Essam (1).
Time penalties: 1:9
Red card: Djiepmou Medibe (42nd) for rough fouls