National coach Henk Groener did not want to blame his women’s handball team for their lack of passion, and he had a simple explanation ready for the first defeat under his leadership: “The Spanish team played to the limit with heart and effort,” said the Dutchman after the 23-27 (9-12) defeat in the DHB European Championship qualifiers: “We did not have the right answer.
Three days after the exhilarating debut with the new hopeful on the sideline, when Spain had been defeated 33-24, the DHB team in Qualifying Group 6 had to relinquish the lead of the standings to the Iberians. This is not a cause for concern, as the two first-placed teams in the seven qualifying groups and the best third-placed team will be competing in the European Championship in France (29. November until 16. December).
“Spain came in with a lot more aggression and played a faster ball. We did not manage to interrupt our defence,” said captain Anna Lörper, who also complained: “We had a hard time attacking the position.
Lörper and her team will meet on 31. May still in Lithuania and on 2. June at home against Turkey. Germany are likely to take an example from Spain in the outstanding matches, especially in terms of aggression.
“Spain were much more aggressive and had put much more pressure on the goal,” said Luisa Schulze, while Franziska Müller said: “We had some defensive mistakes, although we were well set. “In addition, Spain has put the decisive scoop on it.”