The German handball national team started the EM main round with a 32:30 win over Portugal. Captain Johannes Golla received a red card in the 53rd minute, but the EHF disciplinary commission cleared him of any suspension. He will be available for Saturday's game against Norway.
In Herning, the German handball team kicked off the EM main round with a narrow 32:30 victory over WM fourth-place Portugal. It was revenge for the quarterfinal exit at last year's World Championship. The match turned into a wild rollercoaster with numerous errors, especially before halftime.
The first half ended 11:11. Germany struggled with nine ball losses and an attack efficiency of just 41 percent. Goalkeeper Andreas Wolff anchored the defense with nine saves and was named "Player of the Match." After the break, Miro Schluroff turned the game around with seven goals from eight throws. Renars Uscins and Justus Fischer also contributed crucially.
In the 53rd minute, captain Johannes Golla received a red card after video review for a foul on Francisco "Kiko" Costa. Coach Alfred Gislason criticized the decision: "If that's supposed to be a red card, I don't really understand it. At most, you can give a two-minute penalty." Golla himself stressed: "It was no intention. I don't hit him in the first contact, but the second."
On Thursday evening, the EHF disciplinary commission decided against a suspension. "That would be very bitter for us," Gislason had said earlier. Teammate Miro Schluroff, Germany's top scorer with seven goals, was relieved: "If that leads to a suspension now, I have to say it would be a pretty big deal."
Portugal had to do without midfielder Victor Iturriza, who was suspended. Germany now leads the group with four points. Next opponent is Norway on Saturday at 20:30. The top two teams advance to the semifinals.
