Germany's women's handball team has qualified early for the 2025 World Cup quarterfinals after a convincing win over Montenegro. Goalkeeper Katharina Filter shone with 11 saves and was named player of the game. The group victory is secured, paving the way for an easier quarterfinal matchup.
In Dortmund, the German women's handball team defeated Montenegro 36:18 (16:6) in their second main round match of the 2025 World Cup. It marked their fifth consecutive victory under coach Markus Gaugisch. Montenegro, the 2022 European Championship bronze medalists, posed the first real challenge, but Germany controlled the game from the start.
With 9,049 spectators, Nina Engel led the scoring with six goals. Katharina Filter made 11 saves and even scored three goals from the net. “We are happy and satisfied, it's great,” said Gaugisch, who remained unusually calm. He urged focus: “Now it's Spain first, we should keep going the same way.”
The group win allows the DHB team to avoid top favorite Norway in the quarterfinals on Tuesday. The match will air for the first time on free TV via ZDF, with potential semifinals and finals on ARD. Previous games were only on paid Sportdeutschland.tv. Qualification secures a 50,000 euro bonus per player.
The solid defense and quick counters fuel dreams of Germany's first World Cup medal since 2007. The team displays growing confidence.