Germany's women's handball team completed the group stage perfectly. A 31:20 victory over Serbia secured first place in Group C. The team remains undefeated and advances to the main round.
In Stuttgart before 5527 spectators, the DHB team celebrated their third straight win at the home World Championship. Antje Döll scored eight goals as the top shooter, while goalkeeper Katharina Filter impressed with key saves. The halftime score was 17:10, and the match was decided by the 22nd minute at 16:6.
Before the game, an injury to pivot Jolina Huhnstock caused a setback; the 24-year-old must leave the tournament. Oldenburg's Marie Steffen joins the team on Monday. On a positive note, backcourt player Emily Vogel returned after an illness.
Coach Markus Gaugisch had cautioned beforehand: »This will be a very tough task. It won't be that we open the door and blow everything away.« Yet the defense was solid, and Germany led 6:2 after nine minutes. At 10:3, the lead reached seven goals, prompting an early timeout from Serbia's coach.
Following wins over Iceland (32:25) and Uruguay (38:12), the team qualified early for the main round. There, they face the Faroe Islands on Tuesday at 20:30, Montenegro on Thursday, and Spain on Saturday, all at 18:00 on Sporteurope.TV. To reach the quarterfinals, the team needs at least second place.