Germany earn draw against Denmark
January 20, 2015
Germany's handball team remain undefeated after their third game at the 2015 World Cup in Qatar. Facing 2013's World Championship runners-up Denmark, Germany were more than a match with Steffen Weinhold putting in a top performance, scoring eight goals. Germany missed out on the chance to win, but still have the best chance of winning Group D.
In front of 3,500 fans, Germany put the favorites under pressure and were ahead for the majority of the game. Denmark's former World Handballer of the Year Mikkel Hansen was under constant attention from the German defence, but still managed to find space in a physical game.
The game remained competitive throughout, with neither really pulling away in the first half. A goalkeeping change at the break proved dividens as Silvio Heinevetter (on for Carsten Lichtlein) saved five of the first ten shots he faced. Despite being down a man for the final minute, Germany held on to draw and are now expected to win against Argentina and Saudi Arabia in order to secure top spot in Group D.
Elsewhere, Poland and Argentina picked up wins. Poland surprised Russia 26-25, while Argentina beat Saudi Arabia 32-20 without too much fuss. Germany are still top of the group (5 points), ahead of Denmark and Poland (both on 4).
jh/asz (sid, dpa)