Handball, U-21 World Cup: Germany are world champions after defeating Hungary

After another brilliant performance, German handball players won the title at the U-21 World Cup. In the final in front of a sold-out hall in Berlin, they defeated Hungary.

Coach Martin Hoberger became world champion for the third time after 2009 and 2011 with the oldest youth selection of the German Handball Federation (DHB). Germany won the final on Sunday (07/02/2023) in Berlin with a time of 30:23 (14:11).

Goalkeeper David Späth showed an impressive performance with over 40% shots saved. The best shooters were Elias Schultz and Julius Fischer, with six goals each.

“I’m speechless what our defense did today. With what effort, what enthusiasm, how many emotions. Then David slumbers in goal. Tremendous,” Heuberger said,

Späth rejoiced: “It’s unbelievable what we’ve scored in this tournament. I’m very relieved and happy. We’re world champions – and nobody can take that away from us.”

More than 8,000 spectators

In the Max-Schmeling-Halle, which was sold out to more than 8,200 spectators, both teams showed that they are rightfully finalists. Hungary, which beat Iceland in the semi-finals 37-30, was not affected by the wonderful atmosphere and kept the match despite Germany’s two-goal lead for the first time after about 20 minutes.

More significant for the DHB selection was that Elias Schultz scored the final whistle of the first period with a shot to 14:11.

Langhoff follows immediately after the break

Matthijs Langhoff scored another goal 30 seconds into the second half, so that one can speak of a reasonably comfortable lead. Two minutes later it was 17:12.

In turn, after one of the many saves by outstanding goalkeeper David Spaat, the lead was extended to 19:13 in the 38th minute. It looked like it would be a comfortable victory, but the Hungarians came close. In the 41st minute, Heuberger called a time-out when the score was 19:16.

It has made an impact. Germany got back on track and pulled back to 26:19 with ten minutes left. The Hungarians now hung their heads a little and realized that they would not be able to make up for this deficit.