German Handball Team Climbs Back with Tactical Gains in European Championship

The German national handball team showcased significant tactical improvements and depth utilization during their critical 34:32 victory over Spain in the 2026 European Championship, securing their place in the tournament's main round. Coach Alfred Gislason praised his team’s improved offensive cohesion, calling it their best since the 2024 Olympics, while also responding firmly to internal criticisms about player stamina and squad management. Key players such as Juri Knorr, who maintained a fast tempo, and Lukas Mertens made decisive impacts, with the latter’s shooting efficiency rising notably. Justus Fischer was remarkable, scoring five goals without missing, while Uscins topped the scoring with eight, underscoring the team’s offensive depth.

Despite the win, Germany's performance highlighted areas needing enhancement before facing tougher opponents like Denmark, France, and Norway. The team must boost consistency, notably in second halves where they previously faltered against Austria and Serbia, and increase creativity in attack beyond reliance on individual talent, especially involving wing players effectively. Captain Johannes Golla, showing signs of fatigue, will require better rotation and rest to maintain stamina.

Goalkeeper Andreas Wolff’s six saves contributed significantly to defensive stability. The team’s shooting accuracy, which stood at a tournament-low 58.8% across matches, still demands improvement to advance further. Nonetheless, strong team unity and confidence now pervade the squad as finals approach, as emphasized by the coach’s affirmation and player testimonials. Germany’s tactical flexibility and collective resilience mark a promising development on their path to contend for a medal in this European Championship.