Germany Triumphs Over Spain to Lead Group at 2026 Handball European Championship, Faces Injury Setback

Germany secured a crucial 34:32 victory over Spain in their final group match of the 2026 Handball European Championship, advancing as group winners into the main round. The win, achieved in front of 9,526 spectators in Herning, Denmark, avoided Germany's worst historical European Championship result and revived hopes for a medal, their first chance since winning gold ten years ago.

Standout performances included Renars Uscins, who scored eight goals and was named Player of the Match, and goalkeeper Andreas Wolff, who made five key saves in the first half. Captain Johannes Golla stressed the team's belief in their abilities despite needing improvement. Coach Alfred Gíslason's flexible rotation strategy allowed 14 players to participate, with eight scoring, helping maintain the lead against Spain's efforts to close the gap.

However, the victory was tempered by concerns over a key injury. Lukas Zerbe of THW Kiel exited the match after 40 minutes due to a thigh injury, prompting concern from head coach Gíslason, who noted, "His thigh has locked up." Zerbe's condition remains uncertain pending an MRI scheduled for Tuesday in Silkeborg. Mathis Häseler, who replaced Zerbe, contributed positively by scoring his first tournament goal. Potential roster reinforcements include Patrick Groetzki and Timo Kastening.

Handball legends Michael "Mimi" Kraus, Pascal "Pommes" Hens, and Stefan "Kretzsche" Kretzschmar provided live commentary during the match and expressed relief over Germany avoiding elimination. Hens highlighted the team's progress despite earlier struggles, while Kretzsche praised Uscins’s remarkable performance.

Looking ahead, Germany will face either reigning world and Olympic champions Denmark or the World Championship fourth-place team Portugal in the main round after a two-day break. The victory also solidified Gíslason’s position, who acknowledged the importance of strong defensive and offensive plays to counter Spain. The team’s next challenge will test both their resilience and squad depth.