With the men’s handball tournament at the Olympic Games throwing off in just two weeks, Germany, Egypt and Brazil met in Nuremberg for a three-nation tournament this past weekend, where each team played against each other in a friendly game.

The hosts prevailed after winning both of their games, 36:26 against Brazil and 29:27 against Egypt, completing their preparation before travelling to Japan.

In the other game, Egypt enjoyed a thorough win against Brazil, 32:25, cementing their status as dark horses for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games after progressing to the quarter-finals at the IHF Men’s World Championship in January.

Germany might have finished 12th at Egypt 2021, but the squad is reinforced by several absentees coming back into the fold, while the motivation is once again sky high after securing the bronze medal at the previous Olympic Games.

In the first game of the tournament, Germany took an early lead, 9:6 after 14 minutes, and never looked back, as coach Alfred Gislason changed the lines in the second half. A 5:0 run to end the first 30 minutes of the game saw Germany open a six-goal gap, 19:13, that was unassailable. 

Right wing Timo Kastening scored seven goals for the hosts, while Brazilian back Leonardo Dutra replied with seven of his own in a comfortable 36:26 win for Germany.

It was a convincing team effort from Egypt, who saw 14 from their 16 outfield players scoring at least one goal against Brazil, who really powered the African side to the win. 

Egypt took an early lead, but Brazil bounced back, tying the game near the end of the first half, 14:14. Eventually, Egypt were more composed in front of goal and their spirit worked wonders, securing a clear 32:25 win against the South American side.

In the subsequent ‘final’ of the tournament, Egypt gave Germany a run for their money, as they led by as many as three goals, 8:5, after 15 minutes. An experienced German side bounced back and led by the superb centre back Philipp Weber, Gislason’s side had a two-goal cushion at the break, 12:10.

As Egypt started to change their lines, Germany pushed the pedal and opened an unassailable gap in the second half, 21:15 after 42 minutes, which ballooned to eight goals, 27:19.

Germany only scored twice in the last 10 minutes, to help Egypt mount a comeback, but it was too little, too late, as the hosts secured their second win in three days, 29:27.

Be A Manager winners

As the competition took place on the fringes of International Handball Week and the 75th anniversary of the International Handball Federation (IHF), the IHF has partnered up with the German Handball Federation to bring fans a very special IHF anniversary edition of its ‘Be A Manager’ game.

Fans all over the world were able to select their favourite players and build their dream squad, scoring points for players’ on-court performances.

After three intriguing games and close competition between the fans’ teams, the two winners are Jelle Vonckx and Judith Schäfer. They take home CHF 5,000 and a certificate. Jelle Vonckx thanked the IHF for organising the game.

“First of all I would like to congratulate the IHF on its anniversary! Let’s all hope that we can go along for another 75 years of organising the most beautiful sport in the world! In this matter I am absolutely amazed by winning the anniversary ‘Be A Manager’ game. My family and I are extremely happy to have a totally unexpected extra for the renovation of our house. A big thank you towards the IHF and its partners in making this possible! We will continue to keep following our favourite sport, starting with the Olympics! Thank you once again!”

Photos: Sascha Klahn