A strong outing in both attack and defence saw Germany cruise to a 31:25 win over Slovenia, opening their account in the Olympic Qualification Tournament #3, which Germany host in Neu-Ulm.

The win brings Germany closer to a comeback to the Olympic Games, after a 16-year wait, as their last appearance in the competition was at Beijing 2008.

Olympic Qualification Tournament #3
Germany vs Slovenia 31:25 (17:14)

Two difficult matches against Slovenia and Montenegro and one match where the overwhelming favourite status was stamped on Germany were on the menu for Markus Gaugisch’s side, as one of the most consistent European sides in the last five years aimed to secure a ticket for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Sure enough, in front of a sold-out Ratiopharm Arena in Neu-Ulm, Germany enjoyed a great start against Slovenia, a must-win match to improve their chances, jumping to a 6:3 early lead, thanks to a combination of lethal attacking efficiency and some great saves from goalkeeper Katharina Filter.

But Slovenia were no pushovers and a 3:0 unanswered run, spurred by two goals from right back Ana Gros, tied the score, 6:6, as Germany failed to score for four minutes and 37 seconds. Gros was the outstanding player for Slovenia in the first half, scoring seven goals from nine shots, or 50% of her team’s goals.

However, apart from Gros’ antics, Slovenia did little to pressure Germany, with seven turnovers and eight missed shots, while their defence failed to get the right balance and stop Germany, which scored 17 goals in the first 30 minutes, as right back Julia Maidhof and centre back Alina Grijseels combined for eight goals.

Yet the gap was managed carefully by Slovenia, which were down by five goals in the 26th minute, only to see themselves only three goals down at the end of the first half, with a fighting chance in this pivotal match.

The second half had the same pattern like the first – Slovenia trying to come from behind and exerting the pressure on Germany, only for the hosts to constantly reply with easy goals. What Slovenia did better, though, was to defend, limiting Germany to only eight goals in the first 20 minutes of the second half.

In attack, though, Slovenia had little variety to offer more than Gros’ powerful shots or converted penalties, as with seven minutes and 35 seconds to go, Dragan Adzic’s side was down five goals, 21:26, the largest gap of the match so far.

Taking out Gros’ contribution, Slovenia had a meagre 50% attacking efficiency at that moment, with their six other scorers combining for 10 goals, while the right back had scored 11 times, making it a one-way street, easy to decipher by the Germany defence.

It was indeed a battle of the right backs in this match, as Germany’s Julia Maidhof was also firing on all cylinders, rounding up a complete performance with nine goals from 13 shots, helping the hosts cruise to an easy 31:25 win, which might prove decisive for their qualification to Paris 2024.

Germany can now edge closer to a Paris 2024 ticket if they win on Saturday against Montenegro, while Slovenia face a must-win match against Paraguay, before their showdown against Montenegro, the pivotal match of this Olympic Qualification Tournament.

hummel Player of the Match: Katharina Filter (Germany)