Germany edge closer to quarter-finals with a win over Italy

After losing against Denmark in their opening main round match, 30:40, Germany are back on track, and by beating Italy, 34:27, they made a big step towards the next stage. If Denmark beat Switzerland later today, Alfred Gislason's team will secure an early quarter-final ticket, securing the second spot in the final standings. 

MAIN ROUND GROUP I
Italy vs Germany 27:34 (13:15)

It was basically a do-or-die match for both teams, who were level on four points, but while Germany boast much more experience at this level and have a considerably stronger squad on paper, the difference in quality between the rivals was hardly visible in the first half. 

Following three wins in four previous games of the tournament, Italy felt confident and enjoyed a better start of the game, opening up a 4:2 and later a 7:4 lead. However, gradually, the Germans got adjusted to their opponents, and a 3:0 run helped them to draw level at 7:7 in the 14th minute.

Germany were missing centre back Juri Knorr and left wing Rune Dahmke, who were unable to play due to an illness, as the silver medallists at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games received a blow to their depth. However, it was left back Julian Köster who help his team to turn the tide, scoring four goals from four attempts in the opening half. 

Another 3:0 run helped Germany to pull clear at 13:10 with five minutes remaining until the break, yet Italy did not give up and did their best to hit back. However, Andreas Wolff made a couple of fine saves before the interval for Germany, and his team went into the dressing room with a two-goal advantage, 15:13.

Wolff picked up where he had left off early after the break, and right back Franz Semper entered the game well, scoring three goals in a few minutes. As a result, Germany were fully dominant on the court, increasing the gap to six goals, 20:14, nine minutes into the second half.

Italy's goalkeeper Domenico Ebner also produced a fine outing, helping his team to reduce the gap to 17:20, yet Germany was already in the driver's seat, and they went on to control the game. With 10 minutes to play, the Olympic runners-up still enjoyed a quite comfortable six-goal lead (26:20), and they ultimately celebrated a victory.

Italy converted just one of their five 7m shots throughout the game, as Wolff finished with 18 saves and a 42% save rate. His counterpart, Ebner, also tried his best, delivering 16 saves, but his team came up short, and now it seems like the Italian fairy-tale at this IHF Men's World Championship is coming to the end. 

Germany have a two-point lead over Italy and will face Tunisia on Saturday, but will secure a spot in the quarter-finals and the second place in the group, provided Denmark win against Switzerland. 

hummel Player of the Match: Andreas Wolff (Germany)