Germany women win Stage 3 of IHF Beach Handball Global Tour in Płock

Płock in Poland was the destination for the third stage of the 2023 IHF Beach Handball Global Tour this past weekend (22 – 23 July), with Germany's women and Denmark's men winning their respective competitions.

In the women's competition, a German side missing head coach Alexander Novakovic, as well as key players Katharina Filter and Lena Klingler, overturned an opening day shoot-out loss against Denmark to finish with a final 2-0 win over the Danes to claim the title.

The World Games, World and European champions showed their class against the ANOC World Beach Games and European Games title-holders Denmark, defeating them in copycat sets thanks to 22 points from Isabel Kattner as she led her German side to a 2-0 (22:14, 22:14) victory.

"In the second half the defensive performance was almost perfect," said assistant coach Hendrik Sander who was in the hot seat in place of Novakovic, along with Marten Franke, to dhb.de.

"I haven't seen such good defensive work in beach handball for a long time. To win each set by eight points against Denmark, one of the best teams in beach handball, was definitely an exclamation point."

Host nation Poland won bronze, thanks to a shoot-out win over Croatia, 2-1 (21:12, 17:18, SO 8:4). Natalia Rogalska's 24 points were impressive for the hosts, but it went to shots and after Nika Horvat missed Croatia's second and then Franka Gvardiol missed their fourth, it was a clear path to a top three finish for Poland, who used the stage to hand debuts to eight of their 14 players.

In the preliminary round, just one game went to a shoot-out, with the opening clash between Germany and Denmark won 10:6 by the Danes, who scored all five of their shots, with Paula Reips and Belen Gettwart missing for Germany. Isabel Kattner scored 24 points for Germany in a high-scoring game, while Frederike Loerke Seeliger registered 22 for the Danes.

Croatia used the competition to give debuts to junior players as they sought to expand their senior player base and despite losing all four of their games in Poland, player Lea Krznar was philosophical.

"We are a little disappointed, but we did our best," she said to BHC.com.hr. "We came to Poland with a weakened team. Also, we had three junior girls in the team who gave their best and played excellently. I am satisfied with the whole tournament, although we lacked a bit of luck, especially in the match for third place."

Following the end of event, Germany's Magdalena Frey was named best goalkeeper and Belen Gettwart received the MVP award.

Final ranking

1. Germany

2. Denmark

3. Poland

4. Croatia

Photo: Paweł Bejnarowicz