Wolff saves EHF EURO gold for Germany

Historically German European Championship goldSpain national team players Joan Canellas (L) and Julen Aguinagalde celebrate with supporters after defeating Croatia during their Men's European Handball Championship match in Krakow, Poland January 29, 2016. REUTERS/Kacper Pempel
Germany win the Men’s EHF EURO for the second time in history, beating 24:17, but their matchwinner without doubt was the man between the posts

It’s Germany! For the second time after 2004, Germany top the podium at a Men’s EHF EURO event.

On Sunday in the sold-out TAURON Arena they beat Spain in a one-sided and low-scoring final 24:17 (10:6) to take the trophy.

The match winner was the German All-star team goalkeeper Andreas Wolff who saved 16 shots, literally turning himself into a human wall in goal.

“It was an amazing feeling, it was an amazing match with great defence and (Andreas) Wolff was stunning so Spain had no chance. From the first minute to the last it was an incredible game,” said Germany’s Carsten Lichtlein.

Wolff was the main reason that Germany easily extended the Spanish losing streak in EHF EURO finals. Previously they had lost to Sweden in 1996, to Russia in 1998 and to France in 2006.

The 41 goals scored overall were the second lowest number in a Men’s EHF EURO Final just one goal shy of the 40 goals in Denmark’s 21:19 win against Serbia in 2012.

But the seven-goal difference was not the biggest in a final: In 1994 Sweden beat Russia 34:21, in 2014 France beat Denmark 41:32.

With the win Germany received the big jackpot, as they not only take the championship plate home but also a direct ticket to the 2016 Olympic Games. Together with Spain and Croatia they are also already qualified for the World Championship 2017 in France. READ MORE about Wolff saves EHF EURO gold for Germany

 

Source: pol2016.ehf-euro.com / Norway Today