Germany after an exciting hockey match against England in the semi-finals
After an exciting duel against England, German hockey players reached the semi-finals of the World Cup and can continue to hope for their first World Cup title in 17 years.
National coach Andre Henning’s team beat England 4:3 on penalties on Wednesday (01/25/2023) after a furious race to catch up. After regulation time was 2:2 (0:1).
Germany reached the semi-finals for the first time since 2010, where they will face world number one Australia on Friday.
DHB team makes up for a 0:2 deficit
Captain Mats Grambusch (57th rank) and his three-year-old brother Tom per seven-meter (58th rank) saved the selection of the German Hockey Association with their goals in the final stage of the penalty shootout. Zachary Wallace (11) and Liam Ansell had previously scored for England after a corner kick (32) in Bhubaneswar, India.
Danberg saves a decisive penalty kick
Finally, in the penalty shootout, Niklas Willen, Hans Müller, Tess Prinz and Christopher Rohr succeeded for the DHB team, which last won the world championship title in 2006. Goalkeeper Jean-Paul Danberg, who participated specifically for the shootout, reached the semi-finals with two breaststrokes.
“That’s great. We’ve always believed in ourselves and that’s what sets us apart. Luckily I was allowed to carry two, that was enough.”exclaimed Danneberg. Captain Mats Grambusch was also enthusiastic: “I am very proud of the team and fortunately we have a goalkeeper like Jean-Paul.”
‘Awesome mentality’
National coach Hennig said of the 0:2 deficit shortly before the end: “By then no one believed in us anymore. The guys kept cool and calm and played the best hockey under pressure. What a great mentality.”
Both teams started the game cautiously, and Moritz Trompertz made the first dangerous shot on the German side, but he missed the goal. A little later, Stuart Rashmere picked up the ball, leaving several opponents standing in the circle, and Wallace scored from close range.
Germany’s Christopher Rohr celebrates his goal against England in the World Cup quarter-finals.
The Grambush Brothers save the DHB team
In the second quarter, Germany initially played a little better, but also could not use both penalty kicks. After the break, Ansell lifted to England. After that, the DHB team narrowly managed to break through the opponent’s circle. Christopher Rohr also failed in the seven metre, hitting the bar.
After introducing Trompertz, Grambusch added the England side’s first goal of the tournament, his brother Tom equalizing with a seven-meter penalty – and paved the way for the DHB side to the semi-finals.