“An incredible honor”: Palicka praises emerging market euphoria

The world record attendance of 53,586 spectators at the German national team's opening match against Switzerland (27:14) on Wednesday in the Düsseldorf football stadium was an “incredible honor for handball,” said 37-year-old Andreas Palicka. “Something huge” that is only possible in Germany. “I played here for 13 years,” explained the former THW Kiel and Rhein-neckar Löwen goalkeeper. That's why he knows what “incredible events” can be organized in this country. “I'm proud to have played a large part of my career here.”

Also with the initial victory by 29:20. Sweden Against Bosnia-Herzegovina, more than 10,000 visitors came to the Mannheim Arena on Thursday. “It was really cool,” Palicka said. According to the veteran, who now plays for Paris Saint-Germain, the room felt like a “living room,” just as it did during his time at the Lions.

Palicka would not predict whether the Germans would be able to build on the earlier euphoria in their home tournament. The clear victory against Switzerland showed that coach Alfred Gislason's team knows how to handle pressure well. If goalkeeper Andreas Wolff continues in such good form, the Germans would have “every opportunity,” said the defending champions' goalkeeper. They will become Olympic champions after the last group stage match against them. France But we will be able to judge better next Tuesday. Before that, the German team will face North Macedonia on Sunday.