“For me it wasn't so much about the ultimate success. I just wanted to have this experience, this memory fully and not blame myself later. And unfortunately I blame myself afterwards,” said the playmaker after 26:29 against Denmark.

In the match in front of almost 20,000 spectators in Cologne, Germany held up well, especially in the first half. After the break, however, the entire squad and the individual level of the Danish world champions were decisive. So Knorr struggled immensely.

Harsh self-criticism from Juri Knorr: “Not everything came to light”

“This seems like a big missed opportunity,” Rhein-neckar intermediary Löwen told Sportschau. In one of the “most important games” of his career, “I didn't want to lose in such a way that after the game he felt like he hadn't gotten the most out of it.” the same.

The remaining possibility for bronze in the match for third place against Sweden on Sunday (15:00/ARD and Dyn) and the associated possibility of a direct Olympic ticket were not much consolation for Knorr.

“Many teams have already reached the semifinals. Of course it is a great success and that is very good. But we had the opportunity to do it. We did well in one half, but not in two halves. “It's extremely bitter,” the 23-year-old said. He added that he “didn't want to be an athlete like that.” the ARD“that he will be happy if he reaches the semifinals.”

By the SID editorial team