1993 world champion coach: Final would be a handball sensation

For former world champion coach Lothar Doering, who led the DHB women to the World Cup title in 1993, a victory in the semi-final against France would be a minor miracle. "After years without medals, that would be a real sensation. The French are now the crème de la crème," said Doering on MDR's "Sport im Osten" ahead of tonight's match (17:45/Sporteurope.TV/ARD) in Rotterdam.

The German handball team has not won a competitive match against France for 20 years. Doering is encouraged by the German team's convincing performances in the tournament so far. Seven games, seven wins. "With stable defensive play, good counter-attacking and very few periods of weakness," praised the 75-year-old.

Doering believes Norway will win the title

However, Doering does not believe that Germany will win the big gold medal. In his opinion, the final, where Norway would most likely be waiting, would be the end of the line. "A world championship title would be nice, but Norway seems to be the absolute number one at the moment. That's why what the women might achieve in the final is quite enough to perhaps take women's handball a step forward," said Doering.

Olympic champions Norway will face co-hosts the Netherlands in the second semi-final.

Women's handball status "a small problem"

The DHB hopes that success at this World Championship will give women's handball a lasting boost and greater visibility. "I don't notice much, I have to be honest. That will certainly come with the game against France, if it's successful. The value of women's handball in Germany is still a bit of a problem," said the former national coach.

The Potsdam native led the German women's handball team to the World Cup title in 1993. The night went down in the DHB history books as the magical night in Oslo. The German team won 22:21 against the top favorites Denmark after overtime. "A small miracle, but they happen all the time," said the man from Leipzig looking back.