Daughter to emulate mother: German women want handball world title

Emily Vogel can emulate her mother when Germany look to complete an extraordinary run at the women's handball world championships with the title on Sunday against top favourites Norway.

Vogel's mother, Andrea Bölk, was part of the team that won the last world title for Germany 32 years ago in 1993.

"How great it would be if we can repeat this story. It is one more match. We were never that close. We will give our all over the 60 minutes," Vogel said before rushing on to her mother in the Rotterdam arena after the team's semi-final upset over France.

Most members of the 2025 team weren't born when Germany lifted the trophy in 1993 but they have now been writing their own story at the tournament they co-hosted with the Dutch.

The culmination so far was Friday's 29-23 against the French title holders, the first German victory over the multiple world champions in two decades at an official match.

Germany will be the underdogs again when they face Norway and their twice World Player of the Year Henny Reistad, who had 10 goals in their 35-25 demolition of co-hosts the Netherlands in the second semi-final.

German federation board member for sport Ingo Meckes named the Norwegians the "ultimate final opponent" but coach Markus Gaugisch said that "we are not here as tourists" as he hailed the unity in his team.

"Now we want more. We are just one step away from total escalation," youngster Nieke Kühne agreed.

Germany will have plenty of confidence for the final from the win against France.

"we dominated the world champions over 60 minutes. Like a top team," Meckes said. "In this form, someone will have to beat us first."

The team can also count on prominent support, as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged on X: "Now it's time to give it everything for the final step. All of Germany is on edge with excitement."