Lebanese team Al -Sadd was taught a lesson in speed handball by THW Kiel in the second match of Day 1 at the IHF Super Globe.

THW Kiel (GER) – Al-Sadd (LBA) 42:18 (22:8)

They played as fast and efficient as an express train and made the spectators shout for joy: THW Kiel had a perfect start at their first ever IHF Super Globe. The game against Al-Sadd was decided even before the break, but the Germans continued with full speed and goals. Al-Sadd had transferred three players from Valladolid (Spain), but the preparation time was too short. They could only stand the THW power and speed. Kiel stood well in defence and thanks to this fact they could start an incredible number of counter attacks. Right wing Tobias Reichmann scored six times before the break, all by fast breaks. The only Al-Sadd player who was close to the Kiel level of performance was Khoder Nahas, who scored in total eight times.

As Kiel played absolute concentrated Al-Sadd resigned very early – and it was obvious at the break (22:8) that the Lebanese team did not have any chance.

After the break Kiel changed their squad completely – and started furious with four straight counter attack goals of Christian Sprenger to 26:8. The distance were 20 goals for the first time after only 38 minutes at the score of 29:9. In the end Sprenger was THW top scorer with eight goals, too.

Statements after the match:

Alfred Gislason, coach THW Kiel: We played well in both halfs and took the game very serious – not only for our club but for the spectators and TV viewers. I think we represented our club and the German handball well. It was a good start, as we want to win our group.

Thierry Omeyer, player Kiel:  The keys to our success were the good defence and our counter attacks. We played very well for 60 minutes.

Mohamed Rashid, coach Al-Sadd: It was a great experience for our players to face the best team of the world. Unfortunately our team was not completed, as some players from Spain will come tomorrow as they have to play a league match today.

Khoder Nahas, player Al-Sadd: We were impressed by Kiel. But we know that this match was not the most important one for us, as now the opponents will come which we can beat.

Photos by Adel Al Delimay