Germany wins the title: U19 World Cup decisively exciting!

Germany wins the title: U19 World Cup decisively exciting!

On August 17, 2025, the curtain will fall on an exciting sports weekend. While the first games of the ICC Men's U19 Cricket World Cup 2026 Americas Qualifiers are coming up in Atlanta, the DHB juniors are giving their best at the final of the U19 World Cup in Spain. An exciting duel that has a lot to offer for both handball and cricket fans.

The handball boys have earned a place in the final and the first meeting against Spain starts promisingly. Linus Schmidt opened the game with the first goal after winning the ball. But the Spaniards didn't take long and equalized to 2-2 before taking the lead 4-3 in the 7th minute. During the first half it became clear that the German national handball team had to struggle with technical errors and failed several times due to goalkeeper David Failde Fuentes.

An exciting handball final

In the first phase, Spain took control and led 7-3 until the 11th minute. However, Germany is turning up the heat: Jan Grüner ends the goal drought for the Germans, followed by Noah Hensen, who reduces the score to 5:7. A short time later, Spain dominated again and brought the score to 12:7 in the 20th minute. However, Germany shows morale and shortens the lead to 11:14 with a 3-0 run. Shortly before halftime, Jan Grüner brought the Germans within 14:16 with a goal.

The second half started promisingly for Germany: William Reichardt made it 15:16 in the 33rd minute. But Spain also remains strong and takes the lead to 19:17. The Germans' fighting spirit was evident when Leon Stehl equalized to make it 22:22 in the 48th minute. In the 50th minute, Germany even took the lead with 24:23. Things get hectic when Erik Wudtke takes a timeout with the score at 25:26. Tim Schröder finally equalized with his goal to make it 27:27.

A finale for history

After a few nerve-wracking minutes and an extra time, the tension remains high: In the first extra time, William Reichardt scores the first goal to make it 29:27. But Spain held on and equalized again in the 67th minute. Jan Grüner takes responsibility and converts a seven-meter penalty, putting Germany ahead 30:29. In the second extra time there was a dramatic final spurt: Spain scored in an empty goal to make it 32:31. Jan Grüner equalizes, but Spain pulls away to 34:32. A crucial moment when Tim Schröder fails in his seven-meter throw. But Germany shows strong nerves in the shootout. Anel Durmic parried the decisive throw and Germany were crowned undefeated U19 world champions with a final score of 41:40 after a 7-meter throw.

At the same time, the first games of the ICC Men's U19 Cricket World Cup 2026 Americas Qualifiers will be played in Atlanta. From August 7th to 17th, representatives from the USA, Argentina, Bermuda and Canada will compete in a double round-robin format. The best team will qualify for the upcoming Cricket World Cup in Namibia and Zimbabwe. The first games start on August 9th and are already showing great potential. The captains of the participating teams are positive about the opportunity to further promote cricket in their countries and make it internationally known. US captain Arjun Mahesh is particularly excited about the opportunity to play in his home country, an opportunity that he considers a special moment in his career.

The fans are even more challenged to concentrate on two exciting sporting events in the coming days. Whether handball or cricket - the athletes show that they are ready to give everything and make the most of their respective opportunities.

For more information on the exciting details about the U19 World Championships, check out Handball World over. And for the latest news on the cricket event in the USA, read up ICC cricket after.