By Thomas Berndt
Germany may have lost the opening match of group C against Russia. However, the German spectators were the only ones to create an atmosphere in a half empty Farum Arena.

A few Germans were cheering for their darlings through the entire match. The sound of the six German drums which were not set on mute made all the seats in the Farum Arena vibrate. Axel Thorhauer led the troups. The 30-year-old fan from Leipzig attracted attention with his drum, his many scarfs and the German flag which he used as a shawl.

'It is fast and very technical', explains Axel when asked about his passion for women's handball.

He continues: 'It is 50% technical skills and 50% physical strength as opposed to men's handball which is only physical strength'.

In the beginning of the second half, the German players were getting tired. Russia led 20-15 but then the Russians slowed down, and when Melanie Wagner scored twice reducing the Russian lead to 22-21, Axel regained faith in a German victory.

Despite the support from the German spectators, the German team lost by 25-22 and after the match Axel took stock of the situation:

'Russia was weak but we were even weaker', he concluded. Nevertheless, he will return tomorrow - he has tickets all the way to the semi-finals.