Handball: The Danes are crowned the kings of Europe

From the start, both teams played a game with a lot of speed, a lot of emotion and high quality. Denmark was driven by world handball player Gidsel, also voted player of this tournament, and Pytlick, who scored goal after goal. Germany fought back collectively, Knorr and Köster shone with shots from the backcourt.

In the meantime, Denmark increased the number of hits and pulled away to three goals, always running ahead, but Germany fought back and didn’t want to let the favorites pull away until the break. That was successful, with 18:16 for Denmark they pulled back for air.

Germany started the second half well against the Danes, who were missing three important defensive players. Gidsel even made three missed throws in a row, a rare occurrence. The goalkeepers Möller, outstanding, and Wolff stayed in the spotlight, neither side scored any goals in this phase. But Denmark was always able to improve and pulled away to 26:22, much to the delight of Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz sat next to him with a slightly longer face.

More quality

Wolff bit at some of the Danes’ attacks, which is why the favorite was unable to make a decisive move at the moment. In the finish, however, they once again showed quality and pulled the nerve of the Germans, who were fighting so selflessly, when they were already leading 32:27 in the 57th minute. The arena in Herning shook, the party started before the final siren, and Frederiksen also clapped eagerly.

Denmark, not only with the European title in sight, but already with one hand on the trophy, played the few minutes as if in a trance and ultimately won 34:27. Gidsel was the tournament’s top scorer with 68 goals. Denmark won the European title for the third time after 2008 and 2012. Astonishing detail on the side: It was only the second time after Sweden in 2002 that the organizer was ultimately able to win the title.

Croatia secured the bronze medal with a thrilling 34:33 over Iceland. The Croatians led by five goals at one point, but then had to tremble until the end.