France is European handball champion. In the final the team beat the slightly favored Danes. However, the decision was only made in extra time.
France is European handball champion for the fourth time. The Olympic champion narrowly beat world champion Denmark 33:31 (27:27, 14:14) after extra time in the final on Sunday and won the title again after 2006, 2010 and 2014.
In front of 19,750 spectators in Cologne, Ludovic Fabregas was the best thrower for the new champion with eight goals. Mikkel Hansen scored nine times for the Danes, who still have to wait for their third triumph after 2008 and 2012.
That’s how the game went
France’s superstar Nikola Karabatić was particularly looking forward to the game, his 80th (!) and last European Championship game. “I’m very happy that I have the opportunity again. I want to enjoy it until the end and give it my all,” said Karabatić before the game. It is the last season for the 39-year-old, who won three European Championship titles, four World Cup gold medals and three Olympic victories in his unique career.
Led by the veteran, “Les Experts” got off to a better start and the French were ahead 6-4 after twelve minutes. But the Danes got into the game better from then on thanks to Emil Nielsen’s saves. Because the keeper, who didn’t seem fully trained, now literally nailed down his box, his team started a 5-0 run and initially took command.
In the second period, Denmark maintained its narrow lead until the final phase. However, when Kentin Mahe scored from the seven-meter spot five minutes before the end, France were suddenly ahead (25:24). Karabatić and Co. held their nerve in extra time.