Defending champions Spain have again reached the final of the Handball European Championship. In the semi-finals, the Iberians defeated the world champion Denmark and now meet Sweden.
The old Spaniards jumped like little children across the field and could hardly believe their renewed EM coup. With a 29:25 (13:14) the defending champion defeated the favored world champion Denmark and again reached the final. In the final on Sunday (6:00 p.m.), the Iberians will be chasing their third European Championship gold one after the other.
Opponent is then Vice World Champion Sweden. The Scandinavians kept the upper hand in the second semi-final against Olympic champions France with 34:33 (17:14). A save by keeper Andreas Palicka a few seconds before the end secured the Swedes the chance of winning their first European title in 20 years.
Jim Gottfridsson from SG Flensburg-Handewitt became his team’s top scorer with nine goals. The defeated French will now play against Denmark for the bronze medal on Sunday (3:30 p.m.).
The best Spanish thrower in the duel against Denmark was right winger Aleix Gomez Abello with eleven goals. In addition, goalkeeper Gonzalo Perez de Vargas showed an outstanding performance and caused the Danish stars around striker Mikkel Hansen (8 goals) to despair, especially in the final phase.
“It was a victory against a world power”
“It was a win against a world power. What this team has achieved is unbelievable,” said Spain’s captain Gedeon Guardiola from TBV Lemgo. “It was a show of emotions. I’m incredibly proud. We may not be the best team, but we are are the best team.”
Denmark, who have been waiting for a European Championship title since 2012, had already led by four goals in the first half before the Spaniards took command of the second half and finally reached their fourth European Championship final, which they deservedly.
“Spain was just better today, especially in the second half. No matter what we tried, they always came up with the better solution,” said Danish right winger Lasse Svan from SG Flensburg-Handewitt.
Spain stays in the game thanks to goalkeepers
“Winning a medal is what we’re here for, and as always, we want to go all the way now. There’s no doubt about that,” Denmark coach Nicolaj Jacobsen announced ahead of the repeat of the Olympic semifinals. This will was clearly evident in both teams right from the start. But at first there was a lack of precision. Technical deficiencies alternated with sometimes hair-raising bad passes and a few misses.
The Danes benefited from this in the first half. At the back, the Kiel goalkeeper Niklas Landin saved one shot after the other and at the front, backcourt ace Hansen was particularly accurate. When young star Mathias Gidsel netted to make it 8: 4 after 18 minutes, things seemed to be going according to plan for the 2019 and 2021 world champion.
But Spain stayed cool and stayed in the game thanks to saves from keeper Perez de Vargas. By the break, the deficit was down to one goal. When coach Jordi Ribera’s team took the lead for the first time at 17:16, fate took its course for the Danes. Spain continued to extend their lead and let nothing burn out.