Budapest (AP) – When Niclas Ekberg made the first EM triumph in 20 years perfect with a seven-meter penalty, Sweden’s handball players freaked out with joy.
After the dramatic 27:26 (12:13) final victory against the dethroned defending champion Spain, the Scandinavians jumped around exuberantly around their outstanding goalkeeper Andreas Palicka. A little later, Europe’s new handball kings lifted the gold bowl to the musical evergreen “We are the champions”. “We fought for it for so long. I can’t believe it. We knew it was going to be a close game. I’m proud of everyone,” said circle player Max Darj from Bundesliga club Bergischer HC.
With the victory in front of 14,238 spectators in Budapest, the record European champions successfully took revenge for the defeat in the final against Spain four years ago and made the fifth triumph after 1994, 1998, 2000 and 2002 perfect. Bronze went to world champion Denmark, who previously won the match for third place against Olympic champions France 35:32 (29:29, 13:14) after extra time.
The final, under the prudent direction of the German referees Robert Schulze and Tobias Tönnies, offered pace and drama from the start. The best throwers for the World Cup runners-up from Sweden were circle runner Oscar Bergendahl and Ekberg, who only returned from Corona quarantine the day before, with five goals each. The right winger from the German record champions kept his nerve during the last action and then disappeared in a cheering cluster. Right winger Aleix Gomez scored six times for the Spaniards.
The Swedes were initially always in front, but could never really break away. The lead never grew to more than two goals. Goalkeeper Palicka had a great day, just like the 34:33 in the semi-final against France. The 35-year-old was the main support with numerous saves and once again distinguished himself as a goalscorer.
Tight gameplay
But the Scandinavians missed a lot of chances in attack – including two penalty kicks in the first 15 minutes. So the ripped off Spaniards always stayed within striking distance. “They play very clever and economical handball. They don’t stress and never act excitedly, even when they’re behind,” said national coach Alfred Gislason on “Sportdeutschland.tv” shortly before kick-off, describing the defending champion’s style of play.
And indeed: One minute before the break, Spain took the lead for the first time at 12:11 – also because goalkeeper Rodrigo Corrales Rodal saved a few balls. The second round was exciting. Both teams acted at eye level and kept finding gaps in the opponent’s defence. So it went head to head in the last two minutes where the Swedes had the better end.
The German team, plagued by 16 corona cases, had already left the tournament in Hungary and Slovakia in seventh place after the main round. For captain Johannes Golla there was at least one nice personal success at the end of the European Championship. The 24-year-old from German runner-up SG Flensburg-Handewitt was voted into the all-star team as the best circle player. “It’s a nice surprise and great to get such recognition for what you’ve accomplished,” said Golla.