Denmark and Sweden suffered somewhat surprising defeats at the European Handball Championships. Olympic silver medalist Denmark lost to Slovenia on Tuesday (January 23, 2024) at the end of the main round in Hamburg 25:28 (14:17). In the evening, Sweden suffered a devastating 23:33 defeat against their neighbors Norway. In both Denmark and Norway, a number of top players were rested by their coaches.
The team led by stars Mikkel Hansen and Mathias Gidsel was already assured of first place ahead of Sweden and thus the semi-final game against the runners-up in Group I with the German team. Coach Nicolaj Jacobsen therefore spared some top players like Hansen for long stretches or like Gidsel completely – and got the reward for it.
4th matchday, main round arrow right
The Danes’ best throwers were Flensburg’s Lukas Jörgensen and Niclas Kirkelökke (Rhein-Neckar Löwen) with six hits. Kristjan Horzen from VfL Gummersbach was also the most successful for the Slovenians with six goals. With the success, Slovenia secured third place in Main Group II and will play against the third party in Group I for fifth place at this European Championship on Friday.
Sweden suffered a heavy defeat against neighboring Norway
Later in the evening, Norway, who had already been eliminated, defeated the Swedes 33:23 (15:12). Sweden was already assured of second place and thus the semi-final duel with France. Coach Glenn Solberg therefore took the opportunity to let numerous regular players such as top scorers Jim Gottfridsson and Hampus Wanne take a breather.
Netherlands defy Portugal draw
The Dutch national handball team had previously scored their first point in the main round. “Oranje” won a point from the favored Portuguese at 33:33 (17:15).
However, both teams had no chance of advancing to Group II before the game in Hamburg. The Netherlands are still at the bottom of the group behind Norway.
Portugal misses the game for fifth place
Portugal missed out on third place in the table, which would have secured the game for fifth place. The placement can be important with regard to qualification for the Olympic handball tournament in Paris. Denmark and Sweden have already qualified for the semi-finals.
The best throwers for Portugal were Martim Costa and Luis Frade with eight hits each. For the Netherlands, Rutger ten Velde from the German second division club TuS N-Lübbecke scored each of his seven attempts.
