We know the first semi-finalist of the European handball » An all-or-nothing classic is coming up in two days
Article by Daniel Grigore – Published Monday, January 26, 2026 23:28 / Updated Monday, January 26, 2026 23:28
Denmark, the big favorite to win the European Men's Handball Championship, is the first semi-finalist of this edition, after defeating Germany in a table qualification match, score 31-26.
Germany – Denmark, in the Jyske Bank Boxen in Herning, started with clear coordinates: the winner would qualify for the semi-finals.
With the home field advantage, the Danes found themselves led in the first few minutes, but came back and stayed in front for the rest of the first half, with the difference between +1 and +3.
Uninspired in attack, with good minutes without a goal scored, the Danes found themselves tied, 13-13, before Mads Hoxer ended the drought.
Denmark is the first semi-finalist of the European handball » All-or-nothing match for Germany and France
From that moment, Nikolaj Jacobsen's men were always in front, even 7 goals at a few moments of the half. Towards the end, the Danes took their time, having a reassuring advantage. 26-31 final, and Denmark is the first finalist of the competition, while the Germans will have a final all-or-nothing match against France on Wednesday nightat 19:00.
An interesting technical detail: until the 48th minute, Germany had only scored with the players from the 9-meter line, by throwing from a distance. The first success from a different position came from the pivot Golla.
Germany need a draw or a win to qualify in the ace box, while the French need to win.
From the other group, the stage 4 matches will take place on Tuesday evening. Iceland, Sweden, Slovenia and Croatia have 4 points each, Hungary and Switzerland one each.
