Denmark, in the grand final of EURO 2026! Spectacular victory over Iceland, after a high-intensity semi-final

The start of the game was extremely intense, with Denmark coming into the game aggressively. Emil Jakobsen set the tone with a shot from 7 meters, quickly followed by a goal from the action, but Iceland reacted promptly and took advantage of the moments of numerical superiority. With two more men, the Icelanders broke away at 5-3, and then continued to press, taking the score to 6-4 after an effective run by Magnusson.

The first half, balanced

The key moment of the first half came after a video review sent Vioarsson off the pitch for two minutes following a tackle on Gidsel. Denmark immediately took advantage and the star midfielder's goal reduced the gap. The tempo of the game gradually changed, and after an eight-minute interval without a goal conceded, the Danish defense began to dominate. The tie at 8-8 came naturally, and then the red and whites took the lead for the first time.

The end of the first half was extremely balanced, with quick exchanges of goals and numerous throws from 7 meters. After four such executions for each team, Denmark entered the cabins with a minimal advantage, 20-19.

Denmark increased the tempo of the game in the second half

In the second half, the Danes raised the level of the game. Iceland struggled in positional attack and Thomas Arnoldsen, recently back from injury, was decisive, taking advantage of a loss of possession to make it 23-21. Coach Nikolaj Jacobsen managed the key moments perfectly and the required time-out was followed by a goal signed by Magnus Landin after an excellent pass from Rasmus Lauge.

Iceland received another heavy blow in the final minutes, losing pivot Vioarsson, suspended after a new video review. Although the Nordics called for the last time-out, the difference was already decisive. Denmark handled the final perfectly and prevailed 31-28, qualifying for their third European final in recent history.

Recent form has been excellent, with ten wins in their last eleven matches, and Denmark will be fighting for their third European title on Sunday.

For Iceland, the semi-final remains a remarkable performance, their first appearance in the EHF EURO ace box since 2010. The Nordics have had a balanced run, with three wins in the preliminaries and a solid run in the Main Round.

Man of the match isMathias Gidsel, scoring seven goals on seven shots while providing seven assists and performing almost throughout the game

FINAL » Denmark – Iceland 31-28

• Iceland's Smarason scored the last goal of the semi-final and set up the final score. 31-28 in favor of the Danes

• Iceland lose pivot Vioarsson for most of the final match after a video review resulted in a suspension. Shortly after, the Nordics ask for the last time-out. 31-27

• Another 7-yard kick is awarded to Iceland, their tenth of the game, and Nielsen gets back between the sticks to save it. The Danish goalkeeper rejects, but the ball returns to the Icelanders, and this time Smarason scores. 29-25

• Denmark are again three goals behind. Jacobsen uses his second time-out, and the phase ends with a goal from Landin, after a superb pass from Lauge. 27-23

• Thomas Arnoldsen, back in the Nordics squad earlier this week after recovering from injury, makes his presence felt. Take advantage of a loss of possession by Iceland and put Denmark three goals ahead. 23-21

• The Danes were two goals behind, Iceland failing to break through the opposing defense in the last offensive phases. 21-19

• Denmark get another kick from 7 meters and pivot Gislason is sent to the bench for two minutes. Hansen converts the throw. 20-19

• Denmark get another penalty kick. It's the fourth shot for the Danes, after Jakobsen missed the previous one, Hansen executes and scores. Immediately after, Iceland also get a shot from 7 meters, the fourth, which Porkelsson converts. 12-12

• After 8 minutes of play where Iceland had scored the last goal, the Danish defense starts to disrupt the pace of the Icelanders and slow them down and Denmark lead for the first time in this match. 9-8

• For the first time in this match, after 15 minutes, Iceland is not ahead on the table. 8-8

• A new video analysis. Vioarsson was checked for the tackle on Gidsel. The Icelander gets a two-minute suspension and Gidsel scores. 6-8

• Iceland made the most of the period of superiority, scoring three goals through Magnusson and going three goals clear. 4-6

• With two extra men, Iceland is two goals ahead. 3-5

• Throw from 7 meters, plus a goal from open play, were scored by Emil Jakobsen, who started the game at an alert pace. 1-2