Denmark's handball team secured their place in the World Championship final after delivering an emphatic 40:27 victory over Portugal, reinforcing their quest for a historic fourth consecutive title. The match, held at the Unity Arena in Oslo, Norway, showcased Denmark's overwhelming strength, particularly evident after halftime.
Initially, the match began at pace, with Denmark establishing control early on. The team, under the guidance of head coach Nikolaj Jacobsen, jumped to a quick lead, capitalizing on Portugal's struggles, especially their inability to contain the speed and skill of the Danish forwards. At the half, Denmark led 20:16, and it was evident they were poised to pull away.
Emil Nielsen, Denmark’s goalkeeper, played a significant role, making 15 saves and earning the title of Man of the Match. His performance proved pivotal as he stopped key shots when Portugal began to mount pressures, maintaining Denmark's lead throughout the initial stages of the second half.
"Dänemark fegt Portugal mit 40:27 (20:16) von der Platte und hat damit die historische Chance auf den vierten WM-Titel hintereinander!" reported by dpa. This match not only showcased Denmark's talent but also highlighted the teamwork and synergy within the squad, which features several world-class players, including Mathias Gidsel, who contributed nine goals to the scoring effort.
Denmark's attack was relentless, and as the second half progressed, they showcased their trademark fast pace and impeccable precision. A 10-4 run made the difference, and suddenly Denmark found themselves leading by as much as ten goals with only 17 minutes remaining.
Despite Portugal’s admirable run to the semifinals, having triumphed over Germany to get there, they could not match Denmark's formidable performance. Coach Paulo Pereira’s side fought hard but was clearly outmatched as fatigue set in, especially after such an intense quarter-final.
Looking forward, Denmark’s next challenge will be against Croatia, who have impressed throughout the tournament. The final is set for Sunday, February 2, 2025, at 18:00, where Denmark will aim to extend their remarkable streak of victories. Croatia will strive to leverage the energy from their home support, but Denmark remains confident, with coach Jacobsen stating, "The team is feeling strong and we are ready for this final challenge. We aim to make history." This final marks not only another potential title for the defending champions but could also be the last international match for Croatian legend Domagoj Duvnjak.
Meanwhile, Portugal, who bid farewell to their title ambitions for this year, will compete against France for the bronze medal on the same day. They have maintained high morale and resilience throughout the tournament, reflecting on their historic semi-final appearance and the heights they reached.
The performance of both teams serves as a reminder of the growing competitiveness within international handball, and the excitement leading to the final promises to captivate fans from both nations and more.
With Denmark's drive to secure their fourth consecutive world title and the spirited efforts of Portugal, the tournament continues to highlight the thrills and unpredictability of handball on the world stage. The final will undoubtedly see high stakes and fervent competition as Denmark seeks to fortify their legacy.