The Danish men's handball team is officially set to defend its World Championship title as coach Nikolaj Jacobsen announced the selection of 19 players for the upcoming tournament. Featuring veteran Henrik Møllgaard, who has confirmed his retirement after the championship, the squad prepares for what could be their fourth consecutive gold medal.
The announcement took place during a press conference in Herning, where Jacobsen shared insights about the team's composition. "There could always have been other names included, but this is the squad we believe covers the challenges we will face," Jacobsen stated, underscoring the experience of the chosen players. Remarkably, 16 of the 19 players have previously tasted success at the World Championship.
Alongside seasoned players, first-time participant Emil Bergholt, from Skjern Håndbold, brings fresh energy to the lineup. Jacobsen expressed confidence in Bergholt's abilities, saying, "Emil was also close to being selected for the Olympics, and now we can give him some championship experience this time." This statement reflects Jacobsen's strategy to blend experience with youthful potential as the team heads to the international stage.
The championship, scheduled to kick off on January 14, 2024, will take place across Denmark, Norway, and Croatia. Denmark begins its campaign against Algeria, followed by matches against Tunisia and Italy, all to be held at the Jyske Bank Boxen arena. The squad is preparing not just for the initial group stage but also for potential advancement to the playoffs, culminating with the final match expected to take place on February 2, 2024, in Oslo, Norway.
Henrik Møllgaard's farewell to national team competitions adds emotional weight to Denmark's campaign. The veteran defender expressed his gratitude for the memorable moments throughout his career, contributing to the strong defensive unity Denmark is known for. With his impending retirement, Bergholt's participation becomes pivotal as the team looks to the future and begins to transition its strategy.
Denmark currently boasts one of the strongest teams globally, with key figures such as Mathias Gidsel, Emil Hansen, and Simon Pytlick returning to the court. Their collective experience is seen as invaluable for mentoring debutants like Bergholt, ensuring they adapt quickly to the demands of international competition.
Reflecting on the team selection process, Jacobsen highlighted the need for balance: "We are taking 19 players to respect the fact this will be our third tournament within a year. Therefore, we also want to distribute the workload during training effectively." This and other strategic decisions aim to maintain optimal performance throughout the tournament.
Fans and analysts alike eagerly anticipate the championship, with Denmark's historic prowess adding intrigue to the upcoming matches. The pressure to win is palpable, as the team aims not only to defend their title but also to make their mark on the international handball stage once again.
