Norway's women's handball team claimed yet another glory as they triumphed over Denmark with a score of 31-23, winning the 2024 Women’s European Handball Championship final held on December 15, 2024, in Vienna, Austria. This victory marks Norway's ninth gold medal out of the last eleven championships, showcasing their dominance in the sport.
The final against Denmark showcased Norway’s consistent expertise, particularly evident after halftime when Norway seized control of the match, turning the score around from 12-13 at the break to establish their decisive victory. Norway's offensive strategy proved to be formidable, especially with their sharp attack leading to three consecutive scores at the beginning of the second half. This pushed their lead to 21-14 and, from there, Denmark never managed to close the gap to less than six goals.
Despite the disappointment of finishing as runners-up for the second consecutive tournament, Denmark’s performance throughout the championship has been commendable. Under the guidance of coach Jesper Jensen, the Danish team has persevered through injuries and lineup changes, demonstrating resilience and skill. "For the fifth championship in a row, the Danish women return home with metal around their necks," reported EHF / kolektiff, highlighting their ability to remain competitive at such high levels.
Leading the scoring for Denmark were Anne Mette Hansen and Mie Højlund, each netting five goals during the match. Their efforts, along with those of the entire team, show promise for the future even as they faced the disappointment of falling short against Norway. Anna Kristensen emerged as not just a key player for Denmark, but also received recognition as the most valuable player (MVP) of the tournament by the European Handball Federation.
The match started with a slow scoring pace, and both teams relied heavily on strong defense, with goalkeepers Anna Kristensen and Norway's Silje Solberg making impressive saves early on. After seven minutes of play, there had only been one score, for Denmark, demonstrating the tension and competitive nature of the championship final.
Norway's remarkable consistency has solidified their status as one of the most successful teams in the history of women's handball. Their strategy, teamwork, and skill have been instrumental to their glorious run at the championship, asserting their status as perennial favorites.
With the dust now settling on the championship, reflective thoughts arise on the state of women's handball. Denmark’s team proved they can reach the top and with their recent performances, the outlook for future championships remains optimistic. Denmark and its fans are left with high hopes and aspirations as they look to build on their current momentum.
Completing the podium, Hungary secured bronze by narrowly defeating France earlier on the same day, adding another significant achievement to their handball history. The mixture of outcomes from this championship showcases the competitive spirit and high caliber of women's handball across Europe.
The 2024 Women's European Handball Championship presented thrilling matches, highlighting both the established powerhouses and the rising stars within the sport. For Norway, it was yet another step toward confirming their legacy, and for Denmark, it was about showcasing grit and preparation for the next rounds of competition.
Anticipation now turns to the future of women's handball and the possibility of another thrilling championship next time. With competitive teams like Norway and Denmark taking center stage, fans can expect even more extraordinary moments on the court.
