Germany and Denmark booked their places in the Men’s Handball final in Paris after a tense semi-finals. The Germans made the final after surviving a late scare from Spain, whilst Denmark defeated an underdog Slovenian side, also only just avoiding extra time.
Semi-Finals Round-Up –
Germany vs Spain – Germany and Spain both came into the game looking to reach the final, a feat which neither had achieved in 20 years. In fact, Spain had never made a Men’s Olympic Handball final despite reaching the Semi-Finals on four occasions before 2024. Germany took the early advantage in the match with a three-goal lead through early strikes from Juri Knorr, Johannes Golla and Julian Koster. Despite a little bit of Spanish resistance, the Germans managed to extend their lead to 10-6 by 17 minutes into the match. In the second half of the first quarter, the Spanish were able to recover as they pulled the tie back level going into half-time with Alex Dovichebaeva scoring with only seconds left on the clock to make it 12-12.
The tie was up for grabs in the second half, and Renars Uscins, who scored 14 goals versus France, got the first goal of the half for Germany and his first of the day. The game remained an extremely even and tight encounter with neither side wanting to lose out. Spain took the lead for the first time with ten minutes to go when Aleix Gomez scored to make it 23-22. Golla instantly levelled for Germany before Agustin Casado restored the Spanish lead. Germany Andreas Wolff was having a great day in goal and denied multiple clear-cut chances for the opposition. Lukas Mertens and Knorr each got a goal in the last five minutes to hand Germany back their lead, and that led to a tense last five minutes. Despite Spanish onslaught Wolff stood tall and with five seconds left Casado’s shot was blocked which sent Germany to the final.
Slovenia vs Denmark recap
Slovenia vs Denmark – Denmark were heavy favourites heading into this game as they were looking to get one step closer to reclaim their Olympic title. Mathias Gidsel got the scoring started for Denmark and they didn’t look back having a 3-0 lead after 6 minutes. It then became a back-and-forth half with both sides looking to try and gain some momentum. It took until the 22nd minute for another spell and it again went to Denmark when they got three unanswered to gain a 11-7 lead. By the half, Denmark had a 15-10 lead with their passage to the final looking like it was becoming comfortable.
The second half started similar to the middle of the first with both sides trading blow to blow but Aleks Vlah did score two goals as he was trying to gain Slovenia some momentum back. Denmark’s lead then became only three goals with 20 minutes to go. The world champions were not going to let that happen without a response though and they scored three goals in a row to take a six-goal lead. Slovenia didn’t want to let their Olympic dream die too early though as they got a run of three goals themselves. With seven minutes to go, Denmark led by four but three straight Slovenian goals meant with one minute to go the score was 31-30 Denmark. Mikkel Hansen had the chance to finish the match with a penalty shot but that was saved by Klemen Ferlin which gave Slovenia one last opportunity. It ended up having to be a free throw shot which Borut Mackovsek missed over the bar.
Final Preview -
Final preview: Germany vs Denmark
That means that the final on Sunday will take place between Germany and Denmark. Germany is looking for the first ever modern-day gold medal as a unified country. Denmark became Olympic Champions for the first time at Rio 2016 and will be looking to do that again in Paris. The Danish will go into the game favourites with them having an exceptional Gidsel, who is having a tournament to remember and Mikkel Hansen who is looking to end with another gold medal. Germany do have a star man of their own with Renars Uscins having an exceptional tournament, which has included 14 goals against France.
