The European Handball Championship witnessed a stunning upset as Denmark, the four-time world champion and host nation, fell to Portugal 31-29 (12-11), jeopardizing their main round prospects against Germany.
Herning, Denmark – In a result that sent shockwaves through the European Handball Championship, Portugal delivered a monumental victory over Denmark, a team widely considered a tournament favorite. The 31-29 scoreline (12-11 at halftime) not only marks a significant win for the Portuguese but also throws Denmark’s path to the main round against Germany into serious doubt.
The implications of this result are immediate: Portugal will advance to face the German team in the intermediate round, with a rematch of the 2025 World Cup quarter-finals scheduled for Thursday. Despite already securing qualification for the next stage, Denmark now finds itself with zero points, a precarious position given the competitive nature of the tournament.
Prior to the match, calculations centered around how large Portugal’s defeat might be. Following North Macedonia’s narrow win, a loss by 17 goals would have sufficed for the Portuguese to maintain a favorable position. However, the game unfolded in a dramatically different fashion before a capacity crowd at the “box” in Herning.
Denmark Struggles to Find Its Rhythm
The anticipated Danish dominance never materialized. Instead, it was Portugal who showcased impressive handball, consistently challenging their highly-ranked opponents.
Portugal maintained the lead throughout the first half, disrupting Denmark’s typically fast-paced attack. The score at the break reflected Portugal’s control: 12-11.
The Portuguese team refused to yield, ultimately celebrating a well-deserved victory. Brothers Francisco and Martim Costa each contributed nine goals, while “Kiko” delivered five crucial assists. Despite the loss, Denmark’s Simon Pytlick of Flensburg was named “Man of the Match,” scoring six goals and providing five assists.
