Denmark’s Crushing Defeat at Handball WC

DENMARK – FRANCE – 26–31

DORTMUND/ROTTERDAM (Nettavisen) — While Norway celebrates a resounding victory in the quarter-finals, the mood in Denmark is decidedly grim. In the heavyweight clash viewed as a contest between Norway’s primary rivals, France proved to be a formidable opponent.

In a match that left many questioning the integrity of the tournament, there were whispers suggesting that France intentionally forfeited their final main round game against the Netherlands. This maneuver was speculated to be a strategy to sidestep Norwegian competition before the final. However, any notions of goodwill dissipated as France decisively overcame Denmark by five goals, setting their sights on a semi-final showdown with Germany on Friday.

For Denmark, this outcome is far from favorable.

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Slaughtered at home

Danish coverage, particularly from BT, has scrutinized veteran Anne Mette Hansen’s performance after a lackluster showing.

“A star player with over 200 appearances for the Danish national team. Last seen entering the arena at 7:00 PM, one of the team’s leaders, known for her prowess in defense and attack. However, she was conspicuously absent during Wednesday’s game,” noted handball commentator Johnny Wojciech Kokborg, who ultimately rated her performance one out of six stars.

Kokborg did not spare criticism towards the team itself, stating, “This was an absolute disaster for Denmark. There’s no shame in losing, but the manner of this exit is alarming. Witnessing such a collective breakdown was deeply troubling.”

In fact, six players from the Danish roster were rated a mere three out of ten by Danish TV 2.

This is what the Norway squad says

Nora Mørk, a seasoned player familiar with Danish handball and many members of the Danish squad, reflected on the harsh reality facing them.

“I haven’t delved too deeply into the Danish media after the match, but I can only imagine the level of criticism they’re enduring, considering their recent successes. The championship proved to be much more challenging than anticipated. A quarter-final is the toughest match to lose,” she told Nettavisen.

Mørk was then asked how the implications of Helle Thomsen’s first championship would be received by the public.

“Now that they’ve switched coaches, they might be focusing on a longer-term vision towards the Olympics. There have been numerous challenges, but I still believe they have the talent to compete. The reactions will likely vary; expectations for Denmark are always high, so Helle will have to navigate that,” she noted.

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For Stine Skogrand, who competes daily in Denmark with Ikast and shares the court with several teammates on the national squad, the aftermath of this match is palpable.

“I imagine their spirits are not high at the moment. Quarter-finals are always brutal, and losing one against any opponent is painful. I had my doubts before the match, uncertain about who would emerge victorious. However, it seemed clear that France maintained control from the start and rightfully secured the win,” she stated.

Danish self-examination

Following the match, players openly expressed their disappointment with their performance.

“Honestly, I’m surprised we didn’t lose by a greater margin. It’s regrettable that we faltered like this,” remarked goalkeeper Anna Kristensen to Danish DR.

Line Haugsted delivered a blunt assessment, stating, “France proved to be superior in every aspect.”

Nettavisen has previously engaged with Live Rushfeldt Deila, who plays in Danish Esbjerg, regarding the often harsh scrutiny faced by Denmark’s teams from the media.

“When Denmark falls short, the criticism is relentless. It’s often sensationalized to make headlines, so I don’t think the players take it personally. I don’t follow the coverage closely, but I’ve learned that this is typically how it goes,” she reflected.

As the championship progresses, Norway will move forward, prepared to face the host nation Netherlands in what promises to be a thrilling semi-final encounter in Rotterdam.