Denmark:
Denmark Triumphs at Home in EC Final, Coach Moved to Tears
- Denmark-Germany 34-27 (18-16)
Last night, Denmark reclaimed its title as European champions in men’s handball, marking the third such victory for the nation after a decisive 34-27 win over Germany.
“Perhaps the roughest handball game the world has ever seen,” exclaimed Viaplay’s Daniel Høglund, capturing the intensity of the match.
Set against the electrifying backdrop of Boxen in Herning, the game was a whirlwind of relentless pace and fierce competition.
“It’s almost inhumane for both teams,” Danish TV2 expert Kasper Hvidt commented during the first half, as fans were left breathless by the action.
For a comprehensive recap of the final, visit Dagbladet’s sports studio.
In Tears
At the beginning of the second half, Denmark’s coach, Nikolaj Bredahl Jacobsen, was visibly agitated. According to Danish BT, he became quite confrontational with a cameraman during the game, leading to headlines like “Jacobsen Enraged: Rampage on Cameraman.”
“He scolded the cameraman quite harshly from the sidelines,” the reports noted.
As commentator Kristian Kjelling put it, “Jacobsen is boiling over here on the sidelines.”
However, the coach’s mood shifted dramatically after the final whistle. Overcome with emotion, Jacobsen found himself in tears as his team secured the gold.
“It has been incredibly challenging, not just physically but mentally for everyone, including myself. We faced many obstacles…” he began, according to BT.
“Entering this tournament, we were uncertain about Simon’s health after his heart issues in the semi-final,” he added, referring to Simon Hald’s hospitalization.
According to Hald’s club, Aalborg, he is currently dealing with an irregular heart rhythm.
The stands were graced by several notable figures, including Queen Mary of Denmark, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.
Queen Mary has held her title since January 2024, when her predecessor, Queen Margrethe, made an unexpected abdication.
– A Display of Imagination
In a tightly contested first half, the teams traded blows. Germany’s Tom Kiesler received a red card after an unfortunate punch to Mathias Gidsel, a call that was widely supported by Viaplay’s analysts.
As the teams headed into the locker room, Denmark led 18-16 and never looked back.
Mathias Gidsel and Simon Pytlick starred in the second half, orchestrating several impressive attacks that left spectators in awe.
“It’s pure fantasy,” Høglund remarked enthusiastically.
When Gidsel netted his goal to make it 24-21, he claimed the record for the most goals scored in a single European Championship, surpassing the previous record held by Sander Sagosen.
A Fiery Defense: An Unmatched Performance
Throughout the second half, the Danes maintained a comfortable lead of at least two goals, extending it to five, six, and even seven as the match drew to a close. The jubilation among the fans was palpable.
Germany faced further setback with another red card, as Jannik Kohlbacher was ejected for a punch to the face.
In the final moments, the Danish players stood and applauded the crowd, celebrating their well-earned status as European champions once more.
Denmark has now added this 2025 title to its victories in 2008 and 2012, also proudly holding the world championship titles from 2019 and 2025, both on home turf.
With this triumph, Denmark stands as the reigning champion in the European Championship, World Championship, and the Olympics.
Earlier on Sunday, Croatia clinched the bronze medal, triumphing over Iceland.
