The difference-makers in the play-offs By Chris O’Reilly As we enter the knockout phase of the DELO EHF Champions League, here is a look at each of the eight ties, taking one key factor which could provide their team the platform to a place in the quarter-finals. RK Krim Mercator vs CSKA There’s no two ways about it, Krim …
By J. Schuetz Indispensable – it was the first word that came to mind while reading Julia Behnke’s announcement to retire from the women’s national handball team of Germany, with immediate effect, last week. Together with team captain, Kim Naidzinavicius, the 27-years old line player called it quits – for now. A bit more color was provided via social media, …
By J. Schuetz FTC Railcargo vs Vipers Kristiansand 30:28 (14:11) Before the Match The Norwegian champions had arrived without Jeanett Kristiansen, Heidi Loke and Silje Waade, who suffered a torn cruciate ligament in the dying moments of the DELO EHF Champions League match against Metz HB, earlier in the week. FTC were missing Blanka Biro in goal. Vipers …
By Chris O’Reilly FINAL: Denmark vs Sweden 26:24 (13:13) A nervy and occasionally scrappy Scandinavian derby was decided by experienced heads and a few moments of inspiration as Denmark successfully retained their World Championship crown with a two-goal win over Sweden. Here are the ratings for all players involved in the match and the two head coaches, with everyone rated …
By J. Schuetz Denmark vs Sweden 26:24 (13:13) Before the Match Sweden entered the final match of World Cup XXVII, in Egypt, as the clear underdog. Even the decisive 32:26 defeat of the six times champions from France would not change the picture. Still, the squad of head coach, Glenn Solberg, had the chance of recording what would be …
By J. Schuetz Spain – Denmark 33:35 (16:18) Before the Match As the reigning champion, Denmark was aiming to join the exclusive club of nations (Romania, Sweden, France) that have enjoyed back-to-back world championship success. Spain – in case of a victory – would return to the final match of a World Cup after their two previous wins thus far …
By Chris O’Reilly Denmark booked their spot in the Egypt 2021 final and a date with Scandi neighbours Sweden on Sunday. They were pushed all the way in their 35:33 win by a Spanish side who never knew when they were beaten. Here are the ratings for all players involved in the match and the two head coaches, with everyone …
By Chris O’Reilly SEMI-FINAL: Sweden – France 32:26 (16:13) Before the Match A classic clash in world handball – the two most successful sides in men’s World Championship history with 11 medals each. The sides had met 54 times previously, with 31 wins for Sweden, 19 for France and 4 draws. Recent history has been in France’s favour, however, and …
By J. Schuetz Spain vs. Norway 31:26 (21:15) Before the Match Norway had not won against Spain since 1997 and entered the game on a 0-1-16 record! The Result Leaving the injury of star player, Sander Sagosen (Norway), aside the quarter final between Norway and the back-to-back European champions (2018 / 2020) was a rather uneventful affair. Spain took …
By Chris O’Reilly This quarter-final was the most anticipated of Wednesday’s quartet but it turned out to be a bit of an anti-climax as the star attraction limped off early and Spain’s wonderful first half performance gave them enough breathing space to progress to the semi-final against Denmark at a canter, winning 31:26. Here are the ratings for all players …
