The defending champion and the world champion remain on course at the European Championships. Meanwhile, Norway has to cope with the next setback against Slovenia within a few days.
Thanks to goalkeeper Andreas Palicka, defending champion Sweden secured first place in Group E at the European Handball Championship.
The Scandinavians prevailed against the Netherlands in a close game with 29:28 (15:15). Co-favorites Denmark made it more confident. Thanks to an increase in performance after the break, the world champion won 37:27 (17:15) against Portugal. Slovenia also put itself in a good starting position for the main round with a 28:27 (17:17) win against Norway.
In Mannheim, former Bundesliga keeper Andreas Palicka saved the Swedes from defeat because the Netherlands got off to a good start (8:5) and were still narrowly leading in the final phase. But Palicka’s saves made the difference.
The Danes also had a harder time than expected in the first half. After the restart, an intermediate spurt ensured the early decision (22:17/38th). They were able to rely on the qualities of eleven-time goalscorer Mathias Gidsel from Füchse Berlin.
Two days after the last-minute equalizer against the Faroe Islands (26:26), Norway suffered the next setback. Aleks Vlah made the Slovenians celebrate late.
The tournament also continues for the Netherlands, Norway and Portugal. However, these teams start the second phase of the tournament with two minus points, as the result against their opponents from the preliminary round, who also advanced, remains in the ranking.
Source: Stern
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