
France win dramatic bronze medal match against Portugal to add to their collection
February 3, 2025
Four stars for Denmark or two stars for Croatia?
February 3, 2025They really make it look easy even when it’s hard. Denmark’s era continues at the IHF Men’s World Championship, after the Scandinavian side secured their fourth consecutive title, with a dominating performance against Croatia, 32:26, in the last match of this edition.
A packed Unity Arena in Baerum stood witness to another vintage performance of the Scandinavian side, which now has not lost a match in the world handball flagship competition since 2017.
FINAL
Croatia vs Denmark 26:32 (12:16)
A snowy cold day in Baerum waited for Croatia and Denmark, as the perfect setting for the final of the 2025 IHF Men’s World Championship. But the Unity Arena – usually frosty and quiet after Norway’s early demise – was a true volcano.
Filled to the brim with 12.500 spectators, the arena became a red and white sea – as both finalists had the same colours. But who was going to triumph? Croatia, 22 years after their maiden world title, in 2003? Or the team which has dominated handball over the past eight years, Denmark, a machine-like side with a 36-match unbeaten streak?
For sure, Denmark, which played their preliminary round and main round matches on home court, in Herning, faced their maiden match in the competition in such an atmosphere. Would it have any effect on the Scandinavian powerhouse? Would they be intimidated?
Those were the big questions, the questions which Denmark faced before the start of the match. An answer would not be delivered in the first half, as there were ups and downs. Highs and lows. A certain need to adapt to a highly-motivated Croatia side, which has battled through thick and thin, just to get here.
From the get-go, Croatia settled in with a 5-1 defence, which tried to limit Denmark’s highly effective back line, as Marko Mamić tried to disrupt the passes between Mathias Gidsel, Rasmus Lauge and Simon Pytlick. In turn, Denmark went to their wings – Niklas Kirkelokke and Emil Jakobsen – with mixed results. Both scored, but both missed at least one shot, but Denmark was every time in front, leading in every second of the match. A 4:1 lead after 10 minutes looked to set the tone of the match. But Croatia should never be counted out.
They always try to come back. They always put 110%. And do not give up even in the toughest moments. So, naturally, they came back, even if Emil Nielsen, Denmark’s goalkeeper, with the best efficiency in the competition so far, frustrated them time and time again.
First, he made three saves from the first four shots he faced. Then, he was absolutely fantastic throughout the first half, even in a one-on-one situation with line player Marin Šipić, when Croatia were close to tie the score. And he finished the first half with nine saves for a fantastic 43% efficiency.
And then there was Mathias Gidsel. Quiet in the first 20 minutes, he went off for six goals in six shots, being once again unstoppable to hit the 70-goal mark in the competition and lift Denmark to a 16:12 lead at the break. Was that enough?
Could have been, especially as Croatia raked up suspensions for tough fouls, being too raw with their emotions at times. And after the first 10 minutes of the second half, it became increasingly clear. This was not the time when Denmark were going to concede the trophy.
Because they have Mathias Gidsel, currently the best player in the world. A goalkeeper which seems cannot be beaten. Some great wings, a fantastic defence, a fast attack and some of the best wings in the world.
Croatia threw everything but the kitchen sink at Denmark. Starting with a double suspension, as tempers flared, was hardly perfect. Following up with a seven-on-six attack which was swiftly punished by Denmark was not ideal either. And just like that, Denmark jumped to a 24:14 lead, with 20 minutes to go.
Handball has seen miracles produced in the past. But here, there was no room for one. This dynasty, once-of-a-kind powerhouse was not going to be stopped, especially by a team which seemed to have nothing left in the tank. A cripple batallion of Croatia, which outdid themselves.
By the 46th minute, the vocal Croatia fans were reduced to silence. There was nothing them or their team could do to prevent a loss. Such was Denmark’s pitch perfect performance, even if there were some mishaps along the way. Just as in the previous matches, Denmark proved that they when they want, they accelerate and then … it’s gone.
Croatia did their best to limit the damage. They came back to five goals, 23:28, with six minutes to go. But the gap was too big for something to happen. For a comeback to be alive. Eventually, Denmark secured a 32:26 win, celebrating wildly after the final whistle.
With their ninth win in a row at Croatia/Denmark/Norway 2025, Denmark secured their fourth consecutive title at the IHF Men’s World Championship, something which has never been seen at this level.
A fantastic achievement, fueled by passion, commitment and desire. Even without some of the best players in the world – Niklas Landin and Mikkel Hansen, who retired after the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.