- France made it into the European Championship final after a 34:30 win after extra time over Sweden.
- Catch-up, last-second goal and extra time: The two teams deliver a spectacular game.
- In the second semi-final, Denmark defeated hosts Germany 29:26.
Sweden already had one foot in the final, but France was allowed to play again. After a foul, the French had one last shot to equalize the score at 27:27. Elohim Prandi took on the task – and Prandi delivered. He hammered the ball into the net around the wall to equalize. At the very last second, the French saved themselves into extra time.
There the momentum tipped completely back to France’s side. Three quick goals brought a comfortable lead, and the previously outstanding Swedish goalie Andreas Palicka was injured. He was able to finish the game, but there were no big saves. France won a wild game in Cologne 34:30 after extra time.
Swedish catch-up
The game had already been tense beforehand. After a deserved 17:11 half-time lead for France, Sweden turned up the heat. The defending champions showed themselves to be improved and, above all, more effective in the second round. He quickly reduced the deficit and actually made the score 18:18, the first equal score since 4:4.
The Swedes could also rely on their strong goalie. Palicka parried almost everything that came at his goal in the second half. Among other things, the keeper fended off three seven-meter throws in a row. However, he was powerless on the last free kick – which ultimately was the deciding factor in a crazy game.
Denmark follows into the final
In the final on Sunday (live on SRF from 5:35 p.m.) France meets Denmark. The Danes lived up to their role as favorites against Germany in the second semi-final. The world champion clearly won the game against the hosts with 29:26.
The Germans were able to keep up in the first half and were even ahead by two goals at the break. After the break, however, the team seemed to run out of strength. Denmark became more dominant as the game progressed and didn’t allow themselves to be disturbed by a two-minute penalty shortly before the end.
Cracker finale
In the final there will be a cracking duel between France and Denmark. The same pairing was not only in the World Cup final last year, but also in the Olympic final in 2020. The Danes prevailed at the World Cup and France prevailed at the Olympic Games.
For Germany and Sweden, the bronze place is still at stake in the game for third place. The winner also qualifies directly for the Olympic Games in Paris.