Denmark and Slovenia take gold at European Youth Olympic Festival

Denmark and Slovenia were the strongest handball teams at the European Youth Olympic Festival in Utrecht (Netherlands, 14 to 19 July), with the former topping the podium in the girl's competition ahead of Russia and the latter claiming victory against Norway in the men's event,

The Swedish boys and the German girls take bronze respectively.

In the men's final Slovenia took an early lead and they were already ahead by eight goals at half-time with the score being 19:11.

It was in particular Slovenia's goalkeeper Urh Kastelic who proved to be in outstanding form and made the Norwegian attack look desperate at times.

On the other side of the court, Blaz Janc literally found every gap in the Norwegian defence, scoring 11 times overall.

The game was more even in the second half, but in the end Slovenia celebrated a never really threatened 28:23 victory.

The men's competition also served as the qualification tournament for the 2014 Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China.

In the girl's final Denmark could rely on the prowess of playmaker Josephine Juncker, who scored nine goals overall.

At half-time Denmark already led 16:12 and extended this gap to 29:22 until the final whistle.

“We felt good and were ready to fight. Before the game, we were a bit nervous, but we were in control throughout the match. This title is for us, but definitely also for Denmark," said Mette Soerensen Thyrsted.

Photos courtesy of European Youth Olympic Festival