Denmark first team to reach the semi-final at Men's 20 EHF EURO

The first semi-finalist at the Men's 20 EHF EURO has been confirmed. In a fierce main round match on Tuesday Denmark held down Spain 22:21 despite trailing 10:13 at half-time.

The Danish youth world champions meet France today (30 July, 18:00 hrs), but no matter the result they will inevitable occupy either the first or the second rank in Main Round Group 1.

"This was a tough game. Of course, it was our goal to win, but we knew that Spain played a different kind of handball. In the second half we adapted better to their style," said Dane Nicolai Nygaard Pedersen after the match.

Denmark will most likely be followed by Germany who beat Sweden 28:25 in Main Round Group II and hence need only one more point to reach the semi-final.

The match was a repetition of the final at the Men's 18 EHF EURO 2012 when the same generation of players took to the court. Back then Germany beat Sweden 30:29 after extra time.

"This was damn close, but in the end we scored three more goals than Sweden and we are very happy about this," said Germany's Max Emanuel. "It was important that we were able to add that extra bit in the end, that our teamwork was very good and that there was great support from our bench. I think this made the difference."

In the second game in Group 1 match Serbia beat France 30:20. Serbia and Spain are now level with two points each and face each other today at 16:00 hrs in the direct encounter for the second spot in the semi-final.

In Group 2's second match Slovenia beat Austria 30:22, but all four teams have still chances to make the semi-final. Slovenia face Germany (16:00 hrs) today, while Sweden play against Austria (18:00 hrs).

Tournament information

The Men’s 20 EHF EURO takes place in the Austrian cities of Linz and Traun from 24 July to 3 August 2014. For more information visit the official website and the event’s Facebook page.

All matches can be watched online. This is the link to matches in Linz, matches in Traun can be watched here.

During the tournament eurohandball.com and the EHF EURO Facebook page will also feature regular reports, features and photo galleries.

Austria also hosted the Men’s 18 EHF EURO 2012 when the same generation of players took to the court. Back then Germany won, Sweden came second and Denmark placed third. Austria finished sixth.

The previous Men’s 20 EHF EURO took place in Turkey in 2012. Spain won ahead of Croatia and Slovenia. Austria had not qualified.