SEMI-FINAL REVIEW: Hosts Croatia and previously perfect Denmark fall short at the penultimate hurdle at the Men’s 18 EHF EURO 2018
Sweden and Iceland shine on semi-finals day
We now know for certain that the Men’s 18 EHF EURO 2018 title will head north after Nordic pair Sweden and Iceland booked their spot in the Sunday’s final.
The first semi-final between neighbours Denmark and Sweden was expected to be a clash of two different attacking approaches – Denmark’s evenly spread threat against Sweden’s deadly duo Valter Chrintz and Ludvig Hallbäck.
However, Denmark could do little against Fabian Norsten, who was brilliant between the posts for the Swedes, earning the best player award.
Meanwhile, Sweden’s approach to the match was very different this time around and it worked a treat, with every court player finding the back of the net in a 31:22 victory.
Next up was a much tighter affair as hosts Croatia took on a nation which last won this competition in 2003, Iceland.
There was almost nothing to choose between the sides in the first half, with Iceland taking a 13:12 advantage into the break, but then their main man came to the fore.
After being rested in the final main round match, Haukar Thrastarson was unleashed upon the Croatians and he was not messing around.
10 goals from the left back proved to be the difference and Iceland ran out 30:26 winners and set up a final date with Sweden on Sunday 19 August at 17:30 CEST, after Croatia and Denmark contest the bronze medal at 15:00, live on ehfTV.com.
Follow the Men’s 18 EHF EURO
Official website: https://m18euro2018.com/
Playing schedule: http://www.eurohandball.com/ech/18/men/2018/round/1/Final+Tournament
ehfTV: https://www.ehftv.com/int/league/men-s-18-ehf-euro-2018/787
Event Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/M18EHFEURO2018/
TEXT:
Chris O'Reilly