Germany had the nerves in check and took an important step for the top position in the Herning Main round. Portugal pushed on towards the end but failed to find an equalizer in the last minute drama, 32–30.
With two confident teams on the court, a tight game was expected.
Portugal applied high intensity from the start, Germany fell a little behind but Andreas Wolff kept in control between the posts. A couple qualified saves meant Germany was within striking distance, even though Gustavo Capdeville also increased his saving percentage.
Germany had a good period with four straight goals until 10–8. Just before half-time it looked like the two goal lead would stand but an unecessary mistake allowed Salvador Salvador to find the empty net, 11–11.
The brother duo, Francisco and Martim Costa made the most of the Portuguese offensive, but Germany defended a small lead and Juri Knorr found some room for breakthrough than in his rather invisible first half.
Germany managed some scoring in long attacks almost until the last pass for Miro Schluroff to produce the shot. A setback appeared seven minutes from the final whistle, Johannes Golla got red card for a rough tackle that hit Francisco Costa in the head.
With the help of a timeout for some new approach, Germany held on to the lead. Renars Uscins found the net for 29–27 with two minutes to go and repeated the process in the next attack.
Entering the last minute, Germany missed an opportunity but found the next from the penalty line and Lukas Zerbe secured the win.
Germany–Portugal 32–30 (11–11)