Denmark are European champions. In a thrilling final against Germany, they held on to win 34–27.
The final got exactly the start everyone had hoped for: even, intense and full of tension. A fired-up Denmark and an equally focused Germany took to the court, with Julian Köster setting the tone straight away. The German backcourt player started sharply, scoring three of his team’s first four goals.
The pace was high from the outset and the teams went goal for goal. After ten minutes, the scoreboard read 6–6. But the game took a dramatic turn after 13 minutes. It was not the final Tom Kiesler or the German defense had envisioned – the defensive leader was shown a red card and had to watch the remainder of the match from the stands. With a numerical advantage, Denmark seized the moment and pulled away to a three-goal lead, as Simon Pytlick and Mathias Gidsel once again made their mark in attack.
Juri Knorr took on more and more responsibility for Germany and pushed his team forward as they gradually closed the gap. But Denmark’s goalkeeper Kevin Møller made a lively impact off the bench, shutting down Germany’s comeback attempts, while Pytlick continued to shine at the offensive end.
Denmark strongest in the second half
Germany continued to push after the break, and two quick goals from Johannes Golla brought them level at 19–19. Denmark responded by pulling away once again, largely thanks to Kevin Møller. With fifteen minutes remaining, Jóhan Hansen made it 26–22, and the momentum clearly swung in Denmark’s favor.
Germany refused to give in and fought hard to close the gap. Andreas Wolff raised his level significantly and kept Germany in the contest. But Denmark stayed two to three goals ahead throughout and were able to emerge as the winners in the end.
Denmark–Germany 34–27 (18–16)