As Denmark went on a seven-goal run midway through the first half, I feared there would be nothing to write about this game.
With the half-time score at 19:9, I began working on another article and pondered whether I was overestimating Egypt’s ability to challenge for a medal at these games.
We often see in these matches there’s a softening of the scoreline as the dominant side takes their foot off the gas and there’s some pride for the defeated side to play for, but this was different.
A strong start to the second half, highlighted by a 5:0 run allowed Egypt to believe. The all-action, heavy-handed approach we’ve gotten used to returned and suddenly they were back within four goals.
What could have been
A nervy lead to hold with a quarter of the game remaining, though Denmark have seen it all before and had an answer. Gidsel and co. found another gear and did just enough to keep their opponents at arm’s length.
“We didn’t have discipline in the first half and made too many mistakes. It’s too difficult to concede so many goals and still be in the game,” said Egypt’s Ali Zein.
“I think the second half showed we can play much better and have the desire – this desire brought us back and I think we won the second half by seven goals.
That second half performance will leave Egypt thinking of what could have been as they simply left themselves with too much to do and ran out of time.
“We have to put that game behind us, escape the pitch and work towards the game against France on Wednesday, which we know will be very tough.”
A true game of two halves that reminded both how they cannot afford to drop their level for a moment at this tournament. Denmark win this one 30:27 and I wouldn’t be terribly surprised to see them face off again further down the line.