Denmark is through to the European Championship final after defeating France 24–22. The big match winner was Anna Kristensen, who saved 16 shots in her first championship semi-final as a starting player.
Perhaps the start of the match indicated how tough an evening France would have. The first goal from the French team came after almost six minutes. But since Denmark also had difficulty scoring, Laura Flippes goal meant 1–1.
But most of the first half belonged to Denmark. The Danish players looked incredibly inspired and played with a different belief and better goalkeeping than France.
But despite Denmark being the clearly better team in the first half, they only had a two-goal lead going into the break. And that, if anything, should cause some concern in Danish minds ahead of the second half when France played clearly below their normal level.
The anxiety did not diminish in the second half for Denmark as the team, instead of taking the chance to take the lead with 15–11, sloppy play several times allowed France to go up to 14–14 shortly afterward.
Denmark only scored one goal during the first eleven minutes of the second half. Then Anna Kristensen’s great performance in goal began, and Denmark was able to pull away to 20–14. Even though France came close again, Kristensen continued to line up saves, and it was decisive for Denmark.
Denmark won and is ready for the European Championship final against Norway for the second championship in a row. They can thank Anna Kristensen for that. And Jesper Jensen, who won the coaching battle against Sebastien Gardillou.