Denmark’s Rasmus Lauge celebrates scoring during the IHF World Men’s Championship final round, semi-final handball match between Denmark and Portugal at Unity Arena. Soeren Stache/dpa
Top favourites and Paris Olympic champions Denmark thrashed Portugal 40-27 on Friday to reach the the final of the handball world championships.
The thee-time reigning champions are unbeaten in 36 world championships matches and will now face Croatia, who defeated record six-time champions France 31-28 on Thursday.
Portugal, meanwhile, will play against France in the match for third place on Sunday.
Best Dane on the court was goalkeeper Emil Nielesen, who made 15 saves. Handball star Mathias Gidsel was the top scorer with nine goals.
The final on Sunday will be the last international match for Croatian superstar and former World Handballer of the Year Domagoj Duvnjak. He was part of the 2009 team that lost the final against France, and hopes for a first big title in his farewell, having also earned Olympic bronze.
Denmark’s Mathias Gidsel (L) in action during the IHF World Men’s Championship final round, semi-final handball match between Denmark and Portugal at Unity Arena. Soeren Stache/dpa
Denmark’s Simon Pytlick (C) plays against Portugal’s Francisco Costa (L) and Pedro Portela (R) during the IHF World Men’s Championship final round, semi-final handball match between Denmark and Portugal at Unity Arena. Soeren Stache/dpa