France and Denmark are set to clash in the final on Sunday after advancing through tense semi finals at the 2024 European Championship in Germany. France edged Sweden in a dramatic 34-30 victory and then withstood a stubborn home challenge in a 26-29 finish to secure their place in the final. The semi finals, held on Friday, delivered high drama and standout performances across both arenas.
The opening semi final captured a late emotional peak. France staged a dramatic comeback to reach the continental final for the first time in a decade, driven by a late surge that hinged on Elohim Prandi’s fearless finish as the clock wound down. Extra time swung in the French favor, with a 27-27 deadlock at the end of regulation, and the momentum carried them through the 10 additional minutes. Their poise under pressure underscored why they are considered among Europe’s current powerhouses in the sport. [citation needed]
France controlled the first half with crucial stops from Samir Bellahcene in goal and a scoring flurry from Dika Mem, opening a 17-11 lead at the break. Sweden rallied in the second half, producing standout moments from Felix Claar and the reliable hands of Andreas Palicka. Jim Gottfridsson kept the gap tight in the final minutes, narrowing to 26-28, but a late push could not overturn the final margin against a resolute French defense.
In the end, the Olympic champions faced a moment of pressure but did not let it derail them. A foul moment briefly slowed their progress, yet a late perimeter free kick in the 60th minute leveled the score and pushed the game into extra time. Prandi delivered the decisive play that kept France ahead and allowed them to prevail through the extra 10 minutes, marking a significant return to the continental final after ten long years.
Meanwhile, Denmark, the reigning world champions, answered with strength against the hosts to book their final spot. Renars Uscins led the Danish attack, pushing Germany to an early 14-12 advantage at the Lanxess Arena in Cologne as both teams settled into a tense second half. The visitors maintained the pressure after the break, creating a larger lead and sealing the result with a controlled performance that showcased Denmark’s experience and depth. Emil Nielsen stood tall in goal, supported by the prolific trio of Mikkel Hansen and Emil Jakobsen, and the Danish side earned a final date against France, aiming to claim a third European crown in a generation. This victory also marks Denmark’s return to the continental final after a 12-year wait, underscoring their sustained presence at the top level of international handball. [citation needed]