France claimed another European title, standing tall as champions ten years after their last triumph, prevailing in extra time with a 33-31 victory over Denmark in the final held in Germany.
In a dramatic surge during the second half of overtime, Dika Mem of Barcelona reemerged, transforming the game. He had been held scoreless for much of regulation but struck twice in a row to push France ahead and spark the late push that sealed the win.
France’s victory is often cited as a quintessential display of competitive spirit in handball. Across generations, the French system continues to cultivate players who perform when pressure peaks, especially in decisive moments.
The result wasn’t decided by talent alone. Denmark boasted star contributors like Simon Pytlick, Mikkel Hansen, and Mathias Gidsel, who have the potential to shape an era in the sport. Yet France consistently remains in contention, driven by resolve and collective effort.
An indomitable will characterized Guillaume Gille’s team, complemented by a resilient Danish goalkeeper, Emil Nielsen, who finished the first half with ten saves—twice as many as his French counterpart Samir Bellahcene. Nielsen’s performance kept Denmark in the game as the first 30 minutes ended tied.
Mathias Gidsel had a standout first half, delivering four goals and contributing on plays that underscored his status among today’s top players. His accuracy both in shooting and distribution underscored Denmark’s threat, even as France tightened its defense to force a 14-14 halftime score.
Denmark’s approach leaned on a unit that thrives on a defensive wall and counterpunches, a strategy that served them well in a tight contest until the late stages. They entered extra time still within reach, having relied on intricate defensive schemes and careful shot selection to keep the scoreboard balanced as tension rose.
France’s defense remained a cornerstone throughout the encounter, with moments where Dika Mem’s early struggles in regulation gave way to a late, decisive contribution. The true legend of the moment, Nikola Karabatic, endured a challenging appearance, missing a key late attempt and signaling the end of an era as he neared the end of his illustrious career, which would culminate after the Paris Olympics.
Yet the night belonged to France’s cohesive unit. Nedim Remili, scoring five goals, and Ludovic Fabregas, finishing with eight, orchestrated responses to every push by Denmark’s attack, with Mikkel Hansen again playing a leading role for the Danes, supported by Gidsel’s nine goals, nine attempts with seven from the penalty line. The French duo kept answering every challenge as the match wore on.
The final minutes of the second half saw France take a one-goal lead with six minutes remaining, a moment marked by Elohim Prandi entering the fray. Prandi, long associated with explosive shooting power, demonstrated additional dimensions to his game, contributing in playmaking and distribution when needed rather than relying solely on finishing skills.
Key plays extended the drama. Fabregas’s last assist tied the game at 27-27 with thirty seconds left, while he also contributed on defense, preventing a late Denmark surge and forcing extra time. This balanced performance across both ends of the floor epitomized France’s approach, combining efficiency in attack with disciplined defending to stay alive in the final stretch.
Overtime showcased France’s character, highlighting why they have emerged victorious in three continental finals. The period underscored a collective lesson in competition and resilience, a hallmark of the French program.
Resurrection of Dika Mem
The turning point came when Mem, having endured a tough night, seized control in the second half of extra time. His two consecutive goals gave France a two-goal cushion at 31-29 and shifted the momentum decisively. Denmark’s best efforts, including Gidsel’s flawless shooting which did not miss any of his eight attempts, could not overturn the deficit. The score finished 33-31 in favor of France, marking their fourth continental title and signing off a dramatic chapter of the European Championship in 2024.
In the final data sheet, the record books reflect a close battle. France’s starting lineup featured Bellahçene, Lenne, Mem, Remili, Nikola Karabatic, Nahi, and Fabregas, with contributions from Desbonnet and Prandi among others as the match progressed. Denmark fielded Nielsen, Gidsel, Kirkelokke, Saugstrup, Pytlick, Hansen, and others, with Landin and Damgaard also appearing in the rotation. The match, held at Lanxess Arena in Cologne before a sell-out crowd of 19,750, delivered a high-stakes drama that would be remembered in European handball history.