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The Danish World Cup hosts were devastated in the bronze final in their own large living room in Herning. In front of the empty stands, Denmark was defeated by heroic Croatian players.
After the battle, the Danes were pissed off. Especially the judges were able to review.
BROKEN: Goalkeeper Sandra Toft. Photo: NTB
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The coach of the national team, Jesper Jensen, was ruthless against the referees of Montenegro.
– It’s ridiculous. Grotesque. The level has not been good in the European Championship, but this was like playing in the Balkans 20 years ago, where you know you will be fooled, said national coach Jensen, reproduced by Ekstra Bladet.
This year’s European Championship was the first championship with exclusively female judges.
Frustrated
Danish players react:
– VII let the judges influence us, says Kathrine Heindahl from Denmark.
Others say:
– Frustration seized her, says Anne Mette Hansen.
Star goalkeeper Sandra Toft sums up:
– They played insanely long attacks and were allowed to, says Toft, with a past at Larvik Handball Club.
Jelena Mitrovic and Andjelina Kazanegra from Montenegro judged the bronze final. They have yet to comment on the Danish massacre.
Denmark was a big favorite before the meeting with Croatia, but like so many times before in the European Championships, the favorite was defeated. 11-11 was the score at halftime, and 18-18 in the second half, it was one way at the Boxen great hall in Herning.
Stela Posavec and Katarina Jezic each scored five goals and became the top scorers for the bronze winners. For the Danes it was a heavy night, and especially the end of the second half was a nightmare.
Much focus
In October it was announced that the European Championships in Denmark would only have female judges. TV 2 pundit Bent Svele wasn’t thrilled before at the European Championship either.
– It turned out as we feared. It’s bingo from start to finish for most referee pairs, says TV 2 handball expert Bent Svele.
She stressed that she is not against women judges in championships.
– But they must be good enough. Now it is sad and painful. The coaches should get an award for staying, Svele.
Norwegian triumph
Right after the bronze final, it was Norway-France in the final. The Norwegian team won 22-20 after an even second half. Goalkeeper Silje Solberg closed the goal and Nora Mørk assumed responsibility in the future.
Captain Stine Bredal Oftedal is full of admiration for Nora Mørk after the match.
– I’m very touched. She continues to impress over and over again. He has something very special mentally. The way she comes in and trusts herself and those around her and contributes … It’s “unique,” Oftedal said in the post-match digital press session.
– Never seen before
– I am very touched and incredibly happy to be able to play with her again, she added.
Mørk returned to Norway in a championship for the first time in three years after a long injury hiatus. The director of the national team, Thorir Hergeirsson, also praised Mørk after the final victory.
– I am impressed with the journey that Nora has had, the will and dedication that she shows. She was important in a crucial period of the match, with two goals in a row if I remember correctly (actually 19-19 and 21-20). It’s usually Nora. She is a winner, she told Viasat, reproduced by NTB.
Final of the European Women’s Handball Championship in Herning, Denmark, Sunday:
Final:
France – Norway 20-22 (10-14).
Bronze battle:
Croatia – Denmark 25-19 (11-11).
