The Danish handball women were minutes away from the promised land last night: heights not reached since the final at the 2004 Olympics.
At halftime they led 15-12 and then 22-18 with 15 minutes remaining. A nation watching at home began to believe…but then the unthinkable happened.
Seven barren minutes in front of goal later and they were staring defeat down both barrels. Norway eventually won 27-25 and won the EC women’s handball trophy.
Disappointment and history repeats itself
Right back Louise Burgaard was particularly disappointed after scoring five goals in the first half.
“Three years ago we came fourth, last year we came third, and this year we came second. Does that mean it’s our turn next?” she said to TV2.
But let’s hope it’s not Norway again, as the last time Denmark reached the EC final, as Olympic champions in 2004, it was Norway who beat them! And with the same score line: 27-25!
Two Danes on the official All Star team
There was some consolation with the news that two Danish players were named to the official EC All Star Team.
Emma Friis was named the tournament’s best left wing, while Kathrine Heindahl was named the tournament’s best defender.
Norway and losing semi-finalist France also got two of the nine players.
The nine players selected on the All Star Team:
Goalkeeper: Cléopatre Darleux, France
Left wing: Emma Friis, Denmark
Left back: Cristina Neagu, Romania
Playmaker: Stine Oftedal, Norway
Right back: Katrin Klujber, Hungary
Right wing: Jovanka Radicevic, Montenegro
Line player: Pauletta Foppa, France
Best defender: Kathrine Heindahl, Denmark
Most Valuable Player: Henny Reistad, Norway