Spain turn it on at the Palau Sant Jordi and take Handball World Championship crown against Denmark (35-19)
Barcelona’s reign as host to the Handball World Championship came to an end on Sunday evening as Spain destroyed Denmark by no less than sixteen goals at a sold-out Palau Sant Jordi (35-19). Seven Catalan players, most of them on the books of FC Barcelona Intersport, were part of the sixteen-strong world championship winning team. Last night, Croatia beat Slovenia 31-26 to take the bronze medal on the podium.
Barcelona (CNA) - Barcelona’s reign as host to the World Handball Championship, came to an end on Sunday evening as Spain destroyed Denmark by no less than sixteen goals at a sold-out Palau Sant Jordi (35-19). Seven Catalan players, most of them on the books of FC Barcelona Intersport, were part of the sixteen-strong world championship winning team. Last night, Croatia beat Slovenia 31-26 to take the bronze medal on the podium.
The stadium was packed a full hour before the final and during their warm-up, the Spanish players could feel the atmosphere generated by the supporters. Spain got off to a flying start (3-0) and never looked back as the Danish players needed some time to get into gear. The first half was frenetic as Spain piled on the pressure and the Danes made some uncharacteristic mistakes. The Spanish team forced the Danes to shoot from distance and managed to contain the threat from star player Hansen.
The second half was no different. Denmark could not get into the game and Spain kept on attacking. The Danish team offered no resistance as the home team stretched to a lead never before seen in a World Championship final before coming out top 35-19. The podium at Barcelona’s Palau Sant Jordi was formed by Croatia, Denmark and Spain. Granollers and Barcelona have both enjoyed seventeen memorable days of handball as all eyes turn now to the next World Championship in Qatar in 2015.