Spain and Denmark, finalists in World Handball Championship at Barcelona's Palau Sant Jordi
Barcelona’s Palau Sant Jordi played host on Friday evening to two riveting semi-finals in the World Handball Championship as Spain beat surprise package Slovenia 26-22 thanks largely to a strong defence while Denmark made it through to tomorrow’s final after defeating Croatia by a wider margin: 30-24.
Barcelona (CNA). All eyes in the handball world will be on Barcelona on Sunday evening as Spain and Denmark battle it out for the World Championship crown at the Palau Sant Jordi. Thousands of fans will once again fill the stadium to the rafters as Spain take on Denmark. Both teams showed formidable semi final form. Spanish goalkeeper Sterbik was the MVP after a solid first half before the team turned on the heat in a masterful second half. Denmark defeated Croatia (30-24), who beat current world champions France in the quarter-finals, in a game easier than expected.
Spain or Denmark? Denmark or Spain? Both teams know that they have already made history by reaching the final as they look to go one step further and take the World Championship crown. Valero Rivera's side features FC Barcelona stars Victor Tomás, Albert Rocas and Daniel Sarmiento while Ulrik Wilbek’s side relies on Anders Eggert, Jesper Nøddesbo or star goalkeeper, Niklas Landin, to lead Denmark forward.
The Championship has become a multicultural phenomenon as thousands of fans descended on the Catalan capital this week to get to know the city as well as take in top level handball games both in Barcelona and nearby Granollers. The Championship has been a success with fans thanks to the city´s efforts and the thousands of volunteers who have made it all work well.