The conclusion of the preliminary round brought a surprise that will have an impact on the main round of this EHF EURO: Host Denmark lost to Portugal and will enter the next phase of the tournament without a point. The only winner of the sixth European Championship matchday from the SG Flensburg-Handewitt's point of view was Domen Novak.
15,000 spectators flocked to the Jyske Bank Boxes with the expectation that the Danes would record their third victory and march into the main round with two points. However, the favorites struggled against Portugal. They seemed to get back on track in the second round. Simon Pytlick scored his last and sixth goal to make it 19:17. A 2:7 negative run gave the Portuguese a new tailwind. The surprising final score: 29:31. It was Denmark's first defeat in the Jyske Bank Boxen since the 2014 European Championship final.
The SG players
Simon Pytlick was on the pitch the longest. Emil Jakobsen converted a seven-meter penalty, but otherwise had less luck with his shots. Kevin Møller guarded the Danish goal for a few minutes. "We're frustrated today, many players won't sleep well," said the keeper. "We have to acknowledge that we lost against a strong opponent." Lasse Møller and Niclas Kirkeløkke remained on the bench this time. In Oslo, the Slovenians defeated the Faroe Islands 30:27 to top the group and lift Switzerland into the main round. After scoring 15 goals in the last two games, Domen Novak was without a personal success this time.
Here's what happens next
Wednesday is a rest day in Herning, then the main round begins. On Thursday, Denmark will not play against the DHB team, but first against France. Kick-off is at 8.30 pm. The German handball team will face Portugal at 3.30 pm. The game will be shown on ARD. The Slovenians will now travel to Malmö and will not play again until Friday. Their opponents will then be either Sweden or Croatia. These two teams will play tomorrow, Wednesday, to decide who will win the E group.