The 2021 IHF World Championships came to an end last week with Denmark winning the world title again, against their neighbors from Sweden (26-24). This is the second time in a row two Scandinavian teams make it to the final (in 2019, Denmark beat Norway) and the third in a row a Scandinavian team reaches the final (2017, Norway lost against France).
Over 100 games, 32 teams from nearly all continents (Oceania had no representative) participated in a thrilling tournament where Egypt, designated as a host, was highly hoping to welcome fans in the arena. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the numerous restrictions (and demands from a number of participants), teams had to go through rigorous protocols and no fans were ultimately allowed. But the event didn’t disappoint! In fact, it was one of the most exciting and successfully organized in years. In the preliminary round, we got to see much from planet handball, from Japan rivaling and obtaining a draw against Croatia (29-29), Switzerland battling on even grounds against France until the last second (France won 25-24) or even the team from DR Congo, despite losing its first three games, proposed a fast and attractive handball.
In the main round, we were left with some more exciting games. Portugal – Norway was probably one of the highlights. The Portuguese have now become a new force to reckon with and, through Miguel Martins, Victor Iturriza or the 43 year old goalkeeper Humberto Gomes, were close to an upset. But Norwegians, led by their superstars Sander Sagosen and Harald Reinkind were just a tad too good that day. We also shared joy and tears with Argentina, who, after beating Croatia (23-19), and being one step close to the quarterfinals, lost their spot against Qatar. “The Gladiators”, nickname of the Argentinian handball national team, played a fantastic tournament transcended by Federico Pizzaro and the Simonet brothers, but Qatar, led by the experienced Danijel Saric and Frankis Marzo (tournament’s topscorer with 53 goals) wanted it slightly more.
Time for quarterfinals and probably the best game of the tournament (or decade?) between the world champion, Denmark, and the host from Egypt. Most of us thought the Danes were too good, and they probably were, but Egypt played like never before bringing the game into a double overtime, and losing the 7 meter shootout. Denmark was qualified, along with Spain (defeated Norway), France (defeated Hungary) and Sweden (defeated Qatar). In the semifinal, Denmark was back at it, this time against the European Champion, Spain. Both teams were brilliant in offense, in a game that reached nearly 70 goals (Denmark won 35-33). But, Denmark could count on a phenomenal goalkeeper Niklas Landin, who, to most, should have been the tournament’s most valuable player. In the other semifinal, Sweden defeated France 32-26 shooting at 90% efficiency – simply stunning.
In the finish line, Denmark and Sweden played a great final on the tactical level with speed and a lot of transition. Despite missing on a number of experienced players, Sweden could rely on a relatively homogenous group of “young guns”, eager to prove they earned their spot. But Denmark was just too good! As the teams were tied, the youngster from Fuechse Berlin, Jacob Holm, scored four goals in a row to give Denmark a comfortable lead. The victory was sealed by the one and only Niklas Landin, who proved to everyone again that he was the best goalkeeper of our time. Ultimately, the International Handball Federation elected Mikkel Hansen as tournament’s MVP – he played a great tournament too, and he most likely is the best player at the moment.
As this tournament concluded, we are now left to watch the usual European handball season and the upcoming Summer Olympics qualifications (March 2021). The US, who received a wild card to compete at the 2021 IHF World Championship, had to withdraw from the tournament as most members of the team tested positive for COVID-19 and were unable to play (replaced by Switzerland 48 hrs before the tournament start). We wished Team USA could compete and face the best teams in the world (they were seeded to play against France, Norway and Austria). We will need to wait for another chance, hopefully in 2023.