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Julian Köster throwing

Photo: Cathrin Mueller / REUTERS

In a semi-final that was open for a long time, Germany missed out on the sensation. The DHB team lost against Denmark 26:29 (14:12) despite a good performance. The Danes lived up to their role as favorites in the final phase and will meet France in the final on Sunday (5.45 p.m.; TV and stream: ARD and Dyn).

Germany got off to a good start, played attentively and tried to make life difficult for the Danes with physical defensive work. In an intensive initial phase, the DHB team was particularly convincing defensively, but also kept up offensively despite two aluminum hits and a missed seven-meter penalty (15th).

The Germans even survived two time penalties for Sebastian Heymann and the resulting outnumbered number unscathed. Particularly important for national coach Alfred Gíslason's team: goalkeeper Andreas Wolff had a brilliant day and saved 35 percent of Denmark's shots in the first half. In front of the fans in Cologne's Lanxess Arena, who could no longer stay in their seats, Germany led by three goals and were ahead 14:12 at the break.

After the break, the Danes showed why they were already considered favorites before the tournament. With seven minutes left, they built a five-goal lead. Germany's attacking game, however, faltered for the first time. The world champions from Denmark took control, the DHB team did not lose heart, but had less and less to counter the Danish game.

France wins in extra time

In the second semi-final, France dethroned defending champions Sweden and prevailed in a dramatic semi-final 34:30 (27:27, 17:11) after extra time. After an even start, the record world champion from France went on a 7-0 run. In attack, left winger Hugo Descat once again proved to be the most accurate shooter for the French, who defeated the German team in the preliminary round, with eight goals.

Felix Claar (8 goals) from Champions League winner SC Magdeburg was the best thrower for the Swedes, who gained new hope after the change. After a 7-1 run, the game was suddenly open again at 18:18 (40th). At the end of regular time, Sweden thought they were already in the final at 27:26, but there was still a direct free throw for France. Elohim Prandi converted it and saved the French into extra time, in which the Swedes ran out of steam.

mlb/dpa