The Danish national handball team won the World Cup semi-final 38:30 against France and entered the final in Herning. Reigning player Mikkel Hansen, who scored twelve goals for his team, played a key role in the success. Denmark led in the meantime double-digit, let however France come to the end game. The victory was never in danger.

Exactly at the moment when the half-time siren sounded, Hansen's powerful shot hit the French goal. With six goals lead Denmark went into the break. For the first time, the team pulled away so clearly, as goalkeeper Niklas Landin threw at the score of 14: 9 in the exposed goal of the opponent.

Denmark had an advantage early on, which the team continued to develop through rapid attacks. France struggled to find a defensive gap. If it succeeded, it often lacked precision, so that the experiments either flew next to the gate or were parried by Landin or his representative Jannick Green.

DPA

Niklas Landin

After the break Denmark extended their lead directly to seven goals. It was again Hansen who increased his score to 22:15 with his eighth goal. Morten Olsen made the lead for the first time in two digits, when he met in the 45th minute to 31:21.

Towards the end of the game, the Danes sparing, especially Hansen took back. France came a little closer, but had no chance to turn the game again.

Thus, Denmark has qualified as the first team for the final on Sunday (17.30 clock, live ticker SPIEGEL ONLINE / TV: ZDF) in the Danish Herning. Opponents could be the German team or Norway, which in the evening (20.30 clock, live ticker SPIEGEL ONLINE / TV: ARD) meet.