Tyskland firar guldet.Germany was the best team in the European Open Championship – and demonstrated this once again when the gold was awarded. After yet another dominant second half, they defeated Hungary with a clear score of 29–17 in the final at Scandinavium.
Both Germany and Hungary had already secured their places for the U16 World Championship in Morocco. But in Friday night's final, much more than a IHF World Championship ticket was at stake. The title of champion in the European Open, the national team tournament during the Partille World Cup, which is organized in collaboration with the Swedish and European Handball Federations.
Hungary had made a strong impression during the week and made it all the way to the final after, among other things, a dramatic semi-final against Switzerland. But when the opposition was Germany, it wasn't enough. The Germans took command early and went into halftime leading 13–8.
Five goals are not an insurmountable lead in youth handball, and the feeling before the second half was that the final was still alive. But then Germany showed why the team had been the tournament's biggest surprise.
Just like in the semi-final against Croatia, the Germans elevated their performance yet again after the break. With a high tempo, great joy in playing, and impressive quality in both defense and attack, they pulled away from an otherwise strong Hungarian team. The second half ended with a score of 16–9 in favor of Germany.
The final score was thus a clear 29–17, and the gold went well-deserved to a team that had perhaps been the most complete in the tournament from start to finish.
We are creating the world’s largest meeting place for young handball players. A place independent of ethnicity, culture, or gender. A meeting place where mutual respect and understanding are the foundation, and playing handball with thousands of other young people is the tool to fulfill our dreams.
