Denmark lifted the men's EHF EURO trophy for the first time in 14 years after a dominant 34-27 win over hosts Germany in the final at the LANXESS Arena in Cologne, completing one of handball's most remarkable dynasties.
The result also delivered a first Olympic, World and European title treble in men's handball history. Denmark entered the tournament as reigning World champions — having won the last four editions of that competition — and as Olympic champions from Paris 2024. The European trophy had stubbornly eluded them, with their only previous Euro gold coming on home soil in 2012.
"After a 14-year wait for a men's EHF Euro title, Denmark have done it. Denmark beat Germany 34-27," the broadcast commentators said as the final buzzer sounded.
The match developed into a goalkeeping duel before Denmark pulled decisively clear in the second half. Germany's Andreas Wolff — superb throughout the tournament with a tournament-leading 77 saves — was eventually outshone by Danish keeper Niklas Landin.
"Whenever you need him the most, he steps up with those amazing saves," the commentators said of Landin, whose second-half form proved decisive. "A slide tackle save from Landin."
The turning point came at the end of the first half when Germany's defensive specialist David Spiller was sent off after a review. "After review, it was dangerous hitting in the face. Final decision, a red card," the broadcast said. Germany, missing one of their key defenders, were unable to contain the Danish back line thereafter.
Denmark's back-court pair of Mathias Gidsel and Emil Jakobsen punished Germany in the second half. "Beats Bick and Jakobsen in this back court," the commentary team said as Denmark extended their lead to five. "They've been brilliant all day side by side and they found a way through again."
A key moment in the German fightback was snuffed out by a remarkable one-on-one save from Landin in the closing stages. "A slide tackle save from Landin. Adrian's good movement there and penalty one. The timing on the pass was good," the commentators observed, before Jakobsen sealed the result with a long-range finish.
Denmark captain Simon Pytlick — who had quietly marshalled the Danish attack throughout the tournament — was mentioned in the commentary's parting line. "Quiet arena here. Nikolai Kirkelokke versus Nielsen. Emil Nielsen brought in at the right time. Let's go number 80. It's number 80 making it a five-goal game."
The final scoreline reflected Denmark's dominance across the full 60 minutes. The Danes had been 19-19 midway through the second half before pulling clear in a devastating six-minute spell that included four consecutive saves from Landin and three in-rhythm finishes from Gidsel.
"It's coming home. It's coming home. They are coming home," the commentators said as the final buzzer approached. "Denmark, after 14 years of waiting, get to raise this trophy once again — the triple crown winners of World Championship, Olympic Games, and men's EHF Euro 2026. It's all about happy moments now."
Germany, silver medallists on home soil, will take heart from the deepest tournament run in their recent history.