Let loose the dogs of sport!

It wouldn’t be January without another handball tournament. This time around it’s the men’s European Championship

Daniel Deleuran

Starting today, one of Denmark’s most popular sports will dominate the TV schedules over the second half of January.

The 2016 European Men’s Handball Championship, which this year is taking place in Poland, will once again provide a welcome distraction to a nation dogged by cold weather.

Most Danish sports fans will be staying indoors, sitting back and enjoying the action on TV2 (the games featuring Denmark) and TV2 Sport (all other games).

An esteemed pedigree
Denmark has always loved handball, almost like a son. In fact, the sport is actually of Danish origin thanks to a gym teacher who published the first set of rules in 1906.

And not only are they the most experienced in handball, the sport is a national favourite. One of the best players in the world is Denmark’s very own Mikkel Hansen, voted the best handball player of 2011 by the International Handball Federation.

And Denmark brings a proud record into the 16-team biennial tournament, which has seen it qualify for the semi-finals in six of the last seven editions, lifting the trophy twice (in 2008 and 2012).

A great sport for TV
It’s been said before, but televised sports can often suffer due to the distance between the cameras and the viewers.

Handball, however, does not have this problem. The small playing court and the close-up cameras ensure everyone can follow what is going on during a game.

One of the favourites
As 15/4 second favourites (Bet 365), Denmark are expected to make the final, although they will face tough opposition from four teams: favourites France (13|8), Spain (9/2), hosts Poland (11/2) and Croatia (7s).

None of the quartet are in Denmark’s group, in which it faces Hungary (25s) on January 20, Russia (80s) on January 16 and Montenegro (500s) on January 18.

Every game is crucial as Denmark will take two of its results into the second group phase, in which it will play a further three games and need to finish in the top two to qualify for the semi-finals.

The winner automatically qualifies for the Olympics.

TOP STORIES

  • Ellie Owens (Fleurdellie): “Internationals feel powerless, but soon realize no one wants to kick them out”

    Ellie Owens (Fleurdellie): “Internationals feel powerless, but soon realize no one wants to kick them out”

    Content creator Ellie Owens reveals the struggles and joys of expat life, from navigating a new culture to thriving as a parent in Denmark’s family-friendly society, while building a successful career on social media.

  • Pharma boom sparks Danish economy – yet consumers are worried about Trump

    Pharma boom sparks Danish economy – yet consumers are worried about Trump

    Denmark faces a contradiction. On the one hand, Danish economy is booming, and the pharma industry is contributing to massive investments in increased defense. On the other hand, consumers are very skeptical, even though all indicators should give reason for optimism

  • “Our Copenhagen on islands”

    “Our Copenhagen on islands”

    While local politicians are working on strategies for protecting the city against future flooding, architect groups interested in climate adaptation, are instead trying to re-think the very fundamentals of Copenhagen city planning. One of these groups is Schønherr with their project “Copenhagen Islands”.

  • New agreement secures important school year for international students

    New agreement secures important school year for international students

    It will still be possible for international schools to offer education in the school year corresponding to 10th grade, also called year 11. 10 million each year is allocated to maintain the offer for internationals with children in Danish schools

  • Denmark rearms: 120 billion DKK defense plan presented

    Denmark rearms: 120 billion DKK defense plan presented

    The Danish government is massively increasing investment in defense. According to the Prime Minister, the Chief of Defense must “buy, buy, buy.” A highly unusual announcement from the Prime Minister, who will have to find money for the purchases at some point.

  • Copenhagen under water

    Copenhagen under water

    Copenhagen is facing growing risks from rising sea levels and stronger storms, with large parts of the city potentially flooded in the future. While sea levels themselves will rise by approximately 54 to 74 cm, 500,000 houses and buildings are at risk of being flooded in the next 50 years. Is there a plan to address one of the biggest challenges in the city’s history?

Connect club

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.

Sign up here

Career

Want to advertise your job with CPH Post?

Contact us

Jobs