Nielsen helps Denmark overcome slow start against Czechia

Seeking their first EHF EURO title since 2012, Denmark struggled in the first half when even a 12-minute goalless period from their opponents was not enough to stamp their authority on the match.

Fortunes turned in the second half, when Emil Nielsen showed once again he is the in-form goalkeeper and his excellence allowed Denmark to run away to a clear 23:14 win in the gripping contest.

GROUP F

Denmark vs Czechia 23:14 (9:9)

• Czechia did not score for 12 minutes after Tomas Piroch’s opening goal, but their strong defence and goalkeeper Tomas Mrkva limited the damage to a three-goal gap (4:1)
• once the Czech attack started flowing, the match was completely in the balance with no team leading by more than one goal anymore
• defence remained key for both teams after the break (9:9) until three goals in quick succession – including two from Magnus Landin – gave Denmark grip on the match
• Denmark steadily increased the gap, led by star player Mikkel Hansen with a perfect five goals from five shots
• goalkeeper Emil Nielsen received the Player of the Match award, sponsored by Grundfos
• Denmark and Portugal lead group F with two points each; they play against Greece and Czechia, respectively, on Saturday before meeting for their anticipated duel on Monday

Emil Nielsen, the shining star between the posts

What a season Emil Nielsen is having. At his club Barça, he has become first choice between the posts ahead of Gonzalo Pérez de Vargas. And in the national team, he might become the number one after coming on for Niklas Landin during the first half of Denmark’s EHF EURO opener against Czechia – and showing yet another impeccable performance.

Nielsen, cool as always, ended with 13 saves from 18 Czech attempts for an otherworldly percentage of just over 72. No wonder Czechia matched the record for fewest goals in a Men’s EHF EURO game: 14.

Photos © Nebojsa Tejic & Anze Malovrh / kolektiff