Day 8: Spain and Denmark will play for gold | Día 8: España y Dinamarca jugarán la Final

2nd Semi-final: Denmark – France 29:26 (13:16)
As expected by the experts, also the second semi-final was a thrilling game. In its initial phase, the leadership changed constantly. The flexible French defense caused Denmark major difficulties. But also the French attack was repeatedly stopped by a closed Danish defense. So, no team had decisive advantages. After all it was also visible, that both teams were tired after in their sixth match in nine days. Consequently the speed was not so high as in previous matches. Denmark and France scored more and more goals with the help of individual actions of the back court players. But the French youngsters (World- and Olympic Champions) made less mistakes and worked agile in defense. This way of playing led them to a 16:13 advantage after the first 30 minutes. The second half was a typical semi-final: In the beginning it was France who was leading 21:17. But with four goals in a row Denmark approached a 21:21-draw: That was the key scene in the match. Only one team played: Denmark. France could not longer compete and the Scandinavians took the lead and won in the end with a clear 29:26.
1^st Semi-Final: Spain – Sweden 24:23 (11:10)
Both teams started nervous into the first semi-final. The Spaniards could earlier calm their nerves and focus on the match with the help of a good defence, high-speed attacks over the wings and team play. Sweden replied with power-handball and increased the attractiveness of the game more and more. None of the two teams were able to take the upper hand. However, Spain was leading the match the most of the time. The half time result 11:10 for Spain was the mirror of the first 30 minutes. Also the second half stayed tense as the Iberians could keep their playing level and, even more, they went into lead after 45 minutes (19:16). But Sweden changed the formation in the defence and attacked the Spanish offensive players earlier. The Scandinavians found back into the match and the previously approached goal difference melted as ice in the sun. One minute before the end of the game, the show down started: Spain led with 24:23 when Sweden did a fast break, which was kept by the Spanish and led toSpains victory. The South Europeans reached for the first time in the history of Men’s Youth World Championships the final. Sweden lost their third semi-final in a row after 2007 and 2009 and will play again for the Bronze medal.