France's Yanis Lenne celebrates with teammates and the trophy after winning the final of the EHF EURO 2024 opposing France to Denmark, in the Lanxess-Arena of Cologne (Germany), on Sunday, January 28, 2024. WOLFGANG RATTAY / REUTERS
Olympic champions France needed extra time to defeat perennial rivals Denmark 33-31 and claim their fourth European men's handball title at EHF EURO 2024 in the Lanxess-Arena of Cologne (Germany), on Sunday, January 28.
France's Ludovic Fabregas in action, during the final of the EHF EURO 2024 opposing France to Denmark, in the Lanxess-Arena of Cologne (Germany), on Sunday, January 28, 2024. WOLFGANG RATTAY / REUTERS
Denmark goalkeeper Emil Nielsen was named player of the match, but it was Ludovic Fabregas who swung the match France's way with eight goals from 10 attempts and some excellent work in defense.
Denmark's left back #24 Mikkel Hansen shoots the ball past France's players during the final of the EHF EURO 2024 opposing France to Denmark, in the Lanxess-Arena of Cologne (Germany), on Sunday, January 28, 2024. KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP
Denmark's Mikkel Hansen reacts after the Handball European Championship final match between France and Denmark in Cologne, Germany, Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024. MARTIN MEISSNER / AP
Mikkel Hansen scored nine times to become the top scorer in European Championship history, but Denmark had to settle for silver just as they did in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic final. With its victories in the last three World Championships, Denmark remains the favorite in the Paris Olympics in 6 months.
Sweden secured third place with a 34-31 victory over hosts Germany and, with it, a quota spot for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Sweden's Albin Lagergren in action during the Third Place Play-Off of the Handball - EHF 2024 Men's European Handball Championship, opposing Sweden to Germany, at the Lanxess-Arena, in Cologne, Germany, on January 28, 2024. CATHRIN MUELLER / REUTERS
