handball 2011

It was most thrilling World Championships final since decades – and in the end France defended their title. The Frenchmen beat Denmark 37:35 after extra time in an incredible tensioned fight for Gold. For France it was the fourth WCh title after 1995, 2011 and 2009.

Final: France – Denmark 37:35 (31:31, 15:12)

They danced over the field after 70 highly intense minutes – and then the French players were handed over the Gold medals and the trophy in the confetti rain of Malmö. On the other hand the Danes were absolutely disappointed as they were on eye level and so close to their first ever WCh title. But they received a great applause from their supporters and Crown Prince Frederic, who attended the match – and the Silver medals.

France is not only the only team which defended their title since 1974, but they’re now already qualified for the Olympics 2012 and the World Championship 2013 in Spain.

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The last two matches of both Main Round groups had to decide the constellation in the semi-finals: And as Denmark beat Sweden they ranked first in group II and meet Spain in the semi-final on Friday on 28 January (20:30) in Kristianstad. France won the group I by their seventh victory against Iceland and will play against host Sweden (18:00) in Malmö on Friday. Spain and France are equal in points, but France have the better goal difference and rank ahead the Iberians. Denmark is the only team with eight victories in eight matches and lead the final ranking with 10:0 points ahead of Sweden (6:4). Aside Serbia beat Argentina and play for the places 9/10 against Norway. The Gauchos will meet Germany in the 11/12 placement match.

Semi-finals:
Sweden – France (Friday, 28.01, 18.00 in Malmö)
Denmark – Spain (Friday, 28.01, 20.30 in Kristianstad)

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The next decision in group I is taken: Norway will go for the places 9/10 and Germany will play for 11/12 after their clear defeat against the Northern Europeans.

Main Round, Group I in Jönköping:

Germany – Norway 25:35 (13:17)

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Each 12 women’s and men’s team will compete in the Olympics handball tournament in London 2012. Host Great Britain is directly qualified for both tournaments, same as the World Champions 2011 (Sweden for men and Brazil for women).

Additional four direct qualification places are given to the Continental Federations from Europe, Asia, Africa and Pan America. As the Women’s EURO has already been played as the first Continental qualification tournament, the others will follow until the Men’s EURO in January 2012. The winners of those Continental tournaments are directly qualified for the Olympics.

The remaining six places for London will be decided in each three IHF Olympics Qualification Tournaments in 2012 – the men’s tournaments will be played in April 2012, the women’s tournaments in May 2012. The each two best ranked teams of those tournaments are qualified for the Olympics.

How to qualify for those qualification tournaments?

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