EHF EURO

Sweden and Iceland shine on semi-finals day

Chris O'Reilly

17 August 2018, 22:30

Sweden and Iceland shine on semi-finals day

We now know for certain that the Men’s 18 EHF EURO 2018 title will head north after Nordic pair Sweden and Iceland booked their spot in the Sunday’s final.

The first semi-final between neighbours Denmark and Sweden was expected to be a clash of two different attacking approaches – Denmark’s evenly spread threat against Sweden’s deadly duo Valter Chrintz and Ludvig Hallbäck.

However, Denmark could do little against Fabian Norsten, who was brilliant between the posts for the Swedes, earning the best player award.

Meanwhile, Sweden’s approach to the match was very different this time around and it worked a treat, with every court player finding the back of the net in a 31:22 victory.

.@hlandslaget have moved ahead and look like they're in control of this #M18EHFEURO match. Can @dhf_haandbold come back in the second half? https://t.co/Hl0fjLWcPw pic.twitter.com/SlpMGC4kqd
— EHF EURO (@EHFEURO) August 17, 2018

Next up was a much tighter affair as hosts Croatia took on a nation which last won this competition in 2003, Iceland.

There was almost nothing to choose between the sides in the first half, with Iceland taking a 13:12 advantage into the break, but then their main man came to the fore.

After being rested in the final main round match, Haukar Thrastarson was unleashed upon the Croatians and he was not messing around.

10 goals from the left back proved to be the difference and Iceland ran out 30:26 winners and set up a final date with Sweden on Sunday 19 August at 17:30 CEST, after Croatia and Denmark contest the bronze medal at 15:00, live on ehfTV.com.

.@HSI_Iceland have seized the advantage and are forcing @HRStwitt to up their game - this is a great match! #M18EHFEURO https://t.co/PqmIMnjZaF pic.twitter.com/Xf2AXFIZw3
— EHF EURO (@EHFEURO) August 17, 2018