Denmark has been undefeated in the World Cup since January 22, 2017, when they were eliminated in the eighth finals against Hungary. Since then, the Danish team has been on a remarkable run, accumulating 37 games without a defeat. This achievement has led to them winning four consecutive titles, a feat unprecedented in handball. Some notable figures have contributed to this success, including Rasmus Boysen, who has been instrumental in the team’s strategy.
The Danish team’s impressive record is a testament to their strength and consistency. They have given up only two draws since their last defeat, solidifying their position as one of the best teams in the sport. They are now considered to be among the greatest teams in handball history, alongside notable teams such as Romania in the 60s and 70s, Yugoslavia in the 80s, and Russia in the early 90s.
The team’s success can be attributed to their conscientious work with the base, combined with the coexistence of several talented generations and the emergence of star players like Mikkel Hansen, Niklas Landin, Mathias Gidsel, and Emil Nielsen. These factors have transformed Denmark into a dominant force in handball in the 21st century. Prior to this, Denmark had only one medal, which they obtained in 1967. Since 2002, they have amassed an impressive 18 medals, including eight gold medals, in various World Cups, European championships, and Olympic Games.
The Danish team’s triumph in the recent World Championship was a showcase of their superiority. From start to finish, they demonstrated a clear dominance over their rivals, with a perfectly executing machine-like performance. They were able to accelerate or brake at will, as the script of the game demanded. The numbers speak for themselves, with the Danish team finishing the tournament with an average of 12.5 goals difference in their favor in their nine wins.
The team’s game style is characterized by speed and intensity, which often leaves their opponents helpless and unable to endure the strong rhythm throughout the 60 minutes. This mechanized approach to the game has been instrumental in their success, making it challenging for their rivals to keep up.
When examining the Danish team’s weaknesses, it becomes apparent that they have few, if any. They have an exceptional goalkeeper in Emil Nielsen, who was chosen as the best goalkeeper in the World Cup, with an impressive 42.5% effectiveness. Their defense is also one of the best, with an average of 24 goals conceded per meeting. Furthermore, their attack is the most potent, thanks to the 330 goals scored, averaging 36 goals per game.
The team’s iron defensive system, normally operating in a 6:0 formation, is complemented by skilled specialists like SAUGSTRUP. Their ability to defend and quickly transition into counterattacks has been a key factor in their success. Moreover, they are a team that punishes every imprecision made by their opponents, often capitalizing on mistakes to score.
The Danish team’s positional attack is led by Mathias Gidsel, who was chosen as the MVP and top scorer in the championship. Gidsel’s exceptional quality, feints, and changes of direction make him a nightmare for opponents to defend against. He is a ‘total player’ who is expected to leave a lasting mark on the sport.
As Mathias Gidsel himself stated, “Before we start the tournament, we sat down in a group and try to find out how to be better, although we know that we may be the best team, where I have many responsibilities.” This mindset is reflective of the team’s dedication to continuous improvement and their awareness of their own strengths and weaknesses.
The Danish team is not just reliant on Gidsel; they have a galaxy of talented players who can assemble two top-level teams. Despite the absence of players like Landin or Hansen, they still boast an incomparable cast of players, including Rasmus Lauge, Pytlick, Jacobsen, Kirkelokke, Arnoldsen, Andersson, Hoxer, Mensah Larsen, Jorgensen, and Madsen. This depth of talent is a significant factor in Denmark’s potential for continued success in the sport.
Mathias Gidsel’s impressive achievements at just 25 years old are a testament to his exceptional talent. He has been awarded numerous accolades, including MVP of the 2020 Olympics, Best Right Side of the 2021 World Cup, and Best Right Side and top scorer of the 2022 European championship. His consistent performance and dedication to the sport have earned him a reputation as one of the best players in the world.
