The Portuguese national handball team has secured a spot in the final phase of the Euro 2026, set to take place in Denmark, Sweden, and Norway from January 15 to February 1 next year, after defeating Poland 33-27. This victory marks a significant milestone for the team, which demonstrated dominance throughout the match. Portugal took the lead early on, with a 5-4 score, and by halftime, they were ahead 16-12. Their performance left little room for their opponents to catch up, a stark contrast to their previous encounter on Thursday, where the Polish team managed to hold them to a 36-36 draw at home.
The win brings Portugal’s total points to 7 in 4 games in Group 8, where the top two teams from each group and the four best third-placed teams will qualify. With Romania’s 29-26 victory over Israel on Sunday, Portugal’s qualification is now guaranteed. The current standings have Poland in second place with 4 points, followed by Romania with 3, and Israel with 2. Although there are still two matchdays left, Portugal’s position is relatively secure, as Poland and Romania will face each other in the final matchday, making it impossible for both teams to overtake the Portuguese team.
Current Standings and Future Prospects
The team’s coach, Paulo Pereira, can breathe a sigh of relief as the qualification is now secured, but the competition is far from over. The final phase of the Euro 2026 promises to be intense, with the best teams from across Europe vying for the top spot. Portugal’s performance in the group stage has been impressive, but they will need to maintain their momentum to make a deep run in the tournament. As the team prepares for the next challenge, fans can look forward to exciting matches and potentially historic moments for Portuguese handball.
Upcoming Matches and Key Players
While the exact schedule for the final phase has not been announced, Portugal’s fans are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to see their team in action against the best of European handball. With key players in top form, the team’s chances of making a significant impact in the tournament are looking promising. As the competition heats up, every match will be crucial, and Portugal will need to bring their A-game to each encounter. For now, the team can celebrate this hard-fought victory and look forward to the challenges that lie ahead.
