Handball World Cup: Denmark beats Egypt in the seven

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Denmark's handball players celebrate the semi-finals

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Mohamed Abd El Ghany / POOL / EPA-EFE / Shutterstock

In the seven-meter throw, defending champion Denmark moved into the semi-finals at the Handball World Cup.

At 39:38 (16:13, 28:28, 34:34, 35:35) against host Egypt, superstar Mikkel Hansen almost became a tragic figure.

In a dramatic game, the Danes had already had victory close before their eyes twice.

First in regular time, when they were in possession and outnumbered 22 seconds before the end after a mistake by the World Cup host.

But the team of world champion trainer Nikolaj Jacobsen missed this chance just as in the first extra time.

With a score of 34:33 in the last few seconds, Hansen caused a seven-meter and saw the red card.

Hansen had thrown the ball away, although the Egyptians had been awarded a free throw when the clock was running out.

In handball, there is a dismissal and a seven meter for such unsportsmanlike behavior.

With ten throws, Hansen was the outstanding player to date.

Elmasry also caused seven meters after the time ran out

In the second extra time there was almost the same picture on the other side: seconds before the end it looked like the Egyptians would win.

With the score of 35:34 for the hosts, Ibrahim Elmasry prevented a free throw by the Danes, which would have landed in the Egyptian block.

Instead there was red for Elmasry and seven meters for the defending champion, Magnus Landin converted to equalize.

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Hard to overcome: Denmark's goalkeeper Niklas Landin secured his team victory in the seven-meter throw

Photo: MOHAMED ABD EL GHANY / AFP

In the seven-meter throw, Denmark's goalkeeper Niklas Landin from the German record champions THW Kiel then became the match winner with two throws held.

Denmark can continue to hope for the second World Cup gold after 2019.

Opponent in the semifinals is the winner of the duel between European champions Spain and Norway.

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hba / dpa